Riviera Casino

What Was the Riviera Casino?

The Riviera Casino, affectionately known as "the Riv," was a celebrated resort gracing the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Renowned for its exceptional entertainment and unparalleled hospitality, it held a significant place in the city’s history. This impressive establishment was the ninth resort to emerge on the Strip, notably pioneering as its very first high-rise casino.

Boasting more than 2,000 guest rooms, the Riviera Hotel accommodated visitors across its two prominent structures:

• the Monaco Tower,
• the Monte Carlo Tower.

Where Was the Riviera Casino Located?

The Riviera Casino, nestled on the northern Las Vegas Strip in Winchester, Nevada, offered convenient access to both downtown Las Vegas and the vibrant Fremont Street Experience. Its proximity to McCarran International Airport (LAS) made travel to and from the resort remarkably easy.

What Was the History of the Riviera Casino?

The Riviera Casino, a notable addition to the Las Vegas Strip, first welcomed guests on April 20, 1955. Initially envisioned as "Casa Blanca" by William Bischoff, it marked the ninth resort to emerge on the Strip and was its inaugural high-rise structure.

However, the casino’s early days were fraught with difficulty. Just three months after its grand opening, it faced bankruptcy. Gus Greenbaum, a former manager from the Flamingo Hotel, stepped in to take the helm, but his tenure was marred by embezzlement.

Subsequently, the property came under the management, and eventual ownership, of Sidney Korshark and Parvin-Dohrmann Corp. Interestingly, entertainer Dean Martin had an opportunity to acquire a 10% stake in the venture but ultimately declined the offer.

In 1973, AITS Inc. acquired the resort for a substantial $60 million. Despite this investment, the Riviera Casino continued to grapple with financial instability, encountering bankruptcy issues once more. Nevertheless, it found a path to revival in 1993, transforming into Riviera Holdings Corp.

What Was the Design and Architecture of the Riviera Casino?

The Riviera Casino was a truly unique structure, pioneering a new era on the Las Vegas Strip. Unlike the smaller motels that dotted the landscape, it was the first towering resort, fundamentally reshaping the city’s hospitality scene.

Its design featured two impressive towers:

• the Monaco Tower, soaring 24 stories high,
• the Monte Carlo Tower, reaching 22 stories.

Together, these architectural marvels offered a staggering total of over 2,000 rooms, a scale unprecedented for its time.

What Gaming Options Were Available at the Riviera Casino?

The expansive Riviera Casino boasted a sprawling 100,000-square-foot gaming area, providing a wealth of options for its patrons.

Starting with a modest 116 slot machines, the casino’s collection rapidly expanded, eventually featuring nearly 1,000 machines. Alongside these, classic table games like baccarat and Pai Gow poker drew in crowds.

In addition to its physical offerings, the Riviera Casino embraced the digital realm, allowing players to enjoy a variety of online slot titles such as:

• golden Catch,
• the Euro Game,
• the Dark Joker Rizes.

What Entertainment Was Featured at the Riviera Casino?

The Riviera Casino was renowned for its stellar entertainment, drawing a host of celebrated artists to its stage. Liberace, the flamboyant pianist, kicked off its legacy as the inaugural headliner, followed by the iconic Elvis Presley. Legendary figures like Dean Martin and Louis Armstrong also graced the venue, alongside Harry Belafonte and Sammy Davis Jr., who captivated audiences with their dynamic performances. Further solidifying its reputation, Marlene Dietrich, Bob Hope, and Barbra Streisand all brought their unique talents to the Riviera.

Beyond these individual acts, the casino also hosted enduring productions. "Crazy Girls," a popular topless revue, enjoyed a long and successful run, even earning a bronze statue in its honor. Another beloved staple was "An Evening at La Cage." While superstars such as Dolly Parton and Frank Sinatra were undeniably prominent figures in the entertainment world, they were not regular performers at the Riviera, which maintained its own distinct roster of talent.

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What Dining Experiences Were Offered at the Riviera Casino?

The Riviera Casino offered a diverse range of culinary experiences, featuring several distinct dining establishments. For elegant dining, patrons could choose from R Steak & Seafood, while the Queen Victoria British Pub provided a charming atmosphere. For those craving Asian flavors, Banana Leaf offered exquisite cuisine. Additionally, the expansive Riv Buffet provided a wide selection of dishes.

For quicker, more informal meals, the Mardi Gras Food Court offered a convenient solution. A significant moment in the casino’s history occurred in 1984 with the debut of a Burger King, marking the first instance of a fast-food franchise within a Strip casino. This innovative addition underscored the Riviera’s commitment to offering a wide spectrum of food choices, catering to every guest’s preference.

What Convention Space Did the Riviera Casino Provide?

The Riviera Casino featured an expansive convention area, spanning 150,000 square feet. This impressive space was equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technology and offered comprehensive catering, making it an ideal choice for numerous business gatherings. Indeed, it served as a pivotal location for meetings, much like the equally significant Las Vegas Convention Center.

What Was the Financial History of the Riviera Casino?

The Riviera Casino faced substantial financial challenges, leading to its rapid bankruptcy just three months after opening. This was not an isolated incident; it repeatedly sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, first in 1983, and then persistently from 1988 to 1991.

Despite these setbacks, the resort found a fresh start in 1993, rebranding as Riviera Holdings Corp. However, its financial difficulties continued, worsened by nearby development projects such as the construction of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Ultimately, these mounting challenges led to its acquisition by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), resulting in the casino’s eventual closure.

Why Was the Riviera Casino Demolished?

The Riviera Casino, a familiar landmark, has been demolished. Its removal paved the way for the expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center, which urgently required additional space.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) acquired the casino in February 2015 for approximately $180 million. This significant investment was a strategic move to facilitate the convention center’s growth, as Las Vegas faced increasing demand for trade show venues. The expansion directly addressed this critical need for more capacity.

When Was the Riviera Casino Demolished?

The Riviera Casino permanently closed its doors in May 2015. Its dismantling occurred in two distinct phases:

• the 24-story Monaco Tower was imploded on June 14, 2016,
• the 22-story Monte Carlo Tower met the same fate on August 16, 2016.

How Did the Riviera Casino Influence Pop Culture?

The Riviera Casino significantly impacted pop culture, featuring in several iconic films. It appeared in the 1960 Rat Pack classic, "Ocean’s 11," and later in Martin Scorsese’s 1995 crime drama, "Casino," starring Robert De Niro. Its presence also extended to the popular comedy, "The Hangover."

Beyond its cinematic fame, the Riviera was renowned for its "Crazy Girls" topless revue, a long-running show that became a Las Vegas staple. A bronze statue depicting the dancers achieved widespread recognition, further cementing its legacy. The casino also produced distinctive gaming tokens, which have since become highly sought-after collectibles among enthusiasts.

What Is the Legacy of the Riviera Casino?

The Riviera Casino, affectionately known as "The Riv," significantly influenced the development of the Las Vegas Strip. As the first high-rise casino on the Strip, its construction marked a pivotal moment, ushering in a new era of resort development and fundamentally transforming the city’s architectural identity.

Beyond its physical structure, The Riv was instrumental in shaping Las Vegas’s entertainment and hospitality industries. It served as a prestigious venue where legendary performers graced its stages and iconic productions captivated audiences, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination.

The casino’s distinctive character was further amplified by its appearances in popular films, which contributed to its unique vintage charm, a quality that became synonymous with Las Vegas itself. Although the Riviera Casino has since been demolished, its profound cultural impact continues to resonate.

Its crucial contribution to the Strip’s expansion and its indelible mark on the city’s history ensure that The Riv maintains a prominent place in the narrative of Las Vegas.