American Place Casino

What American Place Casino does

American Place Casino is a gaming and entertainment property located at 4011 Fountain Square Place in Waukegan, Illinois, serving Northern Chicagoland and the Southern Wisconsin/Milwaukee corridor. Opened in February 2023 and wholly owned by Full House Resorts, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLL), the property operates a temporary facility offering over 900 slot machines, dozens of table games (Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps), a dedicated Harbor Poker Room, and a sportsbook. The property generated a record $32.0 million in revenue in Q3 2025, making American Place a primary growth driver within Full House Resorts' portfolio.

The core offering is bundled rather than standalone: gaming is paired with four full-service restaurants (North Shore Steaks & Seafood, L'Americain, Asia-Azteca, Canoe Bar) plus Coffee Airstream and Beer Airstream quick-service outlets, entertainment programming anchored by The Lighthouse venue and the "Laughs at the Lighthouse" comedy series, and event/catering sales. The AP Rewards loyalty program incentivizes repeat visits through points and comp dollars redeemable across gaming and F&B. No proprietary technology platform is disclosed; the stack is limited to standard third-party integrations (OpenTable, Eventbrite, Untappd) and an AP Rewards web portal.

The revenue model is transaction-based across gaming (slots, table games, poker, sportsbook wagers), F&B (dine-in, bar, catering, party platters), events (ticketed entertainment, corporate and social venue rentals), and ancillary channels such as bus group programs and lodging partnerships with Marriott- and Hilton-branded hotels adjacent to the property. American Place is currently building a $302 million permanent facility on a 42-acre adjacent site — designed by WATG in Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired style and targeted to open in 2028 — which will approximately double the property's footprint, expand slots by 40% and table games by 85%, and add a 20-room Mansion VIP hotel and a 1,500-seat entertainment venue.

Name

American Place Casino

Legal name

Full House Resorts, Inc.

Website

https://americanplace.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

American Place Casino is a Waukegan, Illinois gaming and entertainment property owned by Full House Resorts, offering slots, table games, poker, sportsbook, four restaurants, and live entertainment to Northern Chicagoland and Southern Wisconsin patrons.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Casino Gaming & Entertainment

NAICS

Casinos (except Casino Hotels) (71321), Gambling Industries (7132)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Standalone Casino Properties (Urban/Suburban) (MPAEAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Live Poker Rooms & Cardrooms (Land-Based) (MPAEAEAA), Urban Casino Hotels (THAGAJAB)

Keywords

• Casino gaming operations
• Slots table games
• Sportsbook wagering
• Casino entertainment venue
• Loyalty rewards program

Headquarters

HQ city

Waukegan

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Gaming Operations: The primary revenue driver is casino gaming operations including slot machines, table games (Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps, Poker), and sportsbook wagering. The property generated a record $32.0 million in revenue for Q3. The AP Rewards loyalty program incentivizes repeat gaming visits. Table Games School and dealer recruitment support gaming floor staffing.
2. Food & Beverage: Four full-service dining venues (North Shore Steaks & Seafood, L'Americain, Asia-Azteca, Canoe Bar) plus Coffee Airstream and Beer Airstream food trucks. Revenue from dine-in restaurant sales, bar sales, and catering. Party platters available for takeout/Events. Promotional dining specials drive F&B traffic.
3. Events & Entertainment: Revenue from ticketed entertainment events (comedy shows at The Lighthouse, live music performances), venue rental for private events (corporate meetings, social gatherings), and catering services for booked events. Event spaces include The Lighthouse (2,580 SF), Asia-Azteca event space (2,666 SF), and North Shore Steaks & Seafood dining areas.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

American Place Casino is a gaming and entertainment property in Waukegan, Illinois, offering over 900 slot machines, dozens of table games (Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps), a poker room, and a sportsbook. The property also operates four full-service restaurants, two quick-service Airstream venues, a multi-tiered entertainment venue, and a corporate event hosting service, complemented by the AP Rewards loyalty program. It is currently operating from a temporary facility while a $302 million permanent casino is under construction on an adjacent 42-acre site, expected to open in 2028.

