Latest News
Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Officially Joins the Destination by Hyatt Brand and Completes Phase One of its $340 Million Transformation

The newly reimagined Rio Hotel & Casino has officially joined the Destination by Hyatt brand, following the completion of the resort’s first phase of its $340 million property-wide transformation. As part of the Destination by Hyatt brand and award-winning World of Hyatt loyalty program, Rio connects guests and members to both the people and place of Las Vegas – offering guests a sense of belonging and the immersive experiences they crave. Rio is owned and managed by Dreamscape Companies.
As the largest property within Hyatt’s global hotel portfolio, based on room count, and the first Destination by Hyatt hotel in Nevada, Rio strengthens World of Hyatt’s brand footprint in the one of the world’s most vibrant destinations for leisure, convention and group travel.
“We are proud to welcome the new Rio Hotel & Casino to our Destination by Hyatt brand portfolio, celebrating Hyatt’s commitment to delivering one-of-a-kind experiences in key markets that matter most to our World of Hyatt members and guests. Rio is an icon reborn, and its legacy and unique character live on. We are excited for our members and guests to discover the experiences that make Rio Las Vegas a standout destination for global travelers,” said Mike Waddell, SVP of Global Franchise Operations at Hyatt.
Phase one of Rio’s $340 million renovation included the full redesign and modernization of the all-suite resort’s 1500-room Ipanema Tower featuring a new look inspired by the vibrant spirit of Rio de Janeiro: bold, colorful, and unapologetically radiant. The hotel also recently unveiled six new and distinctly different culinary destinations within the new Canteen Food Hall, 220,000 square feet of newly renovated meetings and convention space, a revamped pool district with four vibrant pools catering to both adults and families, and more than 500 new slot machines and 30 table games on the resort’s casino floor. The renovation is part of a larger vision to create a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle experience at the intersection of affordability and indulgence.
Other highlights from the resort’s phase one renovation include the openings of: Lapa Lounge, a sophisticated and vibrant cocktail destination located in the heart of the resort and inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Lapa neighborhood, and Luckley Tavern & Grill, a “come as you are” casual dining destination serving an approachable all-American menu. In addition, famed lighting designers Chris Kuroda and Andrew Giffin have created a stunning, programmable light show for the resort’s exterior.
Phase two of the resort’s renovation will focus on completely redesigning and modernizing the Masquerade Tower guestrooms and public spaces, ensuring an elevated and cohesive guest experience across the entire property.
“Rio’s Destination by Hyatt brand affiliation marks an exciting new chapter for our resort through our progressive evolution. We’ve not only reenergized the resort’s design and experience, but we’ve proudly honored its legacy as a quintessential Las Vegas icon, providing World of Hyatt members and global travelers with even more ways to immerse themselves in our destination’s fun, energetic and eclectic atmosphere,” said Patrick Miller, President and CEO of Rio Hotel & Casino.
Rio participates in World of Hyatt, allowing members to earn and redeem points for eligible stays and enjoy waived resort fees on Free Night Awards while elite members can enjoy their World of Hyatt benefits that can include room upgrades and more. Rio is currently participating in Hyatt’s cyber sale that offers World of Hyatt members up to 25% off their stay at Rio, along with over 800 hotels across the Americas. Members can book this offer on Hyatt channels now through December 9, 2024, for stays through April 20, 2025.
awards
Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at East Coast Gaming Congress

Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International (HRI) and Hard Rock Digital and Chief Executive Officer of Seminole Gaming, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 28th Annual East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC). Allen accepted the award in a ceremony at ECGC, the longest-running gaming conference in the United States, in his hometown, held at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Allen is the seventh person to receive this award in the nearly 30-year ECGC history. ECGC honored Allen for his nearly 45-year career which has made him one of the most influential leaders in the global gaming and hospitality industry. During Allen’s tenure, Seminole Hard Rock and HRI have demonstrated exceptional hospitality and financial performance, setting industry benchmarks with their success.
Responsible for all gaming, hospitality and entertainment operations at the Seminole Tribe of Florida (STOF) since 2001, Allen has guided the development of Seminole Gaming into one of the world’s most successful casino and integrated resort operators, with seven casino locations throughout Florida, including the world’s first Guitar Hotel, which opened in October 2019.
Allen led STOF’s 2007 acquisition of HRI, the first of a major international company by a North American Indian Tribe, which has expanded its global presence from 46 to nearly 80 countries and over 300 locations including Hard Rock cafes, hotels, casinos, Rock Shops and live music venues.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard-working team at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, whose dedication and passion have driven our success. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Seminole Tribe of Florida for their continued leadership and am proud of what we have accomplished – from expanding our global footprint, to innovating in the gaming and hospitality industries, and forming incredible alliances with icons in entertainment and sports. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards of excellence. Thank you to the East Coast Gaming Congress for this incredible honor,” said Allen.
Allen has led the evolution of the hospitality company that is synonymous with music entertainment to also include sports entertainment, while maintaining its deep-rooted music history. Over the last few years, Hard Rock has established strategic partnerships among the greats of Formula 1, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Lionel Messi, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and local sports teams. In addition, Allen was instrumental in ushering in a new era of gaming in Florida with the introduction of craps, roulette and sports betting to Seminole Hard Rock hotels and casinos.
For the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, Allen is serving on the Miami Host Committee Board of Directors alongside a diverse group of leaders in business development, sports management, event planning and community engagement. In 2020, Allen launched the joint venture Hard Rock Digital, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Additionally, Hard Rock partnered with the Miami Dolphins ownership to brand Hard Rock Stadium and become the first casino brand to achieve NFL stadium naming rights based on Hard Rock’s perception as a hospitality and entertainment company versus just a casino company.
The American Gaming Association inducted Allen into the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024 for making significant contributions to the industry. The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) recognized Allen as a 2023 Unity Gala Honoree for his exceptional service to MWBE contractors. In 2020, Allen was inducted into the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship’s Entrepreneur and Business Hall of Fame at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla. Junior Achievement of South Florida named Allen a Business Hall of Fame Laureate in 2019.
Latest News
AGS Appoints Arthur Rotziokos and Richard Orozco to Lead International Growth Efforts

AGS (NYSE: AGS), a leading supplier of high-performing slot, table, and interactive products and services to the global gaming industry, today announced two key appointments that will significantly strengthen its international operations. Arthur Rotziokos has been appointed as the Senior Director of Product Management – Asia-Pacific (APAC), and Richard Orozco has assumed the role of Senior Director of Product Management – International. Both report to Rob Ziems, AGS’ Chief Business and Legal Officer, who oversees international business.
“With tremendous growth potential and plenty of greenfield in international markets, AGS is well-poised to seize new opportunities on the global stage. Both Arthur and Richard bring unparalleled expertise and a deep well of gaming industry experience that will be vital to AGS’ global expansion strategy. Their leadership will be instrumental as we accelerate our international reach and advance our product offerings in these key markets,” said Rob Ziems.
Arthur Rotziokos, based in Sydney, Australia, will lead AGS’ entry into the rapidly expanding APAC market. With over three decades of experience in the gaming industry, including his most recent role as Vice President of Research & Development at Light & Wonder, Rotziokos is well-positioned to drive AGS’ strategic expansion across the region. His career spans roles at leading companies such as Ainsworth Game Technology and IGT, where he developed strong industry relationships and pioneered game development initiatives that led to business growth in global markets.
Richard Orozco, an experienced leader in international product management, will oversee AGS’ global product strategies, focusing on regions such as Latin America and Europe. Orozco joins AGS with extensive experience in managing product portfolios across international markets, including his most recent role as Vice President of Product Strategy at Ainsworth Game Technology. In his new role, he will work to drive market performance, optimize product lifecycles, and strengthen AGS’ market share in key international territories.
With both Rotziokos and Orozco taking on pivotal roles, AGS is poised to build its brand and gain a foothold in key international markets, further enhancing its commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming products and solutions to operators and players worldwide.
Latest News
HARRAH’S RESORT ATLANTIC CITY WELCOMES BACK THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® FOR A WSOP CIRCUIT STOP THIS AUGUST

-
Latest News7 days ago
THE VISUALIZE GROUP TO ACQUIRE BMM TESTLABS, PARTNERING WITH CEO MARTIN STORM TO ACCELERATE GROWTH IN REGULATED GAMING
-
Latest News7 days ago
Experienced provider, Strive to provide its award winning player account management system and apps to Delta Bingo & Gaming Online
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
ESA Gaming gains Brazilian Certification
-
Latest News7 days ago
INTRALOT extends contract with New Hampshire Lottery through 2033
-
Latest News7 days ago
Todd Cravens Named President of Betson Gaming Division
-
Latest News7 days ago
Rivalry Reports Strong Q1 2025 KPI Growth, Validating Strategic Pivot Amid Temporary Margin Variance
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
Nebraska: Proposal to Legalize Mobile Sports Betting Advances
-
Latest News7 days ago
Rivalry Announces Application for a Management Cease Trade Order for Late Filing of Annual Filings