← Back to Newsroom

Permanent Full House casino breaks ground in Illinois: ‘We kept the vision’

Thursday, June 4, 2026 7:17 PM
Image aggregated from Pioneer Press.
  • Joseph States, Pioneer Press

Construction kicked off for a permanent American Place Casino in Waukegan during a Wednesday groundbreaking event, with officials promising hundreds of jobs, new revenue streams and a rebuilding of Waukegan.

Anticipated to open in 2028, the new casino facility will be 200,000 square feet, featuring 1,300 slot machines, 80 gaming tables, three full-service restaurants and bars, according to American Place Vice President Jeff Babinski.

The Temporary casino is 100,000 square feet, with 905 slot machines and 43 gaming tables, all inside a large white tent. It’s in its third year of operation since opening in February of 2023. The new permanent facility will sit on 42 acres just east of the tent.

CMTC email web