Full House Resorts Breaks Ground on Permanent American Place Casino Facility in Waukegan
On June 3, 2026 Full House Resorts held a groundbreaking ceremony in Waukegan, Illinois that launched construction of a new $302 million permanent casino on a 42-acre site, and this event marks the transition from the temporary facility that opened in 2023 to a much larger venue designed to serve the region long term. The project replaces the existing temporary casino with a planned structure of roughly 200,000 square feet that will include 1,300 slot machines along with 80 gaming tables, restaurants and additional amenities, while the development is expected to generate jobs and support local economic activity once operational.
Project Details and Scope
The new American Place Casino will occupy a substantial footprint that allows for expanded gaming capacity and guest services compared with the current temporary setup, and observers note the 42-acre location provides room for phased development that can accommodate future growth. Construction timelines point toward a phased opening between 2027 and 2028, which gives the company time to complete the build while maintaining operations at the existing site until the permanent facility is ready. Data from the announcement shows the total investment reaches $302 million, a figure that covers the main building, infrastructure and initial fit-out of gaming and hospitality areas.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Local officials and company representatives highlighted how the project will create employment opportunities during both the construction phase and ongoing operations, and those figures align with broader patterns seen when permanent casino facilities replace temporary ones in similar markets. The permanent venue is positioned to drive visitor spending in surrounding businesses, which in turn supports tax revenue for the city and county. According to Chicago Tribune reporting on the ceremony, the development is expected to contribute measurable economic activity once the larger facility opens to the public.
Facility Features and Amenities
The design calls for a 200,000-square-foot building that integrates gaming floors with dining options and other guest services, and this layout reflects standard practices in modern casino development where multiple revenue streams operate under one roof. Slot machines will number around 1,300 while table games will reach 80, numbers that represent a significant increase over the temporary casino and allow for greater variety in player experiences. Restaurants and supporting amenities are included to extend guest stays and encourage repeat visits, which helps sustain revenue across different times of day and seasons.
Timeline and Next Steps
With the ceremonial groundbreaking completed, site work adn foundational construction are now underway, and project managers have outlined a schedule that targets completion in stages rather than a single opening date. This phased approach lets portions of the facility come online as they are finished, which reduces overall disruption and allows revenue to begin flowing earlier than a full-build scenario would permit. The transition from the temporary casino to the permanent structure is expected to occur without extended closure, preserving continuity for existing customers and staff.
Conclusion
The June 2026 groundbreaking sets in motion a multi-year effort that will replace Waukegan's temporary casino with a permanent $302 million facility, and the scale of the project brings expanded gaming capacity along with new employment and economic activity for the area. Construction progress will determine the exact opening windows within the 2027–2028 target range, yet the overall plan remains consistent with the details shared at the ceremony. Those following the development can track updates through official company channels and local government announcements as milestones are reached.