Monarch Casino & Resort (MCRI) S-8 Registration of securities for employees

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-85418, 333-144253) pertaining to the Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. of our reports dated March 15, 2011, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Las Vegas, Nevada

January 25, 2012