Encore Boston Harbor casino to open July 12 Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald · July 2, 2020 at 4:00 pm The die has been cast: The Encore Boston Harbor casino plans to open back up on Sunday, July 12, the company announced Thursday. The announcement came a few hours after Gov. Charlie Baker announced that “Phase 3” of his four-phase coronavirus reopening plan will start Monday. During this step, casinos, movie theaters and gyms can start back up following closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But Encore will have far from a full house, as the casino has said it will have many of its slot machines turned off, and it will enforce social distancing. “Every effort has been made to preserve Encore’s luxury experience and provide guests with the peace of mind needed to enjoy a fun and relaxing return,” the casino said in a statement announcing the game-on move.