Why Las Vegas Razed Riviera Casino

The Riviera Casino, opened in 1955 on the Las Vegas Strip, was one of the city's first high-rise resorts and a symbol of mid-century glamour and sophistication. Initially designed to attract high rollers and celebrities, the Riviera hosted iconic performers such as Liberace, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. Despite its early success, the casino struggled with financial instability, changing ownership multiple times over the decades. The rise of newer, more extravagant mega-resorts in the 1990s and 2000s further diminished its appeal. Unable to compete in the evolving market, the Riviera eventually closed in 2015 and was demolished in 2016, marking the end of an era for one of Las Vegas's legendary landmarks.

IT’S HISTORY - Weekly Tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

» CONTACT

Video Chapters:
0:00 History of the Riviera Casino
1:51 The Golden Age of Las Vegas
4:30 1950's Las Vegas Transformation
7:11 Construction of the Riviera Casino
9:07 The Prominence of the Riviera Casino
10:25 Downfall of the Riviera

» CREDIT
Scriptwriter - Ryan Socash,
Editor - Karolina Szwata,
Host - Ryan Socash
Music/Sound Design: Dave Daddario

» NOTICE
Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.

[mlmmt]

Nothing is sacred in Vegas, especially old hotels, always need the newest!

[Cranemanw]

We used to go to Vegas every other year and the preferred place was the Riviera. The Riviera just had that "40s" era feel to it that no other place could match. I've only been back to Vegas once since it was demolished and stayed at Planet Hollywood.

[UnckleTickle_]

I stayed at the Riviera during a friend’s wedding at Circus Circus in 1997 or 1998. It was the first time I’d been on a plane and the first time I’d ever visited the west. For whatever reason our rooms weren’t available so they put our party into two “high roller” suites for the first night and it was jaw-dropping amazing. I’d never stayed at anything that nice before. When we were issued our regular rooms the next day, though not as nice, we were not disappointed. It’s a shame that the Riviera was torn down as, at the time it seemed so nice but as you said, nothing lasts forever. I still have my memories though. Excellent video and keep up the great work! Thank you!

[ConservativeAnthem]

Having grown up in Vegas, the Riviera is remembered for having many fine concerts.

[wishgodgirl]

I got married at the Riviera Hotel so I will never forget it. Was a wonderful experience the chapel was right in the hotel and it was done very nicely. Filmed for us, surprised in the room with flowers and champagne. Beautiful memories!

[caryeastwood]

A lot of people do not know that the hotels south of Saraha Blvd on the strip are not in the city of Las Vegas (Circus Circus, MGM, Luxor, etc). They are in Clark County. The Freemont Street area hotels and The Strat are inside the city.

[sunnyscott]

I loved the Riviera. I was there when they imploded it. It was very sad.
Nothing will ever be the same on the north end of the Strip. I hate these mega-resorts they're building now.

[kenmottet]

The barbershop in the back of the Riv was operated by a msn who looked a whole lot like Wayne Newton...because he had moved from Detroit to be a Wayne Newton tribute artist. He gave me a great shave snd tuned up my pompadour.

[Photodog]

Before retirement I would go to Las Vegas a minimum of twice a year for business. Often the meetings were based at other hotels. However I always went to Rivera for the breakfast buffet.

[rbeasley]

A great presentation!! Thanks for sharing!!
Along with "Anyhow, " our most favorite It's History statement!!!

[Nolongerangry]

I was sad when they got rid of the Sands and the Dunes. So much history and great performances

[jetsons]

It seems that Vegas history is like a wisp of
Back in the 70's our family went to Vegas a lot. The 70's was the best decade for Vegas.

[chrismunoz]

I was just in Vegas for the week of the 4th and the Tropicana is about to go down as well.

[RetiredEE]

My understanding is Vegas used to be much safer, at least for the tourists.

[johnny]

Steve Schirripa (Bobby from 'The Sopranos') was entertainment director of the Riviera.

[AgentVolkat]

I was so sad when they announced the Riv's closure (and the Trop's). It was one of the few real places on the strip that still held that mob/old Vegas aesthetic. As kind of am old soul, I like that vintage feel when I visit and it seems to be fading fast. Most of Fremont Street and the remaining old and themed strip resorts still give that classic Vegas vibe, but for how much longer? Its sad a lot have just been knocked down to build more "rich, fancy, and luxurious" properties like Aria, Cosmo, Fontainebleau, Resorts World, etc that have all the same vibes and amenities. I mean they're nice, but they're just a one-and-done for me cause they're just...kinda cookie cutter modern Vegas. The Mirage property is getting drastically changed now too (RIP volcano) and I dread what will be added to the Neon Boneyard next.

[Rubster]

I still have a shirt and toiletries from the Riviera 🤩👍

[ronaldchase]

This was the first hotel/casino I ever stayed at in Las Vegas, only stayed there once but you always have fond memories of your stay and mine are no different

[tonyi]

I still have two Rivera jackets that I won in the slot machine tournaments. I also remember their Buffet was five over five stars.

[rollow]

I had never set foot in Las Vegas until
2010 & the 1st time I went, I stayed at the Riviera, that was the last time for 11 years. I was bummed when I found out that it was demolished in 2016😢