BetRivers Poker—a collaboration between BetRivers’ parent, Rush Street Interactive (RSI), and respected poker pro Phil Galfond—launched yesterday in Pennsylvania.
RSI said the launch of its “highly anticipated” proprietary online poker platform, which offers players a “unique player-first experience designed by poker players, for poker players,” marks a “significant milestone” in its overarching poker strategy.
In the announcement, RSI highlighted Galfond’s influence, calling his “deep involvement” a key differentiator for the platform.
As a professional poker player and industry innovator, Galfond brings invaluable insight into the game, ensuring the platform is finely tuned to meet the needs of poker players at every level.
Galfond echoed the sentiment and stated that BetRivers Poker is for all players.
As poker players, we designed this platform from the ground up to be for the players – all players. From the amateur playing their very first hand to the sophisticated pro, everyone was kept in mind as we focused on fairness, excitement, and generous rewards that truly benefit the player. I’ve been heavily involved in the game design, promotions, and policy decisions, and, more importantly, in building an incredible team that sees online poker the way I do.
Platform Built By and For Poker Community
BetRivers Poker has been in the works since 2022, when RSI acquired Galfond’s Run It Once Poker and said it intended to add player-versus-player poker to its US strategy. In late September, Pennsylvania’s regulator revealed it had approved the platform, but RSI had not yet shared a launch date.
While developing the platform, RSI relied on “continuous real-time feedback” from real-life poker players, including Galfond and its senior leadership team. According to the release, the hands-on, expert involvement has “ensured every feature” authentically serves the poker community.
Per RSI, the resulting platform offers innovative features and game varieties for all skill levels, including cash games plus sit & go and multi-table tournaments. Examples of BetRivers Poker’s innovative features include Dynamic Avatars, which provide real-time insights into competitor play styles, and Cub3d Sit and Go Tournaments (SNGs). In the latter, players can win up to 1,500x their buy-in.
RSI also highlighted BetRivers Poker’s low rake as “among the lowest” in Pennsylvania and said it gives players “more value with every hand.”
As noted by PlayUSA, BetRivers Poker is unique because it offers its lowest rake on the smallest stakes, which contradicts the industry norm.
Typically, online poker sites charge a higher percentage rake to lower-stakes players, similar to Vegas’s lower RTP penny slots. However, the consequence is that players never win enough on micro-stakes games to move up to higher stakes.
Seemingly, the philosophy is to take a loss on micro stakes to feed low-to-mid-stakes play.
Integrated Approach Creates ‘Seamless’ Experience
In addition to low-rake and new features, BetRivers Poker players will benefit from integration with the operator’s iRush Rewards program. The cross-vertical integration allows BetRivers casino, poker and sportsbook users to earn and redeem points online and at Rivers properties.
RSI also collaborated with the poker rooms at Rivers Casinos in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to connect online and in-person play. The company said this omnichannel approach adds value to Rivers’ poker community while benefitting all players, online or live.
In an email to Bonus, BetRivers Poker’s marketing director, Jesse Wilke, outlined the impact on retail and online players.
BetRivers Poker and the Rivers Casino poker rooms in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have joined forces to enhance the poker experience by linking rewards and promotions across online and in-person play. BetRivers online poker players can redeem their iRush Rewards bonus store points for rewards at either of the Rivers Casino properties in Pennsylvania. Likewise, players at the Rivers Casinos can use their Rush Rewards points to earn online bonus store points that are redeemable for rewards at BetRivers.
With the new Rush Rewards loyalty link players can link their players card online. This link opens up exclusive ways to transfer points between Rivers Casino and BetRivers. Rewards include a variety of items including dinner comps at the casinos restaurants or points can be redeemed online in the exclusive BetRivers bonus store. BetRivers will be having events and promotions at both of the Rivers Poker Rooms too, including meet and greets with Phil Galfond.
In the release, RSI CEO Richard Schwartz said the goal is to offer a “seamless experience” by bridging the gap between digital and retail offerings.
By aligning with Rush Street Gaming’s strong retail presence, we are able to leverage our combined strengths to offer a truly unique poker experience that benefits players and drives growth across our entire portfolio.
Rush Street Gaming (RSG) CEO Tim Drehkoff agreed and added that BetRivers Poker’s launch reinforces RSG’s commitment to offering guests extensive gaming options.
By integrating online and in-person poker, we’re not only enhancing the player experience, but also providing a seamless loyalty and rewards program. We’re committed to continuing to innovate and provide value to our players.
New States, Wider Audience on the Horizon
BetRivers Poker’s association with the well-known RSI-owned Poker Night in America (PNIA) series will help extend the new platform’s reach. Thanks to that relationship, BetRivers Poker branding will feature across PNIA platforms, including social media, streaming, and TV broadcasts.
RSI expects the enhanced exposure will introduce BetRivers Poker to a new, wider poker audience.
While initially focused on Pennsylvania, RSI said its long-term strategy to “become the premier destination for online poker” sees BetRivers Poker expanding into new jurisdictions.
However, Wilke told Bonus over email exactly where and when remains under wraps.
We are so excited to have launched the BetRivers online poker platform in Pennsylvania and while we do plan to expand into additional jurisdictions as part of RSI’s poker strategy we are not at this time sharing timeline nor market specifics. We look forward to more states joining the MSIGA as shared liquidity means larger prize pools, better game availability, and an all-around better user experience. With its innovative features, strong partnerships, and a commitment to putting the player first, BetRivers is set to become the premier destination for online poker.
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