Past President, PTHA

Biography: Born in Pennsylvania, Riviello majored in Marketing and Business Administration at Temple University. An owner-operator of restaurants since 1949, he was also the owner of Rite Buy Beer Distributor in Springfield, Pennsylvania.

Riviello raced at Parx as LaBet, Inc. and was actively involved in the breeding and ownership of Thoroughbreds since 1965. Elected as the Vice-President of the National HBPA twice, he was named their Man of the Year in 1989.

During the years that Riviello served the PTHA, he and the Board of Directors worked together to gain a new first floor, new director’s room, horsemen’s cafe, clubhouse with box seats, sports bar, Cotillion Room, a 6% sales tax repealed, the no live racing – no simulcasting live racing agreement, due process and arbitration guaranteed by contract, newly renovated paddock and walking ring, as well as trophies and blanket races for owners.

A highlight of his Presidency was when Governor Ed Rendell signed the Gaming Bill, House Bill 2330 on July 5, 2004 which permitted slot machines at the race tracks. Riviello retired in 2007 after serving eight terms as PTHA President.