The Illinois Gaming Board recently unanimously voted to grant Full House Resorts a finding of preliminary suitability to proceed toward a gaming license for its proposed American Place casino in Waukegan, Illinois. Full House Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Alex Stolyar said he had “no inkling” the company had beat out the competition, North Point Casino.
“We’re going to sit down with the city, and begin working with them. We’re going to get our temporary casino designed. There are probably a thousand things we have to do. We’re going to start holding job fairs and recruiting. We want to make an effort to hire from communities which are underserved,” Stolyar said.
The 65,000-square-foot temporary casino is expected to open within six months, and offer 1,000 slots and 50 table games and a sportsbook, plus dining options. Stolyar said the permanent facility, which will be completed within two years, will create 1,800 jobs and feature a 1,500-seat entertainment venue and a boutique hotel with 20 luxury villas.
He noted Full House intends to “help all people of Waukegan. We’ll do things like sponsorships and charitable contributions. I anticipate being involved with the chamber of commerce and other not-for-profit organizations.” Waukegan will receive the greater of $3 million a year or 2½ percent of gaming revenue, in addition to tax revenue generated.
