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Full House Resorts and American Place Casino are officially launching construction on the permanent American Place casino in Waukegan, Illinois, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The event will take place on the 42-acre site east of the temporary facility and will feature remarks from key leadership and local officials, including Daniel Lee, CEO of Full House Resorts; Jeff Babinski, Vice President and General Manager of American Place Casino; and Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham.
Expansion and Design
The permanent facility will be nearly twice the size of the temporary casino, reflecting a major investment in both scale and sophistication. Designed in the distinctive style of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the new venue will feature an elevated exterior and modern architectural elements. The upgraded gaming floor will include roughly 1,300 slot machines and 80 table games, representing a 40% increase in slots and an 85% increase in table games compared to the current temporary location.
Beyond gaming, the permanent American Place will debut new dining experiences, including a fine-dining steakhouse, a high-energy restaurant and sports bar, and a food hall showcasing local chefs and restaurateurs. These amenities aim to create a comprehensive entertainment destination for both guests and the local community.
As EIN Presswire reports via the Bergan Record, Jeff Babinski emphasized the project’s long-term benefits for Waukegan, stating, “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.”
Daniel Lee explained that construction has begun while long-term financing arrangements are finalized, noting that early stages can be funded through existing resources and cash flows. The permanent facility is expected to open in approximately two years.
Construction and Design Partners
The permanent casino is being designed by WATG, a leading firm in integrated luxury hospitality design with experience on top casino and hotel projects. Construction will be led by Power Construction, a prominent Chicago-based company, in collaboration with Powers & Sons Construction, a minority-owned firm from Gary, Indiana. Both companies have been integral to the development of the temporary facility and are expected to bring their expertise to the permanent site.
Since opening its temporary facility in February 2023, American Place Casino has established itself as a regional landmark, offering more than 900 slot machines, numerous table games including the Harbor Poker Room, a sportsbook, multiple restaurants, and year-round entertainment events. The transition to the permanent facility represents a significant step forward, enhancing offerings, supporting economic growth, and solidifying the casino as a major entertainment hub in the region.