Off-Strip casino Rio Las Vegas has rolled out a new tip-sharing system for table game dealers, and it’s not sitting well with everyone. The change, which took effect Friday, shifts from a fully pooled system to a 50/50 split—half of a dealer’s tips stay with them, while the other half is shared among all dealers on shift. Management says it’s a fairer way to distribute earnings, but some employees argue it opens the door to favoritism and unfair treatment.
A New Tip Model with Big Implications
For years, dealers at Rio operated under a standard pooling system where all tips were combined over a 24-hour period and then evenly distributed. Now, the casino has moved to a structure where individual dealers keep 50% of what they make, and the rest is divided among their coworkers.
A memo from Rio management, obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, called the shift a way to stabilize dealer income, encourage teamwork, and improve guest experience. “This strategy strengthens our team and keeps us competitive in a changing market,” the memo read.
Rio’s operator, Dreamscape, doubled down on the decision, emphasizing fairness. “At Rio, we believe in creating an environment where everyone is treated fairly, teamwork is rewarded, and the rewards of hard work are shared equitably,” a spokesperson said.
Not everyone sees it that way.
Dealers Cry Foul: “It’s Open to Abuse”
Several Rio dealers are voicing concerns, with some calling the new model outright unfair. A veteran dealer, who has worked in Las Vegas casinos for over four decades, told the Review-Journal that he had “never heard of this, at least anywhere I’ve ever worked.”
One major concern is how the change might influence scheduling and table assignments. Dealers worry that those in charge of scheduling could steer high-rolling players toward certain dealers in exchange for favors or bribes.
- “This is open to corruption… someone will abuse their power,” one dealer warned.
- “It lets management pick winners and losers,” another said.
Since Rio dealers don’t have union representation, many fear they have no way to fight back. One dealer put it bluntly: “They are taking advantage of desperate workers who won’t push back because they fear losing their jobs.”
No Union, No Protection
Unlike dealers at other major Strip casinos, those at Rio aren’t backed by a labor union. That means no collective bargaining power, no formal process to challenge policy changes, and little leverage in disputes with management.
For some, the timing of the shift raises eyebrows. Dreamscape fully took over Rio’s operations in October 2023, just months before implementing the tip change. Without a union to negotiate on their behalf, dealers are left to either accept the policy or look for work elsewhere.
One longtime dealer said the situation underscores the need for union representation. “This wouldn’t fly at a unionized property,” they said.
Dreamscape’s Vision for Rio
While the tip policy is stirring controversy, Dreamscape has much bigger plans for Rio. The real estate firm bought the casino in 2019 for $516 million and is pouring another $350 million into renovations.
Some of the key upgrades include:
| Renovation Focus | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel Rooms | 1,500 rooms being remodeled |
| Casino Floor | Revamping 117,000 square feet of gaming space |
| Dining | New restaurant concepts and a six-outlet food court |
The investment is aimed at breathing new life into Rio, which has struggled in recent years. Whether that extends to improving working conditions for dealers, however, remains to be seen.
For now, the tip policy is in place, and dealers will have to decide whether to stick it out or push for change. With no union backing, the latter may be easier said than done.
