The Rio in Las Vegas completes phase one of transformation

The Rio Hotel & Casino is proud to announce the completion of the first phase of its multi-year property-wide transformation. Since Dreamscape Companies took over the resort's operations in late 2023, the Rio has undergone extensive renovations, including the addition of eight new food and beverage destinations, the remodeling of 220,000 square feet of meetings and convention space, a revamped pool district with four distinct pools, and a new exterior art installation. The renovation is part of a larger vision to create a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle experience at the intersection of affordability and luxury.

“When we took over operations of the resort, our first priority was to modernize and revitalize the property while preserving the vibrant atmosphere and excitement that made the Rio Hotel & Casino a pioneer in Las Vegas hospitality,” said Patrick Miller, President and CEO of Rio Hotel & Casino. “With the addition of new dining destinations, refreshed spaces throughout the resort, and one of the city's most rewarding loyalty programs, these renovations mark the beginning of a new era—one that offers an elevated yet approachable luxury experience for both locals and visitors.”

Phase One of the Rio’s transformation includes:

Canteen Food Hall

Opened in January 2024, Canteen Food Hall is a culinary marketplace featuring a dynamic and approachable lineup of first-to-market concepts and Las Vegas favorites. Designed to deliver an exciting dining experience that appeals to a wide variety of people. Canteen Food Hall is a lively place where vibrant flavors and approachable cuisine unite through six unique concepts: Attaboy Burger, a no-nonsense burger destination by Chef Alex Resnick that focuses on packing as much beefy flavor as possible without any unnecessary toppings or additions; Nama Nama, a bustling Japanese street-style sushi concept inspired by the alluring alleyways found throughout Japan; Tony Luke’s, a legendary sandwich shop from South Philadelphia serving up mouthwatering cheesesteaks and roasted pork sandwiches; Shogun Ramen, a local favorite helmed by Master Chef Foo Kanegae serving up an ever-evolving lineup of innovative ramen meant to be savored to the very last drop; Tender Crush, a first-to-market chicken tender concept by Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer offering fried or grilled chicken tenders accompanied by a lineup of unique sauces inspired by the five boroughs of New York; and Southland Burrito Co., Chef Marco Herrera’s Sonoran-style burrito restaurant featuring Mexican American flavors wrapped with a crepe-like regional variation of the flour tortilla.

Casino Floor

Boasting 117,000 square-feet of gaming space, the Rio’s casino floor underwent a stunning refresh featuring brand-new carpeting and over 900 new slot machines with wagers ranging from $.01 to more than $500, 30 individual gaming tables and video poker machines throughout the resort.

Exterior

A one-of-a-kind partnership between the resort and legendary lighting designers Chris Kuroda and Andrew Giffin, the Rio’s exterior lighting is an expansive art installation that utilizes over three miles of programmable LEDs to create an ever-evolving lightshow that can be seen from all over the Las Vegas valley. Drawing on Kuroda’s visual work with Phish spanning almost 1,800 live shows, the Rio’s exterior serves as the canvas for a dynamic, live art piece where no two shows will ever be the same.

Lapa Lounge

One of the last pieces of the Rio Las Vegas Phase One renovations, Lapa Lounge opened in July 2024. Located in the heart of the resort, the lounge is a sophisticated and vibrant cocktail destination inspired by the iconic Lapa neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. Much like its namesake, the cocktail menu features familiar cocktails and flavors reimagined with a lively, upbeat twist. From classic cocktails like the Lapa Sunset Mai Tai to exclusive originals like The Tiki Tango, each sip echoes the energetic rhythms and rich bohemian history of the neighborhood that inspires it. Bathed in a warm glow and centered by a honey onyx bar, Lapa Lounge sets the stage for an incredible evening where music plays, laughter flows and every moment is a celebration.

Luckley Tavern & Grill

Operated by restauranteur and founder of A Perfect Bite Oliver Wharton, Luckley Tavern & Grill is a “come as you are” casual dining destination serving mouthwatering bites and expertly crafted cocktails. The all-American menu is centered around an approachable, yet thoughtfully curated dining experience meant to highlight the contrasting flavors and textures of ingredients harvested at the peak of freshness. Guests can expect familiar dishes like prime steaks and buffalo wings, all reimagined with a Las Vegas twist.

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World Series of Poker announces 2022 daily schedule

The 53rd World Series of Poker – the richest, most prestigious and longest-running poker series – today announced the daily event schedule for 2022. Following a successful 17-year run at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, the WSOP moves to the Las Vegas Strip for the very first time at Bally's - Las Vegas, the future Horseshoe, and Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, and will feature the WSOP's inaugural Master of Ceremonies, Vince Vaughn.

The move to the Strip builds upon the legacy for Caesars Entertainment's World Series of Poker, as the first-ever tournament was played at Las Vegas' original Horseshoe in 1970. Doors open on Tuesday, May 31 with exciting action through the event's conclusion on Wednesday, July 20.

"This year is particularly historic for the WSOP with its move to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and debut in the best facilities we've ever had," said Ty Stewart, the WSOP's Executive Director residing over his 17th WSOP. "We're ready to welcome players from all over the world to our housewarming party at Bally's, soon-to-be Horseshoe, and Paris. The schedule is jam-packed with first-class events and we expect this to be the biggest and most anticipated WSOP yet."