Product overview

American Place Casino is a gaming and entertainment destination offering a unified casino experience with gaming floors, multiple dining venues, live entertainment, and loyalty programs. The core offerings include over 900 slot machines, dozens of table games, a poker room, and sportsbook wagering, complemented by four distinct restaurant brands (North Shore Steaks & Seafood, L'Americain, Asia-Azteca, Canoe Bar, Coffee Airstream, Beer Airstream). Entertainment is anchored by The Lighthouse venue hosting the Laughs at the Lighthouse comedy series and live music. The AP Rewards loyalty program provides points and comps across gaming and dining. Future expansion includes The Permanent casino facility and The Mansion VIP hotel. Community engagement is supported through American Place Cares and the Pay It Forward programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AP Rewards: The casino's loyalty rewards program offering points redeemable for free play and comp dollars at food and beverage outlets.
• The Mansion
• The Lighthouse
• Harbor Poker Room
• All In With APC

Products and services

• Slots Gaming floor offering over 900 slot machines providing a variety of slot gaming experiences for adult casino guests.
• Table Games Dozens of table games including Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and Craps offered on the casino floor for adult guests.
• Harbor Poker Room A dedicated poker room offering various poker games and tournaments for adult casino guests.
• Sportsbook High-energy sportsbook where guests can wager on sporting events through live sports betting.
• AP Rewards Loyalty and rewards membership program allowing members to earn points and comp dollars playing slots, video poker, and table games, redeemable for free play, food discounts, and merchandise. Members access win/loss statements, tier status, points, and offers through the AP Rewards Web Portal.
• North Shore Steaks & Seafood Upscale steakhouse restaurant featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine program (Wine Spectator Award of Excellence). Steaks range from $51 to $67 with seafood offerings and specialty menus.
• L'Americain Casual to upscale American bistro with French accents offering scratch-made dishes including smash burgers, shareables, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, brunch menus, and craft cocktails.
• Asia-Azteca Restaurant blending Asian (Thai, Korean, Chinese) and Mexican (Oaxacan, Puebla, Baja) cuisines for shared dining experiences, with a full cocktail bar, sake, wine, and beer.
• Canoe Bar Center bar featuring signature cocktails, a wide range of spirits, wines, and beers, with live DJ entertainment on weekends.
• Coffee Airstream Casual quick-service coffee and beverage destination featuring Metropolis Coffee espresso, lattes, smoothies, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
• Beer Airstream Casual quick-service craft beer and cocktail station offering local draft beers, house cocktails, wines, hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads.
• Party Platters Catering service offering shareable food platters (Classic Shrimp Cocktail, Charcuterie & Cheese Platter, Crispy Wing Dings, Meatballs, Crudités) prepared by casino restaurants for parties of 10–12 guests. Platters can be purchased using AP Rewards Comp Points and Comp Dollars.
• The Lighthouse Entertainment Venue Multi-tiered entertainment venue (2,580 SF) hosting live bands, solo performers, stand-up comedy, and private events. Ticketed shows sold through Eventbrite.
• Laughs at the Lighthouse Year-round comedy series featuring nationally acclaimed comedians performing at The Lighthouse entertainment venue. Tickets sold through Eventbrite.
• Meetings and Social Events Event hosting service including corporate meetings, conferences, birthday parties, reunions, and special occasions, with customizable menus, bar packages, AV equipment, dedicated coordinators, and multiple venue spaces (The Lighthouse at 2,580 SF, Asia-Azteca at 2,666 SF, North Shore Steaks & Seafood at 1,518 SF dining area).
• Bus Group Program Group visit program for organized bus groups of 10 or more patrons offering 20% dining discount, $10 Free Play for new AP Rewards members, $10 Free Play for all group members, and additional $10 Free Slot Play every Monday for active/retired military and first responders.

