I Visited The Temporary Casino In Waukegan, And Here’s My Review

At first glance, The Temporary by American Place may resemble a large hay barn, but upon entering, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this newest casino in Illinois exceeded my initial expectations.

I set out on a trip to The Temporary in Waukegan one Wednesday afternoon in late March to see it for myself. Living in Chicago made for a smooth and easy drive, taking about an hour along I-94.

During my visit, I spoke with two Milwaukee locals who shared their positive experience of the easy drive. As a result, The Temporary, the interim location for American Place’s future casino set to open in 2025, has already proven to be easily accessible.

Let’s analyze its performance in the key areas of gaming options and in-casino atmosphere.

A slot player’s paradise

The Temporary is a paradise for fans of slot machines, with nearly 1,000 slots scattered throughout the location. Even during busy times, you are likely to find your preferred slot machine ready for play.

When I visited, only about 20% of the place was occupied, so there were plenty of slot machines available.

However, I have never been a fan of playing slot machines as they are not within my usual realm of comfort. Therefore, when I came across one at The Temporary, I felt completely out of place. Thankfully, there were numerous staff members available to steer me in the right direction and help me choose games that were more suitable for beginners.

Steven, an employee, kindly guided me through the basics of slot games, but unfortunately, luck was not on my side as I quickly lost all the money I had wagered. Despite this, I hold no ill will towards Steven.

The Temporary offers 50 table games, but only about one-third of them were open during my visit. The minimum bet at the tables was $15, and the casino featured popular games like craps, roulette, and blackjack.

Unfortunately, The Temporary does not currently offer an IL sportsbook. However, it is anticipated that this will be available by the end of 2023.

Circa Sportsbook and Full House, the casino’s owner and operator, have teamed up and are currently awaiting approval from the Illinois Gaming Board for their licensing. Upon receiving the green light, they will debut a sportsbook at The Temporary and introduce a mobile sports betting app in Illinois.

Are too many slots a bad thing?

My only complaint about the Temporary’s gaming selection is the tight spaces created by the nearly 1,000 slot machines. Despite its size, the abundance of slot machines has caused congestion in the casino’s walkways.

I had no issues when I visited because the casino was not crowded, but I could see certain areas becoming cramped during busy times.

Furthermore, I was impressed by the gaming choices offered by The Temporary.

The atmosphere was upbeat and lively

The ambiance at The Temporary was delightful, thanks to its charming ‘day at the lake’ theme inspired by its proximity to Lake Michigan. Additionally, Waukegan Municipal Beach is only a short 15-minute drive away, making it a convenient option for guests.

A large chandelier made of six canoes dangles above a bar with approximately 40 seats located in the center of the casino. Furthermore, each barstool comes with its own video poker screen.

The Temporary is adorned with hanging canoe paddles and leafy forestry decorations, creating a unique blend of a lakeside retreat and a Vegas-style casino atmosphere that is truly enjoyable.

Cleanliness and dining options

The Temporary was exceptionally clean, so much so that one could almost consider eating off the floors (although I wouldn’t recommend it).

The slot machines were free of trash, crumpled bet vouchers, and dust, and every part of the casino, including the bathrooms, was spotless and immaculate.

The dining options were limited at The Temporary, with only one out of three restaurants currently open. It appeared that the other two were undergoing renovations. The available eatery, L’Americain, served buffet-style American cuisine.

I spoke with a few guests who were unhappy with the food options and warned me that it wasn’t worth the price, so I listened to their feedback.

Moreover, two Airstream trailers were converted into food trucks, offering a variety of simple menu items such as hot dogs, paninis, sandwiches, beer, and coffee.

The Temporary is worth a visit

Overall, I had a positive experience at The Temporary. The location was convenient, the facility was well-kept, and the staff was friendly. The atmosphere was vibrant and there was a diverse selection of games available.

Make sure to visit and see for yourself. The casino will only get better once the Circa Sportsbook and restaurants open.