Full House Resorts breaks ground on permanent American Place Casino in Waukegan

Full House Resorts will break ground on the permanent American Place Casino facility today, June 3, at 10:00 AM. The ceremony starts at 10:00 AM at 4011 Fountain Square Place in Waukegan, Illinois.

The project marks the next phase of development for American Place, which has operated from a temporary casino facility since February 17, 2023. The new permanent development, which will be built immediately east of the existing structure on the property's 42-acre site, is expected to be approximately twice the size of the current facility and feature expanded gaming, dining, and entertainment offerings.

Located along Chicago’s North Shore, the property sits about 30 minutes north of O’Hare International Airport and 60 minutes south of Milwaukee.

"As we indicated recently to the financial community, we are well down the road on arranging the long-term financing for American Place," stated Daniel R. Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Full House Resorts. "We decided to begin construction now, while we complete the legal and banking work on such financing.”

He added that beginning construction at this stage is intended to support a planned opening of the permanent casino in about two years. The early stages of construction will be funded from the company's existing resources and cash flows.

"Three years ago, we opened our doors in a temporary facility and promised the Waukegan community something bigger. Today, we're moving ahead to deliver on that promise," said Jeff Babinski, Vice President and General Manager of American Place Casino. "The permanent American Place will expand what we offer, create hundreds of new jobs, and give our guests, team members, and community a destination they can be proud to call their own."

While the temporary casino will remain open throughout construction, the permanent venue is expected to significantly expand gaming capacity, with approximately 40% more slot machines and 85% more table games. Plans also include multiple restaurants, bars, and other guest amenities.

The casino will be designed by WATG and inspired by the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright. Construction will be led by Power Construction and Powers & Sons Construction.

State and local officials are expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. The temporary casino will remain open during construction.