Permanent American Place Casino breaks ground in Waukegan
Construction has begun on a permanent American Place Casino in Waukegan, expected to open in 2028 and create hundreds of jobs.Summary
Construction officially began on a permanent American Place Casino in Waukegan, Illinois, during a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday. The new facility, spanning 200,000 square feet, is slated to open in 2028 and will feature 1,300 slot machines, 80 gaming tables, and three full-service restaurants and bars. This project represents a significant investment of nearly $500 million by owner Full House Resorts, with the permanent casino costing over $300 million. The new site will be located on 42 acres just east of the existing temporary casino, which has operated in a large white tent since February 2023. Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham highlighted the project as one of the city's largest economic development initiatives, projecting it will create 400 construction jobs and serve as a catalyst for regional growth. The development faced delays due to a lawsuit from the Forest County Potawatomi Community but received an extension for the temporary casino to continue operations until the permanent facility is completed. Cunningham emphasized the decades-long effort to realize the vision, stating, "We kept the vision, and we stuck to our motto, 'City of Progress.' Now we're on a mission to rebuild it." While acknowledging concerns about gambling addiction, the mayor pointed to recent state legislation, including Senate Bill 2749, which expanded services for those with gambling disorders.
(Source：Chicago Tribune)