Work starts on permanent American Place Casino in Illinois
The permanent venue will be located immediately east of the existing temporary structure in Waukegan.
US.- Full House Resorts is to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent American Place casino in Waukegan, Illinois, on June 3.
American Place has operated in a temporary venue since 2023. The permanent venue will be located on a 42-acre site immediately east of the existing temporary structure and will be approximately twice as large.
The new casino is expected to have approximately 40 per cent more slot machines and 85 per cent more table games. It will also have restaurants, bars, and other amenities.
Daniel R. Lee, chief executive officer of Full House Resorts, said: “As we indicated recently to the financial community, we are well down the road on arranging the long-term financing for American Place. We decided to begin construction now, while we complete the legal and banking work on such financing. The early stages of construction take time and can be funded from our existing resources and cash flows. By starting construction now, we hope to open the permanent American Place in approximately two years.”
Jeff Babinski, vice president and general manager of American Place Casino, added: “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. 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.”
Full House Resorts’ first quarter revenue totalled $74.4m, down from $75.1m in the prior-year period. Growth at American Place Casino and Rising Star Casino Resort was offset by the sale of Stockman’s Casino in April 2025 and the termination of an agreement with a contracted sports wagering provider. Excluding Stockman’s, revenue increased by 0.9 per cent.
