Rush Street Interactive (RSI), a major player in the online casino and sportsbook space and a recent entrant into the Pennsylvania online poker market, has just announced a partnership with Phil Hellmuth, one of the most iconic figures in poker. Known as the “Poker Brat” and boasting a record 17 WSOP bracelets, Hellmuth is joining BetRivers as their new brand ambassador, promising to bring a whole new level of excitement and innovation to the brand.
We are proud to announce @phil_hellmuth is joining the BetRivers family!
The record-holder for most WSOP tournament wins is our newest brand ambassador. pic.twitter.com/rsncwEhkV6
— BetRivers Sportsbook (@BetRivers) January 13, 2025
This partnership has been a long time coming. Hellmuth has been an investor in RSI and a vocal supporter of the company since its early days, and now he’s stepping into a formal role as a brand ambassador.
Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI, is clearly excited 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.”
Schwartz also highlighted the many ways Hellmuth will be involved with BetRivers: “Phil Hellmuth’s expanded role in the BetRivers Network, including increased appearances on Poker Night in America, and his contributions to promoting our new online poker platform, will bring unparalleled excitement to our players. Additionally, his involvement with our best-in-class mobile casino and sportsbook promotional games will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.”
Hellmuth reciprocated the enthusiasm, stating: “Partnering with Rush Street Interactive and BetRivers is an exciting new chapter for me. Ever since meeting the Rush Street Interactive executive team in 2012, I have been a fan. I have been impressed with RSI’s moxie, will, and determination to build a beautiful product—an online gaming experience that people love to use and play on. Today, I am proud to announce that we will elevate our collaboration to share my experience and love of poker, gambling, and entertainment with BetRivers players and fans, both online and in person.”
Hello @BetRiversCasino! pic.twitter.com/Rf686WoIwg
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) January 14, 2025
Hellmuth’s Multifaceted Role
Hellmuth’s involvement with BetRivers will extend across multiple areas:
- Poker: Hellmuth will promote the newly launched BetRivers online poker platform, developed in collaboration with Phil Galfond‘s Run It Once Poker. This includes hosting exclusive tournaments, creating branded content, and interacting with online poker enthusiasts.
- Casino and Sportsbook: From special live dealer events to sports betting commentary, Hellmuth will lend his expertise to enhance the player experience across BetRivers’ online casino and sportsbook offerings.
- Media Appearances: As a familiar face on RSI’s Poker Night in America, Hellmuth will increase his presence on the BetRivers Network and other RSI media properties.
- VIP Experiences: Hellmuth will headline in-person and online events, including exclusive tournaments and VIP player experiences. His first major appearance will be at the Super Bowl in New Orleans alongside BetRivers VIPs.
- Brick-and-Mortar Activations: Hellmuth will participate in poker tournaments and events at Rivers Casino properties, bringing his legendary charisma to live audiences.
A History of Collaboration
Hellmuth’s connection with RSI goes back to the company’s early days. As an early investor, he played a key role in the company’s growth and later invested in dMY Technology Group Inc., the SPAC that took RSI public. Despite selling his RSI stock in 2020, he has maintained close ties with the company, leading to this exciting partnership.
Enhancing the Player Experience
Hellmuth’s involvement with BetRivers demonstrates RSI’s commitment to innovation and player engagement. This collaboration comes at a key time as BetRivers expands its poker offerings, particularly after the recent launch of its online poker platform in Pennsylvania, with plans to expand into other states, like New Jersey and Michigan, through a shared liquidity network.
BetRivers Poker: A Player-Centric Platform
In October of last year, Rush Street Interactive (RSI) launched BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania. This unique, player-focused platform was developed in close collaboration with poker legend Phil Galfond. Known for his vision of “poker by the players, for the players,” Galfond brought his expertise to BetRivers Poker, ensuring a high-quality, player-centric experience.
Galfond, the mastermind behind Run It Once Poker, played a crucial role in creating the platform. After RSI acquired Run It Once Poker in March 2022 for $5.80 Million, Galfond’s hands-on approach shaped every aspect of the platform. As Galfond himself stated, “We designed this platform from the ground up with players in mind—all players. Whether you’re a newbie playing your first hand or a seasoned pro, we focus on fairness, excitement, and rewards that actually benefit you.”
Galfond’s involvement extends beyond game mechanics to include resources for players of all levels, drawing from his experience and the success of his poker training site, Run It Once. By assembling a team of former professional players who share his passion for fairness and enjoyment, Galfond ensured that BetRivers Poker would meet the high expectations of the poker community.
The Future of Poker at BetRivers
With a career spanning decades and a reputation as one of the most entertaining figures in poker, Hellmuth’s partnership with BetRivers is poised to change the way players engage with the platform. From exclusive tournaments to VIP experiences and media collaborations, this partnership promises to deliver exciting opportunities for players across all RSI platforms. The future of poker and online gaming at BetRivers is looking bright with Phil Hellmuth on board.