Full House Resorts Initiates $302 Million Casino Expansion in Illinois
Waukegan, Monday, 1 June 2026.
Full House Resorts is funding the initial construction of its $302 million permanent casino in Waukegan with existing cash, accelerating a project that will double the facility’s current capacity.
Strategic Financing and Timeline Details
Full House Resorts (NASDAQ: FLL) announced on June 1, 2026, that it will officially break ground on its permanent American Place casino facility on June 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM [1]. The $302 million project, situated at 4011 Fountain Square Place in Waukegan, Illinois, is being fast-tracked through strategic capital allocation [1]. According to Chief Executive Officer Daniel R. Lee, the company is utilizing existing resources and cash flows to fund the initial phases of construction while finalizing long-term financing arrangements [1]. This concurrent approach allows the firm to maintain momentum, targeting a completion date in approximately June 2028 [1].
Scaling Operations and Gaming Capacity
The transition from the temporary to the permanent facility marks a substantial upgrade in operational scale. Since February 17, 2023, the temporary American Place Casino has operated on a 17-hectare (42-acre) site near Chicago’s North Shore [1]. The forthcoming permanent structure is slated to be twice the size of the current temporary venue [1]. This physical expansion translates directly into increased gaming revenue potential, with plans to feature 40% more slot machines and 85% more table games than the existing operation [1].
Economic Impact and Regional Job Creation
Beyond entertainment, the $302 million investment acts as a catalyst for local employment, with the expansion expected to create hundreds of new jobs [1]. Full House Resorts has already begun active recruitment for various operational roles. For instance, on April 29, 2026, the company advertised an entry-level, full-time Warehouse Receiver position for its Waukegan operations [2]. Additionally, the company is hiring Casino Surveillance Specialists, offering competitive compensation ranging from $19 to $30 per hour [3]. These roles include comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, alongside educational tuition reimbursement [3].