SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    Form 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

  Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934

         Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 21, 2003

                          RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
             (exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


    Nevada                  000-21430                         88-0296885
(State of                  (Commission                      (IRS Employer
Incorporation)             File Number)                    Identification No.)


2901 Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada                                                 89109
(Address of principal office)                                  (Zip code)

Registrant's Telephone number,                               (702) 794-9527
    including area code



Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

             (a) Not Applicable

             (b) Not Applicable

             (c) Exhibits


Item 9  Regulation FD Disclosure and
Item 12 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On October 21, 2003, Riviera Holdings Corporation announced through a press
release its third quarter, 2003, financial results. A copy of the press release
disclosing those results is filed as an exhibit hereto.


Exhibit 99  Riviera Holdings Corporation Press Release dated October 21, 2003

















SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this  report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: October 21, 2003                       RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION


                                                By: /s/ Duane Krohn
                                                Treasurer and CFO













































                              EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number                         Description

  99       Riviera Holdings Corporation Press Release dated October 21, 2003.