Update: Rio changed management in October 2023. We have a new report about Rio casino games. You can read it here.
Thousands of poker players will visit Rio in Las Vegas this summer in the hopes of winning a World Series of Poker bracelet. Many enjoy other forms of gambling, such as video poker and table games. I compiled the latest information about the games available at Rio to help World Series of Poker guests receive the highest return on their action.
Rio blackjack
There are six types of blackjack games at Rio. The pit by the bar is all 6:5. The same goes for the tables in the craps pit.
The 3:2 game with the lowest minimum bet is next to the roulette tables near baccarat. Your back will be to the craps tables when you find it. It uses eight decks. Double down before and after splitting is available, as well as surrender. The dealer hits soft 17. This is the only consistent $10 3:2 blackjack game at a Caesars property in Las Vegas outside of The Cromwell.
There are two six-deck tables in the same pit facing the other direction. The minimum bet is $25. It has the same rules as the eight-deck game.
There is a double deck blackjack game in that same area. It allows double down before the split but not after it. The minimum bet can be as low as $15 outside WSOP, but it was $50 on the first night of it. I expect that to be common.
There are two blackjack games in high limit. There is a $100 double deck game that adds double down after splitting from the standard game on the floor. This game hits soft 17. There is a $100 six-deck game that stands on all 17s. It allows double down before and after splitting plus surrender.
Rio craps
There are four craps tables at Rio. Two were open for my visit. The minimum bet was $15. The odds are 3-4-5 times. The field pays double on 12. You can also play video craps for $1. That machine offers double odds and the field pays double on 12.
Other table games
There are many other table games at Rio. The minimum bet for Pai Gow Poker and Pai Gow Tiles was $25. Baccarat and double zero roulette was $10. This is in line with other times of the year.
Let It Ride and Three Card Poker were $5 during my visit. Crazy4Poker, High Card Flush, Mississippi Stud and Ultimate Texas Hold’em were $10. These games network with the Caesars Las Vegas progressive jackpots.
Rio video poker
All the video poker over 98 percent is at the $5 denomination or higher. This includes 8/5 Bonus Poker and 9/6 Jacks or Better. These games are found in the high limit slots section by the Diamond Lounge.
The best game for lower denominations is 7/5 Bonus Poker. That returns 98 percent. It is spread throughout the casino in quarters, half-dollar and dollar.
Poker players enjoy sitting at the bar by the hallway to the convention center. The video poker at this bar is standard for Caesars properties in Las Vegas. The best bar game I found was 6/5 Bonus Poker (96.87%). Other popular games include 7/5 Jacks or Better (96.15%), 8/5 Double Double Bonus (96.79%) and 9/6/4 Double Bonus (96.38%). The lowest denomination is quarter.
Gold Coast may be a gambling alternative
It is normal to get burned out at the same casino and want something different. Gold Coast is a great alternative. There is a pedestrian signal across Valley View to make that walk safe. It only takes a few minutes when using the door near the poker room or the one by the main valet entrance.
The video poker at Gold Coast is among the best near the Las Vegas Strip. Players will find full pay Double Bonus Deuces Wild (99.81%), Triple Bonus Plus (99.8%), Not So Ugly Deuces Wild (99.73%), 9/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe (99.64%) and 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%), among other 99 percent and higher games, according to VPFree2. I independently confirmed most of these games with that website’s help. The denominations are quarter, half-dollar and dollar.
Double deck blackjack is spread throughout the pit at Gold Coast. The minimum is usually $5. Double down before and after splitting is permitted. The dealer hits soft 17. Craps is usually $5 with 3-4-5 times odds. The field pays triple.
Baccarat, Asia Poker and Pai Gow Poker have a $10 minimum bet. Roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker are $5.
Rio locals deals
If you have a Nevada ID, make sure to check out the Rio locals discounts. This includes 20 percent off at many restaurants and shows.
Diamond and Seven Stars show tickets
If you achieve Diamond or Seven Stars status in Caesars Rewards, you may receive two free show tickets a month. This is available to all players with these tiers, regardless of residency. Penn & Teller and Comedy Cellar are among the shows available through this offer. You may also choose ones at other Caesars properties in Las Vegas.
Stop by the Caesars Rewards center to check availability. There is a limited number of tickets offered through this comp method so it is a good idea to plan ahead.
