Rio announces new leadership team. April 7, 2026 by Phil Clegg Rio hotel & casino in Las Vegas has announced the appointment of rod Turlan as president and general manager. Turlan brings decades of leadership experience from Caesars Entertainment and will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, growth and continued evolution as one of Las Vegas' most iconic destinations. "Rio is in an exciting new chapter and I'm honoured to lead the team during this period of significant growth," said Turlan. "With the unwavering support of ownership and a strong foundation that includes newly remodeled suites, a refreshed casino floor and top-tier entertainment, Rio delivers a fresh and compelling experience for today's Las Vegas visitor." Executive leaders. In addition, Rio is pleased to welcome several new executive leaders who have recently joined the property's leadership team. Lori Ware has joined as chief financial officer, most recently serving as chief financial officer at Jamul Casino Resort. Ashley Lowe has joined as senior vice president of sales, most recently serving as vice president of sales at M Resort Spa Casino, a Penn Entertainment property. Vince Lentini has joined as senior vice president of marketing, most recently serving as vice president of casino at Margaritaville at Sea. "Rod Turlan, together with these newly hired executives and our existing leadership team, brings the right combination of experience and talent to Rio at this important stage of its transformation," said Eric Birnbaum, CEO of Dreamscape Retail & Entertainment. "We are excited to welcome these seasoned leaders to the team as we continue building on Rio's momentum and positioning the property for long-term success."

Rio in las Vegas has new owner & leaders - report. posted on Apr. 04, 2026 at 10:39 am Posted on: April 3, 2026, 10:34h. Last updated on: April 3, 2026, 10:36h. * Kennedy Lewis Investment Management has seized majority control of the Rio, relegating Dreamscape to a minority stake * The power shift has triggered the exits of the casino hotel's CFO and VPs of marketing and sales * New leadership, including Vincent Lentini and Lloyd Nathan, is now steering the resort's multiyear, phased renovation The Rio Hotel & Casino has undergone a quiet but seismic power shift, as private credit firm Kennedy Lewis Investment Management has emerged as the majority owner of the off-Strip resort. The news was broken by Casino.org's own Vital Vegas, who quoted individuals familiar with the transaction. The move reduces Dreamscape Companies, which acquired the property from Caesars Entertainment in 2019 for $516.3 million, to a minority stakeholder. A previous minority stakeholder, longtime casino executive Bill McBeath, is no longer part of the ownership group. His exit follows a buyout by Kennedy Lewis, Vital Vegas reported. The ownership transition has coincided with a significant restructuring of Rio's executive ranks. Multiple senior leaders have departed in recent weeks as contracts quietly lapse and new leadership consolidates control. Among the confirmed departures: * Christopher Balaban, Chief Financial Officer * Michelle Engstrom, VP of marketing * Laurae Clifford, VIP of global sales Engstrom has been replaced by Vincent Lentini, whose résumé includes roles at Affinity Gaming, Hard Rock Biloxi, and Caesars Entertainment. Balaban has since taken a finance role at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno. The changes come as Rio continues a multiyear renovation effort under Dreamscape's redevelopment plan. The resort remains operational during the phased overhaul, which includes room remodels, new dining concepts and refreshed public spaces. Who's left? According to Vital Vegas, industry sources say Rio's current president and CEO, Patrick Miller, remains in his role, though several insiders describe his authority as diminished as new ownership asserts its vision. Miller, a veteran of MGM Resorts International, took the reins as the Rio's president and CEO in January 2024. Two figures are now widely viewed as central to Rio's strategic direction: * Lloyd Nathan, Chairman of Rio Real Estate Holding Company LLC * Pavan Kapur, a former Caesars Entertainment executive brought in by Dreamscape to oversee commercial operations Both are said to be heavily involved in operational decision making as Kennedy Lewis evaluates the property's performance and future positioning. Rio faces a challenging competitive landscape. The resort sits in a corridor that includes Gold Coast and Palms, two properties that draw from the same mix of locals and value-oriented tourists. Despite the headwinds, Rio continues to operate popular amenities including Penn & Teller, a large pool complex and extensive video poker inventory. There is no indication of additional layoffs at this time. Vital Vegas will continue monitoring developments as Rio's new ownership structure takes shape.

World Series of Poker: The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. The World Series of Poker (WSOP), the most prestigious and megarichesuk.com longest-running poker tournament in the world, has been hosted by the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, for several years. This iconic venue has become synonymous with the tournament, attracting thousands of poker enthusiasts and professionals from around the globe each year. Founded in 1970 by a group of poker players, the WSOP has evolved into a multi-event extravaganza that culminates in the crowning of the World Champion of Poker. The Rio has been the home of the WSOP since 2005, providing a spacious and accommodating environment for the tournament's numerous events, including the highly coveted Main Event. The Rio is known for its expansive convention space, which is essential for hosting the large number of participants and spectators that the WSOP attracts. The venue features over 160,000 square feet of gaming space, allowing for multiple tables to be set up simultaneously. This capacity is crucial, as the WSOP typically sees thousands of players vying for a chance to win life-changing sums of money and the coveted gold bracelet awarded to event winners. The casino's facilities are designed to cater to both amateur players and seasoned professionals. The tournament area is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including digital displays and live streaming capabilities, which enhance the experience for both players and fans. The WSOP also offers a variety of side events, cash games, and satellite tournaments, providing ample opportunities for players of all skill levels to participate in the excitement. In addition to its gaming offerings, the Rio provides a range of amenities that make it an attractive destination for visitors. The hotel features over 2,000 suites, a variety of dining options, and entertainment venues, ensuring that guests have everything they need during their stay. The resort's location on the Las Vegas Strip also makes it easily accessible for those traveling to the tournament. The WSOP at the Rio has become a cultural phenomenon, with many players considering it a rite of passage to compete in the tournament. The event has seen the rise of poker legends, including Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth, and Daniel Negreanu, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the game's history. The tournament has also gained significant media attention, with coverage from major sports networks and online platforms, further solidifying its status as the premier poker event in the world. While the WSOP has been held at the Rio for nearly two decades, there have been discussions about relocating the tournament to a new venue in the future. However, as of now, the Rio remains the official host for the World Series of Poker, continuing to provide a thrilling atmosphere for players and fans alike. The combination of the casino's facilities, the excitement of the tournament, and the vibrant Las Vegas backdrop ensures that the WSOP remains a must-attend event for poker lovers worldwide. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *