How do you rate a casino when you don't gambe?  Hmmmm....\n\nOn aesthetics?  Casino's are usually dim and little shady.  But this one isn't.  Well it is in some parts and isn't in the parts by the river.  The windows overlooking the river give you a gorgeous view.  There's even a tiny outdoor concert pavilion which I'm sure is a great time to be at when someone good is playing (is there ever anyone good playing there??).  It's like it's a bit bi-polar. \n\nI've also been into many casino's in Vegas and this one is very nice in looks but considering you can still smoke in casino's (in my opinion ban it if you want to keep it classy) you have to have the right ventilation system.  The thing that blows me away in Vegas is that most of the casinos you don't smell the smoke at all.  As soon as I walked into River's the smell of smoke hit me.  Ew.   It's new, so I'd expect it to be a better system but it's not.\n\nI also had the pleasure of going to an event here.  The space is really nice, and smartly facing the river.  It's also great to have an outdoor balcony where you get a beautiful view of the river and sunset if you're attending something in the evening.  I would have been happy spending the entire evening out there.  \n\nThe food was catered by the casino and I was not impressed at all.  The veggie tray had overly salted veggies, the grape leaves were dry and the little bites of food were all bland.  I know catering is hard when things are massed produced but I've had delicious catering before, so I know it's possible.  Maybe tonight wasn't there night... On the other hand I have heard the brunch buffet on Sundays are awesome, so I still have faith they could redeem themselves.  But we'll see...\n\nIf I ever threw a quarter in the slot machine and hit it big maybe the star rating would go up... just maybe...