The problem with the Riv is that it has seen better days and time has passed it by so to speak. It hasn't kept up with the major properties and it doesn't have an identity or theme like Circus Circus or Excalibur that allows it to attract a certain clientele even though it has gotten a little shlokky.
The real estate is too valuable for things to keep going like they are. There are too many newer and glitzier alternatives that aren't that much more expensive to stay at.
I think the Riv, along with the Sahara and Sands got hurt by the big theme hotels locating towards the other end of the strip. This end appears to be coming back though, the economy just needs to help out a little.
