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): June 27, 2002

                          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 5. Other Events

    On June 27, 2002, Riviera Holdings Corporation (RHC) through a press release
announced  that  the  Commission  of  Jefferson  County,  Missouri  has  voted
unanimously  to  endorse  Riviera's  application  for  a license to the Missouri
Gaming Commission to construct and operate a casino in Jefferson County.

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

             (a) Not Applicable

             (b) Not Applicable

             (c) Exhibits

Exhibit 99    Riviera Holdings Press Release dated June 27, 2002.

















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: June 27, 2002                           RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION


                                                     By: /s/ Duane Krohn
                                                     Treasurer and CFO













































                              EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number                         Description

  99             Riviera Holdings Press Release dated June 27, 2002.