The Rio opened on January 15, 1990, on West Flamingo Road, giving Las Vegas a resort identity drawn from Brazil. Associated with developer Tony Marnell, it grew into a conspicuous off-Strip complex whose entertainment and themed public spaces mattered alongside its hotel and casino.
Masquerade Village was a major addition in 1997. Contemporary opening coverage described a debut show welcomed by Marnell, while shops, restaurants and a new hotel tower extended the resort. Its Mardi Gras atmosphere became one of the Rio’s most recognizable attractions. Harrah’s acquired the Rio in 1999, bringing the property into a larger casino company.
Poker gave the Rio another lasting role. The World Series of Poker began moving its tournament program there in 2005, using the resort’s larger spaces as the event grew. That first year still ended with the Main Event’s final stages back at Binion’s Horseshoe Downtown. The Rio remained the main series venue through 2021; the event moved to Bally’s, now Horseshoe Las Vegas, and Paris in 2022.
Caesars sold the Rio to a Dreamscape-affiliated buyer in December 2019, then continued operating it under a lease. The property sale and the later operating handover were separate events. Dreamscape took over operations in late 2023 and undertook a renovation program; a September 2024 release announced its first phase complete, including refreshed gaming, meeting and pool areas and the new Canteen Food Hall.
The ownership story changed again in 2026. Vital Vegas reported Kennedy Lewis Investment Management becoming the majority owner, with Dreamscape retaining a minority interest. Rio’s own April announcement separately confirmed Rod Turlan’s appointment as president and general manager. The reported ownership change and the operator’s confirmed management announcement are distinct pieces of evidence.
When checked in October 2026, Rio continued operating at 3700 West Flamingo Road, with hotel rooms, gaming, dining and entertainment. Its story runs through successive owners and renovations at the same resort. The map marks a representative point within the current main building; it does not locate an entrance or include every parking lot and later expansion.