Construction at Full House Resorts’ $400 million permanent American Place Casino Resort in Waukegan, Illinois remains on hold as the company waits for the Illinois Supreme Court to rule on a third-party lawsuit.
Although the Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the casino’s site plan to the city council, legal challenges surfaced, including a lawsuit filed by the Forest County Potawatomi Community against the city of Waukegan and the Illinois Gaming Board. The tribe, which operates the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee, claimed Waukegan’s bidding process was “rigged” and “a sham.”
That case was dismissed in 2021 but the Illinois First District Appellate Court overturned the dismissal and granted the tribe’s appeal. The Gaming Board and the city of Waukegan have appealed that decision to the Illinois Supreme Court. Until the high court rules on the issue, Full House cannot proceed.
Full House Attorney Stewart Weiss said he expects a decision from the Supreme Court by the end of 2024. Dismissing concerns about financing, American Place President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Lee said he expects construction to be completed by 2027.
Full House Resorts has promoted American Place as a luxury resort destination, designed to attract visitors from the Chicago area and stimulate economic growth in Lake County. The proposed property would include a casino with 100 gaming tables and 1,640 slots, a 5-star hotel with 20 suites, a 1,500-seat entertainment venue and a heliport with access to Waukegan National Airport.
Alex Stolyar, Full House’s senior vice president and chief development officer, told the Chicago Tribune, “We plan to draw customers from around Lake County and the entire Chicago area. This is not just for the high rollers. We’re developing it for everybody. There’s room for everybody,” he added, referring to potential competition from Bally’s Chicago.
Meanwhile, the temporary casino at American Place has generated nearly $3.9 million in revenue for Waukegan since it opened in February 2023.
