The U.S. online poker market has basically had three operators since the country took a state-by-state approach a little over a decade ago. That changed Thursday with the launch of BetRivers Poker from Rush Street Interactive (RSI) in Pennsylvania.
The unveiling comes after RSI purchased Run It Once Poker in 2022 from high-stakes poker pro Phil Galfond. The company now plans to expand into additional jurisdictions as part of RSI’s long-term approach.
“This ground-breaking launch marks a significant milestone in RSI’s broader poker strategy, offering a unique player-first experience designed by poker players, for poker players,” the company noted.
Galfond Ket In Designing Platform
BetRivers Poker was designed using continuous real-time feedback from players and an experienced senior leadership team, many of whom are former poker pros, RSI noted.
Galfond worked as part of the team and brought his own insight to ensure the platform is a fit for poker players at every level.
“As poker players, we designed this platform from the ground up to be for the players – all players,” Galfond said. “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.”
According to RSI, BetRivers offers several game formats, including cash games, sit-n-go’s, multi-table tournaments, and more. The platform is also introducing “Dynamic Avatars,” which provide real-time insights into opponents’ playing styles.
“These avatars dynamically adjust their expressions based on the opponent’s behavior, offering an intuitive and engaging way to read the competition,” the company notes.
Omnichannel Approach
Rush Street is the company behind Rivers-branded casinos in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Illinois, and New York. The poker product will be linked to the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia casinos, offering additional rewards and promotions that connect online and brick-and-mortar play.
“This launch reinforces our commitment to offering Rivers Casino’s guests a wide variety of gaming options,” Rush Street Gaming CEO Tim Drehkoff said. “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.”
In 2022, Rush Street also purchased Poker Night in America (PNIA) and plans on incorporating that brand in the approach to poker. BetRivers Poker will appear across PNIA’s platforms, including social media, streaming, and the television show.
RSI isn’t the only new player in the American online poker industry. DraftKings also recently launched its own tournament-style pla in Michigan and Pennsylvania.