Casino Rio
Casino Rio is the largest gaming establishment in Bocagrande, occupying a prominent ground-floor space on Avenida San Martin. The casino floor holds hundreds of slot machines organized in rows, with table games including blackjack, poker, and roulette clustered in a separate section toward the back. The decor is functional rather than luxurious, with patterned carpet, low ceilings, and the constant ambient noise of slots and chatter that defines casinos worldwide. A full bar runs along one wall, and a lounge area near the entrance hosts live entertainment on weekend nights, typically a small band or a solo performer playing tropical and Latin standards. The clientele is a mix of Colombian vacationers, particularly groups from Bogota and Medellin, along with international tourists from the nearby resort hotels. Dress code is casual but neat; they'll turn away beachwear and flip-flops. ID is required for entry, and a passport or a photocopy works. The atmosphere is relaxed by casino standards, with minimums lower than you'd find in comparable venues in the Caribbean or Central America.
Where to stay near Casino Rio
Hotels and rentals within walking distance.
What to Expect
A mid-size casino with the usual suspects: slot machines, table games, and a bar. The atmosphere is casual and the minimums are low. It's not Las Vegas, but it's a competent gaming floor.
Relaxed and unpretentious. It's a Colombian beach-town casino, not a high-roller destination.
Background casino ambiance. Weekend live entertainment features tropical and Latin pop.
Casual but neat. No beachwear, flip-flops, or tank tops.
Casual gamblers, groups looking for a different kind of evening activity, and anyone who wants air conditioning and free drinks while playing.
Cash and cards for chip purchases. Bar accepts both.
Price Range
Table minimums 10,000-20,000 COP, beer 10,000-15,000 COP, cocktail 25,000-35,000 COP, slots from 500 COP
Table minimums ~$2.50-5/~2.30-4.60 EUR, beer ~$2.50-3.75/~2.30-3.40 EUR
Hours
15:00-04:00 daily
Insider Tip
Table games have better odds than the slots, as everywhere. Set a strict budget before entering. The weekend live entertainment is free with any drink purchase. Bring a passport copy for entry.
Full Review
Casino Rio is the default gaming option in Bocagrande, which means it gets both the serious players and the couples on vacation who want to try their luck between dinner and the club. The floor is large enough to absorb both without feeling overcrowded, though weekend nights can get busy around the blackjack tables.
The table game section is the better experience. Minimum bets at 10,000-20,000 COP mean you can play for hours without burning through a significant budget. The dealers are competent and reasonably friendly, though English ability varies. If you know the games, you'll be fine without Spanish. The roulette wheels and a small poker section round out the options.
The slot floor is extensive but unremarkable. Standard machines with a range of minimums, from 500 COP coin slots to higher-denomination digital machines. The payout rates feel typical for Latin American casinos, which is to say you'll lose slowly unless luck intervenes.
The weekend entertainment in the lounge area is a pleasant surprise. The bands are decent, the drinks flow, and the atmosphere loosens up from the clinical gaming floor into something more social. Some people come specifically for the live music and never touch a table.
The main drawback is the air. Like most casinos, the ventilation fights a losing battle against the enclosed space and the number of bodies. By midnight on a Saturday, the air quality has declined noticeably. Step outside periodically.
The Neighborhood
On Avenida San Martin in the center of the Bocagrande strip. Hotels, restaurants, and other nightlife venues surround it within walking distance.
Getting There
Walkable from any hotel on Avenida San Martin. Uber from the Old City costs 10,000-15,000 COP. The casino's neon signage is visible from the street.
Other Venues in Bocagrande
Taboo Discotek
Large multi-room nightclub playing reggaeton, crossover, and electronic. Draws a mixed tourist and local crowd, busiest Thursday through Saturday after midnight.
Mr. Babilla
Loud party bar popular with younger locals and tourists. Affordable drinks and a rowdy atmosphere that doesn't get going until well past midnight.
La Escollera
Waterfront lounge near the Bocagrande marina with sunset views and cocktails. Calmer early evening, transitions to DJ sets on weekend nights.
Eivissa Beach Club
Ibiza-inspired beach club and nightlife venue with pool parties and bottle service. Caters to the resort crowd and charges accordingly.
51 Sky Bar
Perched on the 51st floor with panoramic views of the Caribbean, the bay, and the Old City skyline. Cocktails start at 40,000 COP and reservations are recommended for weekends.
7 Cielos
Relaxed rooftop bar with Old City views and a less pretentious atmosphere than the high-rise spots. Sunset cocktails and tapas draw a mixed crowd of tourists and Colombian visitors.