The red-and-blue neon lighting at the Rio Hotel & Casino had been a landmark just west of the Las Vegas Strip since the property opened in 1990. Guests were drawn by the excitement of the World Series of Poker (at the Rio for 17 years), an ambitious buffet, a free regularly scheduled show above the Mardi Gras-themed Masquerade Village and the jazz-tinged, comedic magic of Penn & Teller.