WSOP will again feature the much-anticipated $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em World Championship, also known as the "Main Event", which in 2021 hosted 6,650 entrants from around the world despite taking place during a pandemic. This year's Main Event is back to its traditional time frame around the July 4 holiday, beginning on Sunday, July 3. The legendary deep-stack tournament will continue play through the Final Table on Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16.

The WSOP's new home will include all convention space at both Paris Las Vegas and Bally's. This will create the largest tournament capacity in the event's history with over 200,000 square feet and 600 poker tables. The 2022 WSOP will host a wide variety of tournaments ranging in price from $400 to $250,000. The main cage will be placed at Paris Las Vegas while the TV set staging will be in the Bally's Event Center as the two buildings are connected and share a parking garage.

This year's tournament will also feature a $5,000,000 guaranteed prize pool WSOP opening weekend dubbed "The Housewarming", featuring a $500 buy-in. This popular price point for the opening weekend has generated some of the largest field sizes in the history of poker. Last year's "Reunion" event generated a whopping 12,973 entrants and organizers are expecting an even larger field as the event returns to its traditional summer schedule.

WSOP will work with broadcast partner CBS Sports for a second season of coverage with daily streaming on PokerGo. Produced exclusively by Poker Central, there will be 18 different bracelet events to be televised with a minimum of 15 hours of coverage for the 2022 Main Event.

When booking early, entrants of the WSOP bracelet events can enjoy reduced hotel room rates at Bally's and Paris, as well as all Caesars Entertainment resorts in Las Vegas by using the special advanced booking code "WSOP22". Rates are based on availability and are subject to change. To view a complete list of rates across all Caesars Entertainment properties, please visit our Reservations page.

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2021 World Series of Poker in review: Week six

Following over two years without live-action play, 6,650 players from around the world flocked to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the return of the legendary 52nd annual World Series of Poker Main Event. The Main Event brings about big winnings, with each player making the final table guaranteed at least $1,000,000 and the first-place world champion walking away with $8,000,000. With the return of in-person play and the easing of international travel restrictions, week six of the WSOP delivered on excitement with poker legend Doyle Brunson, a surprise appearance by Main Event champion alum Chris Moneymaker and major international player turnout.

“We could not be happier with the turnout to this year’s Main Event, from the big international crowd to the return of some of the greatest players of all time,” said World Series of Poker Senior Vice President, Ty Stewart. “Following a year of such uncertainty, it is amazing to have the poker community together again. The energy and excitement in the room is palpable as legends and amateurs from around the world gather together to try their chance at a world championship title, once again.”

Week 6 Highlights:

-Chris Moneymaker Makes Late Decision to Play WSOP Main Event

After announcing on Twitter earlier this year that he was unsure if he would make it out to this year’s WSOP in Las Vegas, 2003 Main Event champion Chris Moneymaker surprised the poker world by enrolling in Day 1F of the Main Event.

-Josh Arieh Wins Fourth Bracelet in Event #66: $10,000 Pot-Limit Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship

After overcoming a field of 208 entries, Josh Arieh claimed victory in Event #66: $10,000 Pot-Limit Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship, taking home his fourth WSOP gold bracelet and $484,791 in cash. Widely considered one of the best pot-limit Omaha players, Arieh has already claimed three six-figure scores at this year’s WSOP including two bracelet wins.

-2021 WSOP Day 36: Main Event Underway, Brunson Up to Old Tricks

Poker hall of famer and 10-time WSOP champion Doyle Brunson returned to the WSOP, playing his first Main Event since 2013. At 88 years old, Brunson currently is tied with Phil Ivey and Johnny Chan at second place for most WSOP bracelets with Phil Hellmuth leading at 16.

-Poker Community Buys Man Facing Terminal Cancer entry into WSOP Main Event

After recently being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Michael Graydon wanted to fulfill his dream of playing in the WSOP Main Event. The professional poker community stepped in to make his dreams come true with MJ Gonzales and Jonathan Depa both paying half of Graydon’s buy-in and Maria Ho offering to pay for his flight to Las Vegas.

-Former NBA Star Tony Parker Takes on WSOP Main Event

Six-time NBA All-star and four-time NBA Champion Tony Parker stepped into the WSOP Main Event, playing on Day 1B. After spending 17 seasons in the NBA, Parker now has his eyes set on a WSOP gold bracelet. Unfortunately, he was unable to advance to the second day of competition, but will have plenty of opportunities going forward now that he is retired from professional basketball.

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World Championship of Poker begins Saturday at the Rio

The 47th edition of poker's ultimate championship will return to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on Saturday, July 9. Officially known as Event #68, the second-to-last event has three starting flights on July 9, July 10 and July 11, beginning at 11 a.m.

Amateurs, poker pros, celebrities and poker enthusiasts from more than 85 different countries are expected to make an appearance. Thousands of players will enter the $10,000 buy-in event in the hope of claiming poker's ultimate prize. The prize pool is expected to be more than $60 million, with the winner's prize exceeding $7 million.

The World Series of Poker is one of the gaming industry's premier events, drawing tens of thousands of poker enthusiasts from around the world to Las Vegas to compete for prize money and the coveted World Series of Poker gold bracelet.

Last year a total of 6,420 players entered, and the winner, Joe McKeehen, walked away with $7.6 million.

For more information on this event, please visit the World Series of Poker website.

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