Destiny of Riviera Casino to be Decided Today

Times are tough for casinos in the States. The last couple of years have seen a number of gambling establishments close their doors for a number of reasons and Las Vegas Riviera could be the next in line. Unlike the others, however, this iconic strip-based hotel and casino is in danger of being demolished from the ground up.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that a special meeting will convene today to determine the fate of the Riviera. If the demolition proposal is approved, the casino would stop operations in August and would subsequently be taken down as part of the $2.3 million expansion plans of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Things haven’t been easy for the Riviera over the past half-decade. In and out of bankruptcy three times during that period, the casino changed owners and has seen a fair share of turmoil. Until now, the Riviera has always found a way to remain in operation.

However, this time it could be the end of the road for the casino. The Las Vegas Convention Center is in desperate need of expansion as the demand for show space has been growing every year and the Riviera seems like a perfect candidate to serve that purpose.

The latest plan would add an additional 750,000 ft. of space and give the convention center an increased presence on the Las Vegas Strip. Although it may mark the end of an era in a way, it would probably reflect positively on the Las Vegas economy in the grand scheme of things, bringing in more major trade shows eager to get a spot in the gambling center of the world.

The grand scheme may not be much consolation for some 850 people currently employed by the Riviera who could find themselves out of work if the casino shuts down. Although union representatives are claiming they are doing the best they can to protect their members, the question remains over how much they can actually do.

The fate of the Riviera should be determined today. Will it once again find a way to survive, or will the casino finally be forced to fold after a 60-year run?

Photo: www.mjworld.net