Las Olas Casino was a small casino across the road from Hotel Riu Guanacaste, in the RIU resort complex on Matapalo Beach in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. It does not appear to be operating: RIU’s description of the fully renovated Riu Guanacaste, which reopened in October 2025, lists no casino, and no current source shows Las Olas open. If a casino is part of your trip, confirm with the hotel before you book.
Las Olas Casino at a glance
| Status | Not confirmed open; not listed among the renovated resort’s facilities |
|---|---|
| Location | RIU complex, Matapalo Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica |
| Nearby hotels | Hotel Riu Guanacaste and Riu Palace Costa Rica |
| Nearest airport | Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Liberia |
| Last checked | November 2026 |
What happened to Las Olas Casino
Las Olas was a compact casino serving guests of the two RIU hotels at Matapalo. RIU has since carried out a full refurbishment of Hotel Riu Guanacaste. The hotel reopened in October 2025 with 1,041 rooms, six pools, the Splash Water World water park, Asian, Mexican and Italian restaurants, a steakhouse, two buffets and a 24-hour sports bar. RIU’s announcement of the reopening does not mention a casino or nightclub.
The RIU hotels at Matapalo today
Hotel Riu Guanacaste
The family-friendly hotel of the pair, with the RIU Land kids’ area and water park. It first opened in 2009 and is all-inclusive. RIU added 300 rooms in 2024 and finished renovating the rest of the hotel in 2025, including all rooms, the lobby, restaurants, bars and pool area, plus eight swim-up rooms.
Riu Palace Costa Rica
RIU’s second hotel at Matapalo, opened in 2012 and still operated by RIU. Guests of both hotels can join the weekly RIU Party themed events.
Where to gamble in Costa Rica instead
See our Costa Rica casinos guide for the current picture, and our venue guides to Croc’s Resort & Casino, Crowne Plaza San José and Fiesta Casino Presidente. For other Central American options, see our Central America casinos page.
Las Olas Casino FAQ
Is Las Olas Casino at Riu Guanacaste open?
Current sources do not show it operating, and RIU’s description of the renovated hotel does not include a casino.
Does Hotel Riu Guanacaste have a casino?
RIU does not list one among the facilities of the renovated hotel, which reopened in October 2025. Ask the hotel directly if it matters to your plans.
Where is the nearest casino to Riu Guanacaste?
Check our Costa Rica casinos guide for casinos elsewhere in the country.
Gamble responsibly. If gambling stops being fun, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.