Full House Resorts Breaks Ground on Permanent Waukegan Casino
Full House Resorts and American Place Casino marked a key milestone on June 3, 2026, with a groundbreaking ceremony in Waukegan, Illinois, that officially launched construction of a new permanent casino facility valued at $302 million, and the event drew local officials along with project stakeholders to a 42-acre site where the temporary casino has operated since 2023.
The new venue will span roughly 200,000 square feet and will feature 1,300 slot machines plus 80 gaming tables, and developers have outlined plans that include multiple restaurants along with additional amenities designed to support visitor experiences once the facility opens in phases around 2027 to 2028.
Details of the Waukegan Project
Construction activity now replaces the existing temporary structure with a larger, purpose-built complex that sits on the same 42-acre parcel, while project leaders have confirmed the total investment reaches $302 million and incorporates modern design elements intended to meet current regulatory standards for gaming operations in Illinois.
Those involved in the development note the facility will expand capacity beyond the temporary setup, which has served the market since its launch in 2023, and the permanent building will integrate expanded gaming floors with dining options plus entertainment spaces that together aim to create a comprehensive destination.
Economic Contributions and Job Creation
Local economic projections tied to the project indicate the new casino will generate employment opportunities during both construction and ongoing operations, and observers point to potential increases in regional tax revenue as well as broader business activity in Waukegan once the facility reaches full operation.
Data from similar developments in other markets shows casinos can support hundreds of direct jobs plus indirect roles in hospitality and supply chains, while Full House Resorts has stated the Waukegan site will follow that pattern through phased hiring that begins ahead of the 2027 opening target.
Timeline and Construction Phases
Work on the permanent structure is scheduled to proceed in stages, with initial groundwork already underway following the June 2026 ceremony, and the phased opening strategy calls for portions of the casino and amenities to become available progressively through 2027 and into 2028 rather than a single launch date.
Project timelines allow for adjustments based on permitting requirements and supply chain factors, yet developers have maintained the overall budget of $302 million and the core specifications of 1,300 slots along with 80 tables as fixed elements of the final design.
Background on the Temporary Casino
The temporary American Place Casino began operations in 2023 as an interim measure while planning advanced for the larger facility, and that earlier site has provided gaming options to the Waukegan area during the intervening years while the permanent project moved through approvals and financing stages.
Transitioning from the temporary venue to the new complex involves relocating operations once construction reaches completion, and company statements emphasize that the move will occur without extended service gaps for patrons once the phased openings begin.
Conclusion
The June 2026 groundbreaking represents the start of a multi-year effort by Full House Resorts to deliver a permanent $302 million casino on the 42-acre Waukegan site, and the project specifications remain centered on the 200,000 square foot building that will house 1,300 slots, 80 tables, restaurants, and supporting amenities with expected openings between 2027 and 2028.
Community leaders and project partners continue to highlight anticipated job growth and local economic activity as construction advances, according to coverage from the Chicago Tribune, while the replacement of the temporary casino marks a shift toward a larger-scale operation designed for long-term regional presence.