Exhibit 32.1
                          RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION


                                  CERTIFICATION


In connection with the periodic report of Riviera Holdings Corporation (the
"Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2005 as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), I, William L. Westerman,
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify as of the date hereof,
solely for the purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, section 1350 of the United
States Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

1)       The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or
         15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

2)       The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.

A signed original of this written statement, or other document authenticating,
acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form
within the electronic version of this written statement, has been provided to
the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities
and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

This Certification has not been, and shall not be deemed, "filed" with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

Date:  November 10, 2005
                                        /s/ William L. Westerman
                                         ------------------------
                                         Chief Executive Officer