Operator News

US – Full House’s American Place proposal makes it through to next stage in Waukegan

By Phil - 29 October 2019

Full House Resorts has submitted an Owners Gaming License Application to the Illinois Gaming Board to develop and operate American Place, a casino and entertainment destination in Waukegan, Illinois.

In its first phase, American Place would include a world-class casino with a state-of-the-art sports book; a premium boutique hotel comprised of twenty luxurious villas, each ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet with full butler service; a 1,500-seat live entertainment venue; a gourmet restaurant that will rival the finest restaurants in Chicago; additional eateries and bars; and other amenities that will attract gaming and non-gaming patrons from throughout Chicagoland and beyond. A second phase of American Place is expected to include a four-star hotel with 150 rooms, dining venues, entertainment options, and other amenities.

The proposed site is the Fountain Square shopping area, near the intersection of Illinois Route 120 and US Route 41 in Waukegan. If awarded the license by the IGB, Full House would also develop and operate a temporary casino on that site while American Place is being constructed, allowing the State of Illinois and the City of Waukegan to begin benefiting from its significant job creation and tax revenue generation during the construction process.

American Place was one of the three proposals certified by the Waukegan City Council at its October 17 special meeting. At that meeting, Waukegan Aldermen heard a presentation from the city’s consultant, which ranked American Place the top proposal amongst the various submissions.

“We thank Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham and the Waukegan City Council for advancing our proposal to the Illinois Gaming Board,” said Daniel R. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Full House Resorts. “We look forward to presenting our plans to the IGB and getting the opportunity to develop a first-class gaming facility that will bring jobs and revenues to the City of Waukegan and the State of Illinois.”

It is one of three proposals to make it through to the next round with North Point Casino and Rivers Casino making it through for further vetting and consideration.

A proposal from Potawatomi Casino Waukegan failed to make it through.

Rivers said: “We thank the city for forwarding our bid and look forward to sharing with the Illinois Gaming Board why our vision for Waukegan is in the best interest of the residents, businesses and taxpayers of Waukegan, Lake County and the State of Illinois,” the statement said.

North Point also issued a statement. “We appreciate the support we have received from the community and thank the City of Waukegan for the confidence they placed in North Point Casino,” Warner Gaming CEO Bill Warner said. “Our team looks forward to the next steps before the Illinois Gaming Board and will continue advocating for our plan to build a world-class entertainment destination in Waukegan.”

Warner Gaming would operate and manage North Point Casino if it is selected.