
Phil Hellmuth, one of poker’s most recognizable faces, is now a brand ambassador for BetRivers, the flagship online brand of Rush Street Interactive (RSI). Though nicknamed the “Poker Brat” for his table antics and occasional tantrum, Hellmuth’s skill at live poker is indisputable, with a record 17 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets to his name.
As part of the partnership, Hellmuth will participate in various promotions, experiences, and entertainment. That includes promoting BetRivers Poker, RSI’s poker platform, which debuted in Pennsylvania in November. In addition, he will be a key part of BetRivers Sportsbook, BetRivers Casino, and retail RSI property promotions. In a press release, Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive, shared his excitement about the partnership:
Phil Hellmuth is a living legend whose influence extends far beyond the poker table to all gamblers, and we are excited to welcome him to the BetRivers family. Phil’s unmatched passion, dynamic personality, and flair for entertainment make him the perfect ambassador as we continue to expand our offerings and elevate player experiences across our platforms.
Hellmuth called the partnership an “exciting new chapter” and announced one of his first involvements will be attending the Super Bowl on February 9 with BetRivers VIP players.
Highlights of Hellmuth-BetRivers Partnership
Phil Hellmuth will take part in many BetRivers events and experiences, including:
- In-App promotions: The Poker Brat will be the face of exclusive casino, sportsbook, and poker promotions, challenges, and events.
- BetRivers online poker: As an advocate for BetRivers Poker, Hellmuth will be part of dedicated tournaments and exclusive branded content.
- Interactive entertainment: Hellmuth will commentate on sports betting, host live dealer casino events, and participate in poker events with BetRivers VIP players. He will also host interactive sessions for players and fans.
- VIP experiences: Hellmuth will participate in online and in-person VIP tournaments and events.
- Land-based casino events: He will headline events at land-based Rivers Casino properties and partner casinos like Little River Casino.
- BetRivers network: Hellmuth will appear in various BetRivers Network productions, including the flagship poker show Poker Night in America.
Is one Phil not enough?
Some might wonder why RSI tapped Hellmuth as an ambassador when it already has another famous Phil in poker: Phil Galfond. After all, BetRivers Poker is the result of a collaboration between RSI and Galfond, who developed Run It Once Poker. After shuttering its European operations, that platform was acquired by RSI in 2022 and forms the basis for BetRivers Poker.
We can speculate that it’s because of Hellmuth’s larger-than-life persona and his longstanding fame in the US live poker scene, dating back to the poker boom years of the early 2000s. The 17-time WSOP winner craves the spotlight and is known for his dramatic entrances at the WSOP Main Event, and equally dramatic meltdowns that sometimes accompany his exits. In previous years he has shown up to WSOP events dressed as Julius Caesar, Thor, and even a Tesla Cybertruck. Few poker viewers will forget his expletive-filled rant after losing at the 2021 final table. Love him or hate him, Hellmuth’s controversial and highly visible nature could be essential for raising awareness of a new platform like BetRivers Poker.
By contrast, Galfond, despite having won an impressive three WSOP bracelets of his own, is known for his humble and reserved demeanor. Though he’s widely respected in the poker world, his quieter personality makes him less known to casual players and fans. Galfond was BetRivers Poker’s first ambassador and still features prominently on the site’s home page, but Hellmuth is an aggressive self-marketer and some of that visibility will presumably carry over to BetRivers.