Quantifiable outcome

• American Place generated a record $32.0 million in revenue in Q3 (2025)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Liberty Auto (Dodge)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 June 2026Liberty Auto provided the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack for the Memorial Day weekend grand prize giveaway. General Manager Nate Kalisik expressed excitement about the partnership and interest in future car giveaway collaborations.
• WATGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2026WATG (William Wilson Associates /酒店设计集团) is designing the $302 million permanent American Place Casino facility. WATG bills itself as the preeminent leader in integrated luxury hospitality design and has designed many leading casinos and hotels globally. The architectural style is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. WATG's role is critical to the premium positioning and design differentiation of the permanent facility.
• Power ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2026Power Construction is leading construction of the permanent American Place casino facility. One of the largest Chicago-based construction firms with 100+ years of history having built many of Chicago's most iconic structures. Early stages funded from existing resources while long-term financing is arranged.
• Powers & Sons ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2026Powers & Sons is a large minority-owned construction company founded in Gary, Indiana, with offices in Chicago. Played an integral role in building the temporary American Place casino and continues as part of the permanent facility construction team. Represents the casino's commitment to diversity in procurement.
• Kunes Ford of AntiochminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 February 2026Partnered with American Place Casino for the three-year anniversary 'Back to the 80s' event grand prize — a 2026 Ford Bronco Big Bend awarded through a Ms. Pac-Man competition. Vehicle giveaway used to drive gaming entries and foot traffic.
• Seals & Crofts IIminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 November 2025Musical duo Seals & Crofts II performed the first-ever live band event at The Lighthouse entertainment venue on November 15, 2025. This marked the launch of live music programming at the venue, enhancing the entertainment experience.
• Nonprofit Organizations (TITO/Pay It Forward Program)minorOthers · 1 January 2023Local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within 100 miles of American Place Casino benefit from the TITO (Ticket-In, Ticket-Out) Voucher Donation Program. Patrons donate leftover slot vouchers to designated nonprofits. American Place matches 100% of contributions. Over $45,000 donated since 2023.
• Marriott (SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites, Courtyard)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarriott-branded hotels (SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites, Courtyard by Marriott) located near the casino with discounted rates for casino guests. These partnerships support the 'Stay' component of the guest experience without requiring the casino to operate its own hotel.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago/WaukeganminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHilton-branded hotel at 438 Lakehurst Road, Waukegan, with complimentary hot breakfast, free WiFi, indoor pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly accommodations. Partnered with American Place for discounted guest rates.
• Full House Resorts (Parent Company)coreOthersFull House Resorts (Nasdaq: FLL), based in Las Vegas, Nevada, owns, operates, and develops American Place Casino in Waukegan, Illinois. Full House Resorts also owns Silver Slipper Casino (Mississippi), Chamonix Casino Hotel and Bronco Billy's Casino (Colorado), Rising Star Casino Resort (Indiana), and Grand Lodge Casino (Nevada).

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Potawatomi Casino Hotel: Tribal casino and hotel in Milwaukee serving the broader Chicago/Milwaukee corridor explicitly mentioned in American Place's GTM. Direct regional competitor for both gaming and non-gaming entertainment spend.
• Grand Victoria Casino Elgin: Suburban Chicago casino in Elgin offering slots, table games, and dining. Operates in the same Illinois regulatory framework and competes for the Northern Chicagoland drive-to market that American Place targets.
• Rivers Casino Des Plaines: Largest Illinois casino by revenue, located in suburban Des Plaines serving the Chicagoland market. Closest direct competitor to American Place, with similar slot/table game mix, multiple dining outlets, and entertainment programming targeting the same regional demographic.
• Horseshoe Casino Hammond: Caesars-operated casino in Hammond, Indiana, immediately across the state line from the Chicago metro area. Captures spillover demand from the same Northern Chicagoland customer base that American Place targets.
• Hollywood Casino Aurora: Illinois casino under Penn Entertainment offering slots, table games, sportsbook, and dining in the western Chicago suburbs. Competes for the same regional Illinois gaming dollar with similar product mix and amenities.
• Harrah's Joliet: Caesars-owned Illinois casino and hotel in Joliet offering gaming, dining, and entertainment. Competes in the Illinois regional gaming market with a similar full-service land-based casino positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Rising Star Casino Resort: Full House Resorts' Indiana casino resort with gaming, hotel, F&B, and golf. Same parent; provides read-through on how FLL manages regional casino-resort operations and capital projects similar in shape to American Place's permanent build.
• Bronco Billy's Casino: Smaller Full House Resorts property in Cripple Creek, CO. Same parent company, providing comparable GTM motion (slots/tables/F&B) in a regional drive-to market similar in structure to American Place.
• Silver Slipper Casino: Full House Resorts' Mississippi Gulf Coast casino. Same parent and operational discipline; useful comparable for benchmarking non-Vegas regional casino unit economics and capital deployment.
• Chamonix Casino Hotel: Sister property under Full House Resorts in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Closest operational peer — shares parent management, financial reporting, and strategic priorities; useful read-through for operating benchmarks and capital allocation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AmericanPlaceIL
• Facebookfacebook.com/americanplacecasino
• Instagraminstagram.com/americanplacecasino

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Place Casino