American Place temp casino opens today

February 17, 2023 9:51 AM
  • David McKee, CDC Gaming Reports
February 17, 2023 9:51 AM
  • David McKee, CDC Gaming Reports

In one analyst call after another, Full House Resorts CEO Dan Lee has insisted that he wouldn’t give an advance opening date for the company’s temporary Waukegan, Illinois, casino until it was good and ready. That day came yesterday, when Full House announced that—pending regulatory approval—The Temporary by American Place would open today, February 17 at 8 p.m., following a 5 p.m. private reception.

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In making the announcement, Full House stressed that American Place was only 30 minutes from O’Hare International Airport and the only casino in Lake County, a point that Lee has made repeatedly in investor calls. Full House regards high-income Lake County as the ace up the sleeve of its business plan.

Inside the The Temporary’s sprung structure, guests will find 1,000 slot machines and 50 table games, as well as what’s described as “lush greenery and boat paddles,” decor meant to evoke a day at the lake. Indeed, the chandelier at centrally located Canoe Bar has been fashioned from from bona fide boats.

Other amenities include L’Américain (cuisine from North America), fusion restaurant Asia-Azteca, as well as North Shore Steaks & Seafood, opening in April. The temporary casino also encompasses two Airstream trailers that will dispense craft beers and a variety of quick-bite foods and coffees.

“At night,” says a Full House press release, “projection-mapping equipment will transform The Temporary’s exterior into a large-scale art display.”

Lee added in a formal statement, “I also want to thank our own team of approximately 500 founding employees, who have worked diligently to prepare us for this exciting moment. We are eager to welcome Chicagoland residents to The Temporary beginning on February 17.”