The casino has been planning this event for the past couple of years
America’s Place Casino in Waukegan, Illinois, has opened its Harbor Poker Room ahead of schedule, adding another gaming option to its growing lineup. The six-table room officially launched over the weekend with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included city officials and casino executives. Located in the temporary casino structure near the Circa sportsbook, the poker room quickly saw action, with multiple games running within hours of opening.
The decision to introduce poker earlier than planned marks a strategic shift. When the temporary casino first opened more than two years ago, management indicated that poker would debut only once the permanent facility was complete.
According to Jeff Babinski, VP and GM of American Place, the strong growth and player interest prompted leadership to reconsider. Before the official launch, the Illinois Gaming Board required a “playdate,” during which invited guests played real-money games to test the systems and ensure that operations ran smoothly.
The opening drew support from local leaders, including Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham, who emphasized the casino’s role in the city’s redevelopment efforts. He noted that the permanent $500 million resort project would be the largest development in Waukegan’s history and a key part of long-term plans to revitalize both the downtown and lakefront areas. Cunningham described the casino’s expansion as a milestone that would attract visitors from across Illinois and neighboring Wisconsin.
American Place’s parent company, Full House Resorts, has also highlighted the property’s financial contributions. CEO Daniel R. Lee recently said that the casino is making a positive impact on the company’s overall performance. The early debut of the poker room adds momentum to a property that already features hundreds of slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, as well as multiple dining options.
With the permanent resort still on the horizon, the poker room signals both confidence in the market and a commitment to growing entertainment options for the region.
