The Riviera Casino Ends Storied 60-Year Run

As planned, the Riviera on the Las Vegas Strip ended its 60-year history on Monday at noon. The casino was bought by city officials who are going to turn it into a section of the $2.3 billion Las Vegas Global Business District project.

In other words, the property is going to become convention space. Thousands of additional jobs reportedly will be created by re-purposing the space and helping draw more people to Las Vegas, which relies less on gambling revenues these days.

In February, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors voted in favor of buying the Riviera for more than $180 million.

In addition to being Las Vegas’ first high-rise casino, the Riviera was the backdrop in a number of popular movies, including “Casino”, “Ocean’s Eleven”, and “The Hangover”.

The Riviera was once home to a six-table poker room, but it closed in 2013.

“We greatly appreciate the expressions of fondness and loyalty for ‘The Riv’ from our guests since ground first broke in 1954 and through the years,” the casino said in a statement. “[…] We want to acknowledge and applaud our associates who have worked to create enduring memories for all of our guests. This is what will be remembered long after the walls have come down.”

The casino apparently closed up shop in a way that wasn’t what as spectacular, or as memorable, as some of its best moments throughout the decades.

Announcement: "may I have your attention please, the Riviera is officially closed." I still see a few people playing slots. #Riv60

— J.D. Morris (@thejdmorris) May 4, 2015

The casino’s sports book was apparently doing better minutes before closing, though.

Less than 30 minutes until the Riviera closes and plenty of folks are still hanging out in the sportsbook. #riv60 pic.twitter.com/gWwq3sqCdv

— J.D. Morris (@thejdmorris) May 4, 2015

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