BetRivers Poker launched its online platform Thursday in Pennsylvania, as poker pro Phil Galfond flipped over its first winning hand – an entire operation.
The international poker star, who became part of the Rush Street Interactive (RSI) lineup when it acquired his Run It Once Poker in 2022, has unveiled a platform for poker players, by poker players.
RSI made the launch of its highly anticipated Pennsylvnia online poker platform official on Halloween.
Galfond is considered one of the best pot-limit Omaha players in history. He garnered World Series of Poker bracelets in 2008, 2015, and 2018. Galfond is often mentioned with the likes of industry giants like Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu.
Platform input provided by pro poker players
BetRivers