American Place Casino Adds Poker as Full House Accommodates Requests
Posted on: August 19, 2025, 01:03h.
Last updated on: August 19, 2025, 02:07h.
- Poker is now available at The Temporary by American Place
- The casino in Waukegan is north of Chicago
- Full House Resorts is building a permanent $500 million casino in Waukegan
The Temporary by American Place in Waukegan has brought live poker to the 75K-square-foot tension membrane facility that houses 1,000 slot machines, 50 live-dealer table games, and a Circa Sportsbook.
Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts opened The Temporary by American Place in February 2023. It’s been a massive success for Full House, with gross gaming revenue jumping 27.5% in the fourth quarter and over 42% year over year in 2024.
Hearing from many patrons that they wished poker games were available, Full House accommodated their wishes by introducing the six-table Harbor Poker Room. Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker games are running daily from 9 am until 2 am local time.
It’s not a huge part of what we do, but it was something we planned for the permanent [casino],” Jeff Baninksi, vice president and general manager of American Place, said of poker. “We heard from our guests that it was something they would like to see. So, we decided not to wait.”
The six poker tables are located near the Circa Sportsbook. A seat can be reserved online via Bravo Poker Live.
Poker remains among the most popular table games in casinos and online. It’s estimated that 60 million adults in the United States play poker at least once a year.
Successful First Year
The Temporary will be replaced by the larger, permanent American Place Casino Resort once the $500 million complex is ready, with Full House targeting an August 2027 opening.
The Temporary’s first year was a success. American Place generated revenue of $109.7 million in 2024, leading to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $29.4 million.
At $109.7 million, American Place accounted for 37% of Full House’s 2024 revenue. Full House’s portfolio additionally includes Grand Lodge Casino in Incline, Nev., Rising Star in Indiana, Silver Slipper in Bay St. Louis, Mo., and Chamonix Casino Hotel & Bronco Billy’s Casino in Cripple Creek, Colo.
Permanent American Place
Construction of American Place was tied up in court for years after an unsuccessful bidder for the Waukegan casino license authorized through state legislation in 2019 — the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe of Wisconsin — sued the Illinois Gaming Board and the City of Waukegan.
In its 2021 complaint, the tribe alleged that its bid for the commercial casino wasn’t properly considered. In a case that reached the Illinois Supreme Court, the state’s highest court in January 2025 ruled unanimously against the tribe, which confirmed Full House Resorts as the winning bidder for the Waukegan gaming license.
Full House resumed construction on the permanent American Place project the following month. American Palace is being billed as a luxury resort with “upscale gaming” for the “most discerning players.”
Along with 1,640 slots and 100 tables, a 150-room luxury hotel will include 20 ultra-exclusive VIP villas in The Mansion.
“Similar in character to the most exclusive accommodations in Las Vegas, The Mansion will accommodate guests in private villas ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet,” the American Place Casino website reads.
No comments yet