Ianno and her friend Lee Scicchitani between them lost $160 playing poker on the machines. “It was good gambling - the atmosphere was nice and the employees were really nice,” said Iris Ianno from New Hampshire. “I think it was to … the dealers seemed to be a little rusty.” He told the Herald he lost $100 playing blackjack Sunday. “I didn’t do as well as I wanted to do, I had fun doing it so I guess that is all that matters,” said John Kim, of Boston. Some hopes were dashed during the day, though, as gamblers relearned the old lesson - the House always wins. “I like this one better, it is bigger with lots more machines,” Ortiz said. Heading into the casino, Gimary Ortiz said the Encore compared favorably to the MGM Springfield in her hometown. “What I really love is how beautifully dressed everyone is, and respectful of our environment.”

“We’re just waiting in happy anticipation,” she said as the first guests breached the entryway. Wynn’s ex-wife Elaine Wynn, still a major stakeholder in the company, stood on the balcony overlooking the elaborate flower-covered carousel that welcomes guests in, and smiled. A Massachusetts Gaming Commission investigation that wrapped up this spring resulted in a massive $35 million fine, but allowed the company to keep the license after it presented changes in policy over handling of sexual assault allegations. He denied the allegations, but the casino’s license hung in the balance, even following his resignation. The casino, owned by Wynn Resorts, is years in the making with the last year-and-a-half full of uncertainty as sexual-misconduct accusations against company founder Steve Wynn emerged. “I’m a gamblin’ man,” Gentry said, grinning ear to ear. He’d been there since 3:30 in the morning, he said shortly before the 10 a.m. Joseph Isaac Gentry, also of Cambridge, was one of the first in line.

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