American Place Casino

Update (January 24, 2025): Construction on the permanent American Place Resort and Casino in Waukegan is set to resume following a suspension that occurred in August 2023. The Illinois Supreme Court resolved an unrelated legal dispute, allowing the project to advance. This development represents significant progress in fulfilling the vision for this much-anticipated entertainment complex.

As stated by Alex Stolyar, Full House’s senior vice president and chief development officer, efforts on the permanent facility will recommence while the temporary American Place casino remains operational at the designated permanent site. The senior vice president expressed their commitment to ensuring the permanent facility is ready to welcome guests by August 2027, aligning with the timeframe for the temporary casino’s operations.

The permanent resort and casino is planned to include a 20-suite, five-star luxury hotel, a helipad, 1,640 slot machines, 100 table games, and a 1,500-seat entertainment venue.

Full House Resorts awaited a verdict from Illinois’ highest court to proceed with the construction of its permanent resort in Waukegan. The company obtained approval from the Illinois Gaming Board to extend operations of its temporary casino beyond the initial two-year period from its opening date. Concurrently, despite receiving a favourable recommendation from the Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission to the City Council for its permanent facility’s site plan and variance request, the company had to delay its plans. Completion was initially anticipated by 2025.

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Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts introduced its latest gaming venue, the American Place Casino, on Friday, 17 February 2023, near the Fountain Square shopping centre in Waukegan, Illinois. The 75,000 square foot casino operates round-the-clock and launched with approximately 1,000 slot machines and 28 out of an expected 50 table games, including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, and more. The temporary casino features three dining options, a large centre bar equipped with video poker, and two unique Airstream coffee kiosks spread across the premises.

Circa Sports Illinois launched its services at this temporary establishment on 29 September 2023. This sportsbook offers a specialised betting area with both self-service betting kiosks and staffed ticket windows. The Circa Sports brand, brought to life by Las Vegas casino developer Derek Stevens, will also feature in the permanent American Place casino upon its 2025 opening.

This Lake County casino is conveniently situated roughly 30 minutes north of O’Hare International Airport.

Currently, Full House Resorts operates five other casinos, including Grand Lodge Casino in Incline Village, Nevada; Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun, Indiana; Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; Stockman’s Casino in Fallon, Nevada; and Bronco Billy’s Casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado.