LionGrove’s Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort will open its renovated casino and sportsbook next month. The $60m project touches 400 guest rooms and adds new dining options across the property.
LionGrove bought the resort back in June 2022. It’s the second major Puerto Rico property the hospitality investment firm operates on the island.
Andro Nodarse-León leads LionGrove as founder and CEO. He framed the work as more than standard upgrades. “This reimagination of the resort, more than a renovation, is a celebration of the island’s culture,” Nodarse-León told reporters.
Why LionGrove Bet Big on Puerto Rico Gaming
The timing puts the new casino in place for holiday season guests. Puerto Rico’s tourism sector continues to grow, and LionGrove wants to capture upscale travellers.
The company says it’s honouring local heritage while pushing the island’s global tourism profile higher. But the real play here is gaming. Adding a full sportsbook alongside table games creates a more complete gambling experience.
Casino space on the island faces competition from established properties. The December opening gives Wyndham Grand Rio Mar a fresh look heading into 2026. And the 1950s design theme sets it apart from competitors’ approaches.
What Opens Inside the Renovated Space
Casino Rio Mar & Sportsbook Lounge spans 7,000 square feet. Classic table games fill part of the floor, while the sportsbook lounge handles betting and viewing.
The 1950s-inspired design shapes the casino’s look and feel. All 400 guest rooms got redesigned interiors during the renovation work.
New restaurants and dining venues join the casino as part of the property refresh. (The resort already had two 18-hole golf courses and five beachfront pools.)
A 7,000 square foot spa and fitness centre, tennis and pickleball facilities, plus entertainment venues round out the amenities. The breadth of offerings positions Wyndham Grand Rio Mar as a full-service destination.
How This Shifts Puerto Rico’s Gaming Scene
BetMGM recently opened a satellite sportsbook at Mayagüez Resort and Casino through its Casino del Mar partnership. That November 6 launch showed operators see room for expansion.
LionGrove’s investment suggests confidence in Puerto Rico’s regulated gaming market. The firm could add similar properties if this renovation drives results.
Other resort operators will watch the December opening closely. If Wyndham Grand Rio Mar pulls strong numbers, expect more casino refresh projects across the island. The $60m price tag isn’t small, but it’s manageable for firms with LionGrove’s backing.
Puerto Rico’s positioning as a US territory with legal gaming gives it advantages over some Caribbean competitors. Direct flights from major mainland cities don’t hurt either.
