The path to finishing the American Place Resort and Casino in Waukegan, Illinois, has been cleared following a main authorized victory for Full House Resorts. The Illinois Supreme Court just lately put an finish to a chronic lawsuit that had put the venture on maintain since 2023. The litigation, which was filed by the Forest County Potawatomi tribe, had delayed building plans for months however has now been dismissed, permitting Full House to renew work on the everlasting facility.
Legal hurdles overcome:
As quickly as Full House’s senior vice chairman, Alex Stolyar, acquired the information of the courtroom’s ruling, he expressed aid and optimism for the venture’s future. In a press release reported by the Chicago Tribune, Stolyar shared, “We can now get back to working with our architects and engineers to complete construction plans. We will be working diligently to make sure we open by the current August 2027 deadline for the temporary casino operations.” This marks a big step ahead, as the temporary casino, positioned on the identical website, has been working since February 2023.
The case towards Full House started when the Potawatomi tribe challenged the Illinois Gaming Board’s resolution to concern a on line casino license to Full House in 2021. Potawatomi, a outstanding gaming operator based mostly in Wisconsin, had been one among a number of bidders for the Waukegan on line casino license, however the metropolis council in the end selected Full House over Potawatomi. The tribe filed a lawsuit claiming that the method was unfair, citing considerations over the accuracy of a third-party report that undervalued their proposal. Potawatomi argued that the choice was influenced by improper actions, together with the alleged involvement of Waukegan’s Mayor Sam Cunningham.
Despite Potawatomi’s efforts, the Illinois Supreme Court dominated unanimously that the decrease courtroom had appropriately dismissed the case. In its opinion, the courtroom concluded that the gaming board had acted inside its authorized rights when it issued the license to Full House, and that the town of Waukegan had each proper to reject Potawatomi’s proposal. The courtroom emphasised that the gaming board’s resolution couldn’t be revoked attributable to points with the town’s statutory compliance.
Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor was overjoyed by the choice, which she believes can have far-reaching advantages for the town. “I’m so excited about this opportunity, and what it does for us,” Taylor mentioned. “This is good not only for the income, but it will also bring a lot of tourists. It’s what we’ve really been waiting for.”
The authorized battle had prompted vital delays for Full House, which needed to pause its plans for the everlasting on line casino whereas the case was within the courts. With the lawsuit now resolved, Stolyar emphasised that the corporate is able to transfer ahead. “We are excited that this roadblock blocking economic development for Waukegan and Illinois has been removed and we can continue to work to make this exciting project a reality,” he mentioned.
Economic enhance and venture particulars:
Once accomplished, the American Place Resort and Casino will characteristic a 20-suite luxurious resort, full with high-end facilities reminiscent of a helipad. The on line casino itself will embody 100 desk video games, 1,640 slot machines, and a 1,500-seat leisure venue. The everlasting facility is predicted to convey vital financial progress to Waukegan, attracting each vacationers and native residents alike.
The Waukegan on line casino venture has confronted opposition from numerous teams, however Full House’s victory within the courts units the stage for a brighter future. In addition to the advantages for the native economic system, the venture can be anticipated to create 1000’s of jobs and generate thousands and thousands in income for the state of Illinois.
As Full House works to finalize building plans, the corporate stays dedicated to assembly the formidable 2027 deadline for the completion of the American Place resort. Despite the setbacks, Stolyar expressed confidence within the venture’s future. “We can now focus on turning this vision into a reality for Waukegan and the surrounding community,” he mentioned.
While the Illinois Supreme Court has put an finish to the lawsuit over the on line casino license, the Potawatomi tribe has filed a separate civil rights lawsuit towards Waukegan, which continues to be ongoing in federal courtroom. The tribe’s authorized group continues to argue that they had been unfairly excluded from the bidding course of, however the federal case is unlikely to influence Full House’s progress on the on line casino venture.
As the state of affairs stands, Full House is keen to proceed with its plans, assured that the authorized challenges are behind them for now. However, it might nonetheless face further hurdles sooner or later, relying on the end result of the continuing federal case.
