Is Encore Boston Harbor a Bad Bet? Police Respond to Several Fights

This June, the Encore Boston Harbor hotel and casino opened its doors. The 33-acre development, the largest of its kind in the state of Massachusetts, sits just outside of Boston city limits in the neighboring town of Everett. Owners at Wynn Resorts have faced a great deal of controversy before and after opening, and the Encore has already drawn its share of bad press, primarily due to numerous arrests for disorderly conduct and assault and battery. Before you decide to take a gamble at the Encore Boston Harbor, you should know what to expect at Boston’s slice of Las Vegas.

An Alcohol Serving Extension

One of the primary causes of the public concern surrounding the Encore Boston Harbor is a recent petition that was approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. While the Encore previously had to cease serving alcohol to patrons at 2:00 a.m., they are now able to continue providing these complimentary drinks to patrons gambling on the casino floors until 4:00 a.m.

Consumer advocates and the local community have expressed apprehension about this extension – while the casino is responsible for monitoring the intoxication of its patrons, this access to free alcohol may foster bad behavior among the clientele. Encore Boston Harbor officials said that their servers and security staff are trained to detect when someone is intoxicated, and that their employees are fully authorized to provide transport home to these patrons, whether on a bus with a friend, a rideshare like Uber or Lyft, or a car service. However, this does not prevent gamblers from starting fights with others or having conflicts with security. This pattern has begun to develop at the hotel and casino.

Arrests for Assault and Battery at the Encore

There has been a wide array of arrests at the Encore Boston Harbor since its opening just months ago. Charges include disorderly conduct, assault and battery, lewd and lascivious behavior, and indecent assault and battery.

Just two days after the casino’s debut, a 28-year-old male from New York, NY, was charged with disorderly conduct and assault and battery on a police officer. An adult female from Malden was arrested for trespassing after refusing to leave once casino security escorted her off venue. The third arrest of the night was an adult male from Milton, whose charges included disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, assault and battery on a police officer, and threats to commit a crime.

Three days later, on June 28, there were four more arrests. Two young men were placed into protective custody for intoxication, and a 26-year-old woman was charged with disorderly conduct, trespassing, indecent exposure, and resisting arrest. Finally, a 35-year-old man from Everett was charged with domestic assault and battery.

In Massachusetts, the charge of assault or assault and battery carries a $1,000 fine and up to two and a half years in jail. Assault does not require evidence that you actually made contact with the victim, while assault and battery does require some type of contact. Assault itself is defined as committing an act which reasonably places another person in imminent apprehension or fear of harmful or offensive contact. An attempted battery is also an assault. All of this is covered under MGL c. 265 s. 13A.

Other charges include assault and battery…

  • on a family or household member
  • on a public employee
  • causing serious bodily energy
  • on a pregnant woman
  • on a mentally retarded person
  • on a child under 14
  • on a child under 14 causing serious bodily injury
  • on an elderly or disabled person
  • on an elderly or disabled person causing serious bodily injury

In the emotionally charged environment of a casino, altercations over wagers and winnings aren’t uncommon. Add free alcoholic beverages to the mix, and the risks become more apparent. Coughlin Law Group encourages patrons of the Encore Boston Harbor to be responsible for their levels of intoxication, as well as for their transportation to and from the venue. If you find yourself charged with assault and battery after a visit to the Encore, be sure that you remember your rights and contact a lawyer immediately.

Boston Criminal Defense Lawyers

Coughlin Law Group brings an experienced defense to those who have been charged with assault and battery allegations, domestic violence, and other violent crimes. We are prepared to provide the representation you require. If you have been accused of a violent crime in Massachusetts, you need experienced criminal defense lawyers on your side. Contact the Coughlin Law Group at 617-758-8888 today for your free consultation.

schedule a consultation

schedule a consultation