RIVIERA HOTEL & CASINO POKER ROOM REVIEW

The Riveria was one of the favorite hangouts of the boys in the original Rat Pack a testament to the level of service provided by the Las Vegas resort. Frank Sinatra would often delight guest by strolling through the casino after playing to a packed showroom and stopping to chat with players. Frank was often accompanied by pals Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford would stop at some of the blackjack table and take a turn dealing the cards to a table of speechless players. A very young “me” once watched Sammy, Dean, and Frank play high stakes craps late into the night at the Riviera casino. The resort is the finest example from this nostalgic, golden era in Las Vegas’ history, retaining enough of the old character to allow guests to experience the very spirit of those great days.

The exceptional service and attention to the comforts and wants of Riviera guest continues today. The property has been undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation that is bringing the more than 2,000 oversize guest rooms and suites up to the standards of the latest mega-resorts. Considered to be one of the current top values for your entertainment dollar in Las Vegas, visitors can’t go wrong booking their next vacation at the property. Enjoy the traditions and services that built Las Vegas into the entertainment capitol of the world.

Dining has always been a top priority at the resort and the tradition continues today with some of the same restaurants. Enjoy the flavorful dishes of Tuscan at Ristorante Italiano. Sample some of the best steaks, fresh seafood, chops and prime rib in Las Vegas at Kristopher’s Steak House. Hearty appetites will like the World’s Fare Buffet, an old style breakfast, lunch, dinner buffet that features everything from omelets made to order to five different themed stations plus a carving station. Champagne Brunch served on Saturday and Sunday. Kady’s Coffee Shop (named after a former owner’s daughter), is a 24 hour restaurant offering a full menu. The Mardi Gras Food Court has a full complement of recognizable fast food outlets-KFC, Pizza Hut, Quiznos Subs, La Salsa Mexican Cantina, Jade Dragon and Cheesesteaks Etc. There’s even a 50’s style diner, Hound Doggies. Menus for most of the restaurants can be found on the Riviera’s website.

Always known for live entertainment the Riviera continues to provide guest will some of the longest running stage shows in Las Vegas history. The Riviera’s “Splash” show closed at the end of September after a 21 year run and 7 ‘Best Las Vegas Show of the Year’ awards. Crazy Girls, La Cage and the Comedy Club continue to thrill the show going crowd. SynCity Night Club is the Riviera’s entry into the resurgence of the chic nightclub scene. Le Bistros rounds out the selections and will be joined soon by Headliners.

The large full service Riveria casino offers hundreds of modern slots including all of your favorites, popular table games, keno, and a modern Race and Sports Book featuring walls of big screen displays filled with live sporting events from around the world. There’s always plenty of action in the casino at the Riviera. Located in the main casino is the poker room and that’s where we are headed.

I’ve played poker in the Riviera poker room was many years and have fond memories of hitting two bad beat jackpots in one week a number of years ago. I spent a pleasant, relaxing afternoon visiting poker room shift supervisor Allan Solnik. I had an opportunity to sample the friendly atmosphere of the room and watch the staff in action. The Riviera poker room manager is J.C. Targon, a poker industry veteran with years of experience in Las Vegas poker rooms.

The poker room has 7 tables offering poker players Limit Hold’em with $2-$4 and $4-$8 blinds. No-limit is spread with $1-$2 blinds and a $40-$200 buy-in structure. Tournaments are offered daily as follows. A 10:00 AM No-limit Hold’em tournament with a $44 buy-in and an optional $3 add on has just been added to the schedule and goes ever day. Sunday through Friday at 1 PM and 8 PM a $55 buy-in No-limit Hold’em tournament is offered with seating limited to fifty players. Tournament registration begins one hour before the start time and must be done in person, no call ins. Players receive $1,500 in tournament chips and play fifteen minute rounds. The top three finishers split the prize pool with 50% going to the winner, 30% to second place and the remaining 20% for third. The Riviera poker room recently held a special event tournament and awarded the winner with a seat in the 2007 WSOP main event. Additional WSOP seats will be offered through special added tournaments. Complete details are available by calling the poker room direct at 702.794.9620.

A High hand promotion runs continuously and lucky players receiving listed high hands can take home up to $500 in bonus cash. Players currently receive $3.00 snack bar comps and soon will qualify for comps awarded on hourly play. The room is working out the details of the coming comp policy that will use the Riviera’s player card system to track play time and accumulation of comp credits. Details will be available in the near future so be sure to sign up for your Riviera’s Player’s Club Card. Poker players can qualify for a great casino room rate on accommodations. Check with poker room staff for details and availability. Easy self parking in the garage makes the trip into the Riviera’s poker room quick and effortless. Valet parking is even closer, just follow the signs.

Plan your next visit to Las Vegas and include a stay at the Riviera. Experience the personal touch from the resorts friendly staff. Relax by the pool, get rejuvenated at the spa, enjoy the live entertainment and play poker in one of the friendliest rooms in Nevada. Be sure to check out the Riviera’s website for the Internet specials.