Podcast, Ep. 163: Rio President, Trop Flop and A.I. is Everything
We’re back and just as unlistenable as ever with this brand-spanking new episode of the Vital Vegas Podcast. Emphasis on spanking.
In this unnecessarily long episode, we drone on endlessly about A.I. (that stands for “artificial intelligence,” for all the writers and editors at the Las Vegas Review-Journal) and how it has changed our coverage of Las Vegas. We also chat with the President and CEO of Rio Las Vegas, Patrick Miller.
Oh, and we share the price we were quoted for a 30-minute “party” at Sheri’s Ranch, a legal Nevada brothel. The things we do for you!
Longtime podcast listeners will note this is the first episode we’ve done in about nine months, or the time it typically takes for a human fetus to emerge from the womb, squishy and disgusting as it might actually be. Coincidence?
That’s a rhetorical question. It’s a coincidence. We just didn’t feel like doing the podcast. We blame F1.
Anyway, Patrick Miller is relatively new to Rio, but the longtime casino executive hit the ground running in striving to realize the resort’s goal of being an “icon reborn.”
There have been some bumps along the way (including staffing adjustments), but the casino has undergone significant improvements, and we’re a fan of the place. Wrote a song about it.
For a period of time, Dreamscape was the owner of Rio while Caesars Entertainment operated the hotel-casino. With one foot out the door, Rio was a tad neglected, but Dreamscape has invested heavily in remaking the off-Strip resort relevant again. Miller discusses Rio’s new offerings (including Lapa Lounge and Luckley Tavern & Grill), along with changes in the casino’s loyalty club program and the reopening of the resort’s popular Wine Cellar.
Miller stops short of confirming our scoop that Oak View Group is proceeding with an NBA arena on 22 acres (in Rio’s parking lot), but he also didn’t deny it’s happening, so that’s something!
We hope it won’t be another nine months before another episode surfaces, but just in case, listen to this episode twice. There are lots of surprises and special guest appearances by magician Criss Angel and slot influencer Brian Christopher.
You thought we’re above name-dropping? Do you know this podcast at all?
Due to a high level of interest, we extracted the A’s/Bally’s portion of the show and slapped it on YouTube.
You can listen to the embedded podcast episode here, or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We’ll wait.
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