Full House Resorts Marks Start of Permanent Casino Build in Waukegan
Full House Resorts together with American Place Casino staged a groundbreaking ceremony on June 3, 2026 in Waukegan Illinois that formally launched construction of a permanent casino complex valued at 302 million dollars on a 42 acre parcel and observers note the event signals the shift away from the temporary facility that opened in 2023. The ceremony brought together company executives local officials and project partners who gathered to break ground on what will become a roughly 200000 square foot venue designed to house 1300 slot machines along with 80 gaming tables plus multiple restaurants and supporting amenities. The permanent structure replaces the interim operation that has run since 2023 and the new facility incorporates expanded floor space along with upgraded infrastructure that supports both gaming and non gaming attractions. Project planners have mapped out phased openings expected between 2027 and 2028 so that portions of the property can begin serving visitors while later stages reach completion. Construction crews will work across the full site to deliver the integrated complex that includes dining options entertainment areas and parking facilities sized for projected attendance.Details of the Waukegan Development
The 42 acre location sits within Waukegan city limits and provides ample room for the main building plus ancillary structures such as service roads utility connections and landscaped buffers. Full House Resorts which trades under Nasdaq FLL holds the development rights and American Place Casino operates the current temporary site while the permanent build advances. During the June 3 event speakers outlined how the finished property will feature distinct zones for slots table games and food service each connected through central circulation paths that improve guest flow compared with the interim layout. Data from the project documents show the 302 million dollar investment covers structural work mechanical systems gaming equipment and initial fit out of restaurants and bars. Those figures also allocate resources for site preparation including grading drainage and foundation work required on the former industrial or underutilized land. Because the temporary casino already operates nearby the transition plan allows existing staff and regular patrons to move into the new building without a complete service interruption once sections open in phases.Construction Timeline and Phased Openings
Work on the permanent facility begins immediately after the groundbreaking and early activities focus on utilities foundations and steel erection that set the pace for subsequent trades. The schedule targets partial openings in 2027 that could include core gaming areas while 2028 brings the remaining restaurants and entertainment venues online. Such sequencing lets operators test systems in live conditions and adjust staffing levels before the full property reaches capacity. Local permitting processes and state regulatory reviews have already aligned with the June 2026 start date so that construction can proceed without extended delays. Full House Resorts has indicated that major subcontractors have been selected and material orders placed to maintain momentum through seasonal weather cycles common in northern Illinois. The timeline accounts for inspections at each milestone ensuring compliance with building codes and gaming commission standards before any public access occurs.