Sports Books

Rio Race and Sports Book

3700 West Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(702) 252-7777
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Rio Race & Sports Book

Rio Race and Sports Book Details

  • Hours of operation: Open weekdays, 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Weekends, 8 a.m. - midnight (opens at 7 a.m. during football season).
  • Payment options: Cash, casino chips and winning tickets.
  • Location: Located on the main floor, just west of the lobby and Mah Jong Chinese Kitchen, east of the Poker Room, at the Rio hotel-casino.
  • Type of betting offered: Pari-mutuel and nonpari-mutuel race wagering, daily games, sports futures and some propositions.
  • Number of televisions: 40 in room, plus 60 individual televisions in the racebook.
  • Big screens: Two.
  • Largest TV: 6 by 8 foot.
  • Food and drinks: Cocktail service is available. Food can be found at the adjacent Sports Kitchen and Mah Jong Chinese Kitchen.
  • Seating: 60 seats and seven booths.
  • Race and sports book director / manager: David Pemberton.
  • Lines posted: By 9 a.m. daily.
  • Line originator: Lines are provide by an outside service.
  • Betting service offered: Pay-by-mail.
  • Comps and specials: Room cocktail service. Food comps in race and sports books are issued when betting criteria is met.
  • Special events or contests: None.

Rio Race and Sports Book Review

The Rio offers both a race and an adjacent sports book. The action on the televisions provides the visual barrier between the two.

The Rio does not offer either the coziness or vastness to be considered a destination sports book. But if you're staying in the casino, it's a worthwhile option. And despite being in the midsize range, it's a relatively laid-back place for timid and first-time bettors. This is especially the case midweek and during the summer months.

The Rio books offer plenty of seating and televisions, and the viewing area is adequately designed. Like most books, it's typically the slowest during the baseball season, and it's a good idea to arrive early for the Super Bowl, the NCAA men's basketball tournament, the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup.

The Rio offers the futures odds on large events, propositions on some major events and daily action from all major sports.

-- Review by Paul Mello

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