The Temporary Casino’s First Few Weeks Deliver Positive Feedback

The latest casino in Illinois, The Temporary by American Place, began operations on Feb. 17. After a series of delays prior to its opening, the casino, managed by Full House Resorts, invited players from Waukegan, IL and nearby areas to come and gamble.

Daniel R. Lee, the president and CEO of FHR, announced the company’s fourth-quarter earnings in a press release, stating:

We have been gratified by the positive feedback received from visitors to The Temporary, many of whom have expressed that it is one of the best casinos in the area, even though it is housed in a temporary structure. In just the first 12 days since we opened, over 40,000 guests have visited.

Starting slowly, ramping up

Lee outlined the expansion plans for the property, while The Temporary opened at a reduced capacity.

“Approximately 80% of our slot floor and 60% of our permitted table games were available on opening night,” Lee stated. “In the ensuing weeks, we plan to increase the number of games accessible on our floor. Additionally, we aim to extend the operating hours for our table games, which currently run from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.”

Currently, The Temporary is operating from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m., but Lee anticipates a 24-hour operation once the property’s team becomes fully operational.

More restaurants coming soon

Plans for expansion also encompass adding more restaurants.

L’Américain is now operational. In the following weeks, an Asian-Azteca fusion restaurant is set to open. Additionally, North Shore Steaks and Seafood is projected to commence operations in the second quarter.

“Lee said, “Our initial response to The Temporary is encouraging, and we are confident that it, along with our future American Place destination, will yield attractive returns.”

Besides the three restaurants that are planned, The Temporary visitors can also savor unique cocktails at The Canoe Bar. Other edibles are available in two adapted Airstream trailers located on the property, offering a range of beverages and food options.

The Temporary adds to growing Illinois casino industry

The Temporary is the twelfth casino to open its doors in the Land of Lincoln. Its main competition comes from Rivers Casino located in Des Plaines and Grand Victoria situated in Elgin.

The casino, situated between the metropolitan areas of Chicago and Milwaukee, is a brief journey from O’Hare International Airport and readily accessible to gamblers in the northern suburbs of the state.

The Temporary houses approximately 1,000 slot machines and 50 table games.

The sweeping 2019 gambling legislation in Illinois permitted the establishment of new retail casinos and also legalized online sportsbooks in the state.

New Illinois sportsbook on the way

The Temporary has collaborated with Circa Sportsbook for sports betting. Circa was prepared to initiate operations as soon as The Temporary commenced in Waukegan, according to the CEO of Circa, Derek Stevens.

However, the process doesn’t function in that manner. Initially, Circa needs to overcome all the regulatory obstacles necessary to initiate a new sportsbook in Illinois. The company intends to set up a retail sportsbook within The Temporary, as well as a new online sportsbook for Illinois gamblers. Furthermore, Circa has plans to build a comprehensive sportsbook in the permanent American Place casino once it commences operations.

Circa will become the eighth online sportsbook in Illinois once it launches its mobile platform.