Full House Resorts to break ground on permanent American Place casino

By AI, Created 7:31 PM UTC, June 01, 2026, /AGP/ – Full House Resorts will break ground June 3 on a permanent $302 million American Place casino in Waukegan, Illinois, replacing the temporary property that has operated since 2023. The project is expected to add jobs, expand gaming and dining options, and support the broader redevelopment of the site near Chicago.

Why it matters: - The permanent American Place casino is expected to be a major economic boost for Waukegan, Illinois. - Full House Resorts says the project will create hundreds of new jobs and expand entertainment options for the region. - The $302 million development is part of the long-term buildout of a 42-acre site that could reshape the area near Chicago’s North Shore.

What happened: - Full House Resorts and American Place Casino said groundbreaking for the permanent casino will take place Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM at 4011 Fountain Square Place in Waukegan. - American Place has operated in a temporary casino since Feb. 17, 2023. - The permanent facility will be built immediately east of the current temporary structure. - The project is planned for the 42-acre American Place site.

The details: - The permanent casino is expected to be about twice as large as the temporary property. - The new facility is designed to include more amenities and a more elaborate guest experience. - The casino will follow a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design. - WATG is designing the project. - Power Construction and Powers & Sons Construction will lead construction. - Power Construction is a Chicago-based firm that has built many major city landmarks over the past century. - Powers & Sons is a minority-owned construction company founded in Gary, Indiana, with offices in Chicago. - Powers & Sons also helped build the temporary American Place casino. - The permanent casino is expected to have about 40% more slot machines than the temporary property. - The new property is also expected to have about 85% more table games. - The project will include a range of restaurants, bars and other amenities. - The permanent casino will sit near Chicago’s North Shore, about 30 minutes north of O’Hare International Airport and 60 minutes south of Milwaukee. - The current temporary casino remains open to guests. - American Place currently offers more than 900 slot machines, dozens of table games, the Harbor Poker Room, a sportsbook, four full-service restaurants, a center bar and year-round entertainment. - The property was recognized by the Chicago Tribune as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace and Culture Excellence honoree.

Between the lines: - Full House Resorts is starting construction before final long-term financing is fully in place. - Daniel R. Lee, the company’s chief executive officer, said early construction can be funded from existing resources and cash flows while legal and banking work continues. - Lee said the company hopes to open the permanent American Place in about two years. - Jeff Babinski, vice president and general manager of American Place Casino, said the new facility is meant to deliver on a promise made to the Waukegan community. - The timing signals confidence in the project even as financing and other execution risks remain. - The press release flags risks tied to financing, construction timing, costs, regulation, supply chains, inflation, tariffs and broader economic conditions.

What’s next: - Construction is set to begin after the June 3 groundbreaking. - Full House Resorts expects the permanent casino to open in approximately two years, assuming the project stays on schedule. - The company is still completing legal and banking work related to long-term financing. - A media contact was provided for interview requests with Full House Resorts and American Place Casino leadership.

The bottom line: - Full House Resorts is moving ahead with a long-promised expansion that could turn American Place from a temporary casino into a larger regional destination for gaming, dining and entertainment.