Rio Las Vegas is now an independently operated casino owned by Dreamscape Corp. This is the first time the casino-hotel isn’t under the Caesars Rewards umbrella in more than two decades. The casino now operates its loyalty program aptly named Rio Rewards.
The property is just west of the Vegas Strip on Flamingo Rd. next to Gold Coast and across the street from Palms.
This is no longer an “all-suite hotel.” Rio has larger rooms than many Las Vegas hotels starting at 500 square feet. There are also multiple suite options.
The new owners are renovating all rooms as part of a $340 million makeover. Between the two hotel towers, there are just over 2,500 rooms. The tropical pool complex was renovated before opening for the season.
New restaurants and bars are opening regularly. Meanwhile, some favorites like Penn & Teller and the Wine Cellar remain from Rio’s past.
The large 150,000-square-foot gaming floor is slightly smaller than Bellagio and is larger than the two nearby casinos.
One of the unique marketing promotions available at Rio is Offer Match. This isn’t a tier match with other rewards programs. Rather potential guests can contact Rio with a room, free play, etc. offer and they might match it.
Earning Rio Rewards Points
Rio Rewards points are more simple to understand than some loyalty programs. Rio Reward points go towards tier status and comp dollars.
The Rio Rewards earning rate per dollar spent is among the best in Las Vegas. Here’s how to earn Rio Reward Points from gambling:
- Slot machines: One (1) point per $1.25
- Standalone roulette and keno: One (1) point per $5
- Video poker and Table games (includes most Electronic Table Games): One (1) point per $10
- 3:2 Blackjack: One (1) point per $30
Guests receive two (2) Rio Rewards Points for every dollar spent on dining, entertainment, and shopping. Unlike most Las Vegas casino loyalty programs that offer points for non-gaming spending, Rio Reards does not offer points for money spent on hotel rooms.
Rio does not operate the sportsbook and does not offer Rio Rewards Points for spending on sports wagers.
Games will be labeled if a player can’t earn Rio Rewards points or there’s a different earnings rate.
Using Rio Rewards Points
This is one of the most simple Las Vegas casino rewards programs. Using Rio Rewards Points is simple.
100 Rio Rewards Points equals a $1 resort credit that can be used at all participating restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment options.
100 Rio Rewards Points equals $1 Frio Play (Free Play) to be used in machine games.
Rio Rewards Tier Levels
While earning points is slightly different from some Las Vegas casino rewards programs it has the same number of tier levels as most. Based on the faster earnings rates from gaming expenditure, this might be one of the easier reward programs for gamblers to jump tier levels.
- Rouge: All
- Azul: Earn 10,000 points
- Gold: Earn 50,000 points
- Platinum: Earn 250,000 points
All members receive Rio’s best hotel room rates, discounted ATM fees, and pool access. Everyone who moves beyond the entry-tier Azul will receive complimentary resort fees when rooms are booked through riolasvegas.com.
Rio Rewards Tier Benefits
This section will summarize the best benefits and those that increase with each tier level. For example, each level receives a food voucher, complimentary drink, and show tickets but the number may differ as a player improves their tier status. You can see the full list of tier benefits here.
Azul
- 1 complimentary room night per year
- $50 tier celebration
- $15 monthly dining voucher
- 1 complimentary drink per day at casino bars
- 2 complimentary show tickets per year
- 10% discount for the gift shop, pool cabanas and daybeds, and banquet food and beverage
- Invited guest check-in line
Gold
- 2 complimentary room nights per year
- $200 tier celebration
- Complimentary room upgrade
- $25 monthly dining voucher
- 2 complimentary drinks per day at casino bars
- 5% discount for the gift shop, pool cabanas and daybeds, and banquet food and beverage
- VIP and early check-in plus late checkout
Platinum
- 3 complimentary room nights per year
- $500 tier celebration
- $50 monthly dining voucher
- 3 complimentary drinks per day at casino bars
- Complimentary airport transportation
- No ATM fee
- Cash advance fee reimbursement in FrioPlay
Rio Rewards Sweet Spot
The sweet spot in Rio Rewards might be the first tier level increase from Rouge to Azul. The upper tier levels don’t offer much more beyond a larger dollar amount for some benefits or a room upgrade.
Azul is the lowest level for guests to receive complimentary resort fees. That’s a $45.35 savings per night. This level also receives access to the invited guest check-in line which should save time in getting a room key.
The incremental benefit increases correspond to money spent. While an extra drink or more money in the tier celebration is nice, members can probably pay cash and save money.
The sweet spot could change as Rio continues to upgrade the property. For now, just qualifying for complimentary resort fees might be the most beneficial perk available.
You can view all Rio Rewards terms & conditions here.
Rio Rewards Partners
Rio is the first “Destination by Hyatt” hotel in Nevada. Guests can redeem Rio Reward points or World of Hyatt points to stay at the property. Hotel room prices are fairly low for this off-strip hotel so be diligent when using points to reserve a room.
Hyatt is no longer affiliated with MGM Rewards and is currently the only outside partner for Rio Las Vegas.
Important Dates
All Rio Rewards Points expire after 12 months of account inactivity. This isn’t based on a calendar date and is slightly different from most Las Vegas casino rewards programs. Inactivity means there were *no points earned* on an account during a certain timeframe.
If Rio Rewards Points are converted into Frio Play they will expire after 30 days.
Rio Rewards works on a traditional calendar year. Tier levels reset at the beginning of each year on Jan. 1. Unused tier benefits expire at the end of a year on Dec. 31.
