American Place Casino Adds Poker as Full House Accommodates Requests

The Temporary by American Place in Waukegan is now offering live poker games, greatly enhancing the gaming options available to patrons. This is an exciting addition to the 75,000-square-foot facility, which already houses 1,000 slot machines, 50 live-dealer table games, and a Circa Sportsbook.

Established in February 2023 by Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts, The Temporary has quickly become a popular destination, with gross gaming revenue rising by 27.5% in the fourth quarter and over 42% year over year in 2024.

Listening to requests from guests for more gaming options, Full House has introduced the six-table Harbor Poker Room, offering games such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha running daily from 9 am to 2 am. As Jeff Baninski, Vice President and General Manager of American Place, said, “It’s not a huge part of what we do, but it was something we planned for the permanent casino. We heard from our guests that it was something they would like to see. So, we decided not to wait.” The poker tables are conveniently situated close to the Circa Sportsbook, and patrons can reserve seats online via Bravo Poker Live.

Popular Poker Among Players

Poker remains one of the most beloved table games in both casinos and online settings, with an estimated 60 million adults in the United States playing at least once a year. This enduring popularity is evident in the growing demand for poker tables across various venues.

Successful First Year

The success of The Temporary is underscored by its revenue, generating $109.7 million in 2024, resulting in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $29.4 million. Notably, this revenue accounted for 37% of Full House’s total revenue in the same year.

As excitement builds, Full House is preparing to replace The Temporary with a larger, permanent American Place Casino Resort, targeting an August 2027 launch. The new complex will feature even more gaming options, chic accommodation, and luxurious amenities.

Plans for the Permanent American Place

There have been significant delays concerning the construction of the permanent American Place near Waukegan, primarily due to legal disputes from competing bidders for the gaming license. After a ruling in early 2025 confirmed Full House as the winning bidder, construction on the permanent facility resumed shortly thereafter.

Once completed, the American Place Casino is set to be a luxury resort that boasts 1,640 gaming machines, 100 traditional table games, and a lavish 150-room hotel, which will feature ultra-exclusive VIP villas referred to as “The Mansion.” With accommodations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, it aims to provide a unique experience similar to the finest resorts in Las Vegas.

More Facts About American Place Casino

• Located north of Chicago, The Temporary is popular among both locals and visitors.
• Proximity to major highways makes it easily accessible for patrons.
• The Temporary’s diverse entertainment options cater to a wide array of preferences.

This combination of features positions American Place Casino as a hot spot not only for gaming but also for entertainment in the heart of Waukegan.

The addition of poker elevates the overall gaming experience, meeting the demands and tastes of modern players who appreciate a mix of excitement and strategy in their gaming choices.

In essence, the American Place Casino is set to become a premier destination for gaming enthusiasts.

With its commitment to providing an outstanding experience, the future looks bright for American Place Casino and its patrons.