Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of Permanent American Place Casino Build in Waukegan
Full House Resorts along with American Place Casino launched construction on a new permanent facility in Waukegan, Illinois, through a groundbreaking event held on June 3, 2026, and the development carries an estimated cost of around 302 million dollars while nearly doubling the footprint of the temporary casino that first opened its doors in 2023.
The project adds roughly 1,300 slot machines and 80 table games to the existing operation, which translates to increases of 40 percent for slots and 85 percent for tables, and it also introduces fresh dining choices that include a dedicated steakhouse plus a multi-vendor food hall.
Project Scope and Timeline Details
WATG handles the design work while Power Construction leads the build in partnership with Powers & Sons, and the facility is slated to open around fall 2027 or specifically in August 2027 once all phases reach completion.
Observers note that the expansion builds directly on the temporary site that has operated since 2023, which allows the operator to maintain continuous service during construction while scaling up capacity for both gaming and hospitality offerings.
Statements from Key Project Leaders
CEO Daniel Lee highlighted the long-term commitment to the Waukegan market during the ceremony, while General Manager Jeff Babinski outlined operational plans that focus on integrating the new amenities with existing guest experiences.
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham emphasized the role of the development in supporting local infrastructure and community resources, and those remarks aligned with the overall goal of generating hundreds of construction and permanent positions once the facility reaches full operation.
According to a report from World Casino Directory the ceremony drew local stakeholders who reviewed renderings and discussed how the added gaming positions and dining venues would serve a broader regional audience once open.
Economic and Employment Projections
Data from the project indicates that hundreds of jobs will arise during the construction phase and transition into ongoing roles in gaming, food service, and facility management after the 2027 opening, and these positions connect to broader efforts by Illinois regulators to expand gaming markets in designated areas.
Figures reveal that the nearly doubled gaming floor will support increased visitor traffic, which in turn ties into local tax revenues that municipalities like Waukegan can direct toward public services and improvements.
Design and Construction Partnerships
The architectural team at WATG incorporates modern layouts that prioritize guest flow between gaming areas, dining zones, and support facilities, whereas the construction partnership between Power Construction and Powers & Sons brings established expertise in large-scale commercial builds across the Midwest.
Those who've studied similar casino developments know that coordinated timelines help minimize disruptions to the temporary operation, and the 302 million dollar investment reflects current market conditions for permanent gaming venues in Illinois.
Integration with Existing Operations
The temporary casino continues to run throughout the build period, which means current patrons can expect a seamless shift to the larger facility once it opens, and this approach maintains revenue streams while the new structure takes shape on the same site.
What's significant is that the added 1,300 slots and 80 tables will expand player options without requiring a separate location, which keeps the project aligned with the original licensing framework established for the Waukegan market.
Conclusion
The June 2026 groundbreaking sets a clear path toward an August 2027 opening for the permanent American Place Casino, and the combined efforts of Full House Resorts, WATG, Power Construction, and local leadership create a framework that delivers expanded gaming capacity alongside new dining and employment opportunities for the Waukegan area.