Rush Street Interactive (NYSE: RSI) has announced an exclusive partnership with poker legend Phil Hellmuth, holder of 17 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, as their new brand and content partner. The collaboration will integrate Hellmuth across BetRivers’ platforms and media properties, offering unique experiences in casino, sportsbook, and poker verticals.
The partnership includes exclusive themed events, Live Casino Dealer hosting, sports betting commentary, and VIP experiences including Super Bowl attendance in New Orleans. Hellmuth will also headline events at BetRivers’ land-based casino partners and feature prominently in the BetRivers Network, including appearances on Poker Night in America.
The collaboration will support RSI’s recently launched online poker platform, developed with Phil Galfond, through dedicated tournaments and branded content. CEO Richard Schwartz emphasized Hellmuth’s role in expanding offerings and elevating player experiences across platforms.
Rush Street Interactive (NYSE: RSI) ha annunciato una partnership esclusiva con la leggenda del poker Phil Hellmuth, detentore di 17 braccialetti delle World Series of Poker (WSOP), come nuovo partner per il marchio e i contenuti. La collaborazione integrerà Hellmuth nelle piattaforme e nei media di BetRivers, offrendo esperienze uniche nei verticali del casinò, delle scommesse sportive e del poker.
La partnership prevede eventi esclusivi a tema, hosting per i dealer del casinò dal vivo, commento sulle scommesse sportive e esperienze VIP, compresa l’opportunità di partecipare al Super Bowl a New Orleans. Hellmuth sarà anche il protagonista di eventi presso i casinò partner di BetRivers e avrà un ruolo di primo piano nella rete BetRivers, comprese le apparizioni su Poker Night in America.
La collaborazione sosterrà la piattaforma di poker online recentemente lanciata da RSI, sviluppata con Phil Galfond, attraverso tornei dedicati e contenuti a marchio. Il CEO Richard Schwartz ha sottolineato il ruolo di Hellmuth nell’espansione delle offerte e nel miglioramento delle esperienze dei giocatori su tutte le piattaforme.
Rush Street Interactive (NYSE: RSI) ha anunciado una asociación exclusiva con la leyenda del póker Phil Hellmuth, poseedor de 17 brazaletes de las World Series of Poker (WSOP), como su nuevo socio de marca y contenido. La colaboración integrará a Hellmuth en las plataformas y propiedades de medios de BetRivers, ofreciendo experiencias únicas en casino, apuestas deportivas y póker.
La asociación incluye eventos temáticos exclusivos, hosting de crupieres de casino en vivo, comentarios de apuestas deportivas y experiencias VIP que incluyen la asistencia al Super Bowl en Nueva Orleans. Hellmuth también encabezará eventos en los casinos terrestres socios de BetRivers y será una figura prominente en la Red BetRivers, incluidas sus apariciones en Poker Night in America.
La colaboración apoyará la plataforma de póker en línea recientemente lanzada por RSI, desarrollada con Phil Galfond, a través de torneos dedicados y contenido de marca. El CEO Richard Schwartz enfatizó el papel de Hellmuth en la expansión de las ofertas y la mejora de las experiencias de los jugadores en todas las plataformas.
러시 스트리트 인터랙티브 (NYSE: RSI)는 포커 전설필 헬무스와 독점 파트너십을 발표했습니다. 그는 17개의 세계 포커 시리즈 (WSOP) 브레이슬릿을 보유하고 있으며, 새로운 브랜드 및 콘텐츠 파트너로 활동하게 됩니다. 이 협업은 헬무스를 BetRivers의 플랫폼 및 미디어 속성에 통합하여 카지노, 스포츠 베팅 및 포커 분야에서 독특한 경험을 제공합니다.
파트너십에는 독점 테마 이벤트, 라이브 카지노 딜러 호스팅, 스포츠 베팅 해설 및 뉴올리언스에서의 슈퍼볼 참석을 포함한 VIP 경험이 포함됩니다. 헬무스는 또한 BetRivers의 오프라인 카지노 파트너 이벤트의 헤드라이너 역할을 하고 Poker Night in America와 같은 베트리버스 네트워크에서 두드러지게 랜더됩니다.
이번 협업은 필 갈폰드와 함께 개발한 RSI의 최근 온라인 포커 플랫폼을 지원하며, 전용 토너먼트 및 브랜드 콘텐츠를 통해 진행됩니다. CEO 리차드 슈워츠는 헬무스의 역할이 플랫폼 전반에 걸쳐 오퍼링을 확장하고 플레이어 경험을 향상시키는 데 중요하다고 강조했습니다.
Rush Street Interactive (NYSE: RSI) a annoncé un partenariat exclusif avec la légende du poker Phil Hellmuth, détenteur de 17 bracelets des World Series of Poker (WSOP), en tant que nouveau partenaire de marque et de contenu. La collaboration intégrera Hellmuth sur les plateformes et médias de BetRivers, offrant des expériences uniques dans les domaines du casino, des paris sportifs et du poker.
Le partenariat comprend des événements thématiques exclusifs, l’animation de croupiers de casino en direct, des commentaires sur les paris sportifs et des expériences VIP, y compris la participation au Super Bowl à La Nouvelle-Orléans. Hellmuth sera également en tête d’affiche d’événements dans les casinos terrestres partenaires de BetRivers et apparaîtra de manière proéminente dans le réseau BetRivers, y compris des apparitions dans Poker Night in America.
La collaboration soutiendra la plateforme de poker en ligne récemment lancée par RSI, développée avec Phil Galfond, grâce à des tournois dédiés et du contenu de marque. Le PDG Richard Schwartz a souligné le rôle d’Hellmuth dans l’expansion des offres et l’amélioration des expériences des joueurs sur toutes les plateformes.
Rush Street Interactive (NYSE: RSI) hat eine exklusive Partnerschaft mit Pokerlegende Phil Hellmuth bekannt gegeben, der 17 Armbänder der World Series of Poker (WSOP) gehalten hat, als neuen Marken- und Inhaltspartner. Die Zusammenarbeit wird Hellmuth in die Plattformen und Medien von BetRivers integrieren und einzigartige Erfahrungen in den Bereichen Casino, Sportwetten und Poker bieten.
Die Partnerschaft umfasst exklusive Themenveranstaltungen, Live-Casino-Dealer-Hosting, sportliche Wettkommentare und VIP-Erlebnisse einschließlich der Teilnahme am Super Bowl in New Orleans. Hellmuth wird auch als Hauptredner bei Veranstaltungen der stationären Casino-Partner von BetRivers fungieren und in der BetRivers-Netzwerk prominent vertreten sein, einschließlich Auftritten bei Poker Night in America.
Die Zusammenarbeit wird die kürzlich gestartete Online-Poker-Plattform von RSI unterstützen, die mit Phil Galfond entwickelt wurde, durch spezielle Turniere und markenbezogene Inhalte. CEO Richard Schwartz betonte die Rolle von Hellmuth bei der Erweiterung des Angebots und der Verbesserung der Spielerfahrung über alle Plattformen hinweg.
Positive
- Partnership with high-profile poker champion enhances brand visibility and credibility
- Integration across multiple verticals (casino, sportsbook, poker) expands revenue opportunities
- VIP events and experiences could drive customer acquisition and retention
- Strengthens recently launched online poker platform
Insights
The partnership with Phil Hellmuth represents a strategic but modestly impactful marketing initiative for Rush Street Interactive. While Hellmuth’s 17 WSOP bracelets and high-profile status in the poker community bring credibility, celebrity endorsements typically generate tangible financial impact in the highly competitive online gambling space. The deal’s primary value lies in content creation and VIP engagement rather than direct revenue generation.
The integration across RSI’s platforms – including BetRivers Network, casino, sportsbook and poker verticals – suggests a comprehensive approach to leverage Hellmuth’s brand. However, similar ambassador deals in the gaming industry have shown mixed results in driving sustained user acquisition or meaningful revenue growth. The partnership’s success will largely depend on execution quality and integration with RSI’s existing marketing infrastructure.
From an operational perspective, this partnership aligns with RSI’s multi-vertical strategy but faces notable market headwinds. The online poker segment remains challenging in the U.S. due to state-by-state legalization and fierce competition from established operators. While Hellmuth’s involvement may boost the recently launched poker platform collaboration with Phil Galfond, the immediate revenue impact is likely to be modest.
The focus on VIP events and brick-and-mortar activations indicates RSI is targeting high-value player retention rather than mass-market acquisition. This approach is strategically sound given the high customer acquisition costs in the online gambling sector, but may limit the partnership’s overall revenue potential. The Super Bowl activation represents an interesting touchpoint but seasonal events typically drive temporary engagement spikes rather than sustained growth.
Hellmuth to Bring His Bigger Than Life Personality Exclusively to Rush Street Interactive
CHICAGO, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rush Street Interactive, Inc. (NYSE: RSI) (“RSI”), a premier online casino and sports betting operator, is thrilled to announce a new exclusive partnership with Phil Hellmuth, the world-renowned professional poker player and record-holder for the most World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament wins. Known as one of the most skilled gamblers in the world, Hellmuth will join the BetRivers team as a brand and content partner bringing his unparalleled expertise and charisma to deliver a variety of exciting and exclusive player experiences and entertainment across RSI’s Casino, Sportsbook, and Poker verticals, as well as throughout RSI’s media-owned productions such as the BetRivers Network and our long-running Poker Night in America poker show.
Hellmuth’s legendary career has made him one of the most recognizable figures in the poker world. With an unmatched 17 WSOP bracelets, he has cemented his status as a skilled gambler, captivating gambling audiences with his pride, passion, and larger-than-life persona. Beyond his accolades, Hellmuth’s engaging presence and entertaining personality have inspired countless fans and players worldwide.
This partnership will see Hellmuth integrated across RSI’s platforms and media production properties, delivering a mix of thrilling entertainment and engaging player opportunities.
Highlights of the partnership will include:
- In-App Promotions: Exclusive themed casino, sportsbook, and poker events and challenges for players to test their skills and enjoy unique rewards.
- Interactive Entertainment: Hellmuth will host Live Casino Dealer events, provide sports betting commentary, and lead interactive sessions for players and fans. He will also participate in unique engaging poker events with VIPs.
- VIP Events and Experiences: Appearances at in-person and online VIP tournaments and events, offering players a chance to compete with, be entertained by, and learn from one of poker’s greatest. In the upcoming weeks, VIPs will have the opportunity go to the Super Bowl in New Orleans with the poker legend.
- Brick-and-Mortar Activations: Hellmuth will headline events at BetRivers land-based casino partners, creating unforgettable moments for attendees. In the coming months, Hellmuth will be participating in various tournaments at our casino partners including Rivers Casino and Little River Casino.
- BetRivers Network Collaborations: Hellmuth will play a prominent role in RSI’s entertainment media property, BetRivers Network, including appearances on flagship poker show production Poker Night in America, exclusive streaming events, and other branded activations. Be on the lookout for upcoming shoots and promotions including Hellmuth’s signed legendary BetRivers hat.
- BetRivers Online Poker: Dedicated tournaments and exclusive branded content designed to captivate online poker enthusiasts and casual players alike. Including, promoting RSI’s recently launched online poker platform developed in collaboration with acclaimed poker professional Phil Galfond.
“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,” said Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive. “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. His 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.”
“Partnering with Rush Street Interactive and BetRivers is an exciting new chapter for me,” said Hellmuth. “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. First up, I will attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans with BetRivers VIP players!”
This partnership reinforces RSI’s dedication to delivering premium content, unforgettable events, and dynamic entertainment experiences for its players. By aligning with Hellmuth, RSI continues to solidify its position as a leader in the online casino, sportsbook, and poker industries.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. RSI’s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, RSI’s expectations about its arrangement with Hellmuth, what RSI’s anticipated offerings and benefits arising from that arrangement will include and its future performance with respect to that arrangement. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside RSI’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, changes in applicable laws or regulations, unanticipated product or service delays, and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in RSI’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and in RSI’s other filings with the SEC. RSI cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. RSI cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. RSI does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
About Rush Street Interactive
RSI is a trusted online gaming and sports entertainment company focused on markets in the United States, Canada and Latin America. Through its brands, BetRivers, PlaySugarHouse and RushBet, RSI was an early entrant in many regulated jurisdictions. It currently offers real-money mobile and online operations in fifteen U.S. states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia, Arizona, New York, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio and Delaware, as well as in the regulated international markets of Colombia, Ontario (Canada), Mexico and Peru. RSI offers, through its proprietary online gaming platform, some of the most popular online casino games and sports betting options in the United States. Founded in 2012 by gaming industry veterans, RSI was named the EGR North America Awards Customer Services Operator of the Year five years in a row (2020-2024), the 2022 EGR North America Awards Operator of the Year and Social Gaming Operator of the Year, and the SBC Latin-American Awards 2024 Casino Operator of the Year and 2021 Sportsbook Operator of the Year. RSI was the first U.S.-based online casino and sports betting operator to receive RG Check iGaming Accreditation from the Responsible Gaming Council. For more information, visit www.rushstreetinteractive.com.
About Phil Hellmuth
Phil Hellmuth is one of the most celebrated poker players in history, holding a record-breaking 17 World Series of Poker bracelets. Known for his competitive spirit, engaging personality, and entertaining presence, Hellmuth is a global ambassador for poker and remains a dominant force in the game.
Contacts
Media:
lisa@lisajohnsoncommunications.com
Investors:
ir@rushstreetinteractive.com
FAQ
What does Phil Hellmuth’s partnership mean for RSI (NYSE: RSI) customers?
RSI customers will get access to exclusive themed events, Live Casino Dealer sessions, sports betting commentary, and VIP experiences including opportunities to attend the Super Bowl with Hellmuth.
How will Phil Hellmuth contribute to BetRivers’ online poker platform?
Hellmuth will help promote RSI’s new online poker platform through dedicated tournaments and exclusive branded content.
What in-person events will Phil Hellmuth participate in for BetRivers?
Hellmuth will headline events at BetRivers’ land-based casino partners, including Rivers Casino and Little River Casino, and participate in various tournaments.
How will Phil Hellmuth be involved in BetRivers Network content?
Hellmuth will appear on the Poker Night in America show, participate in exclusive streaming events, and create branded content for the BetRivers Network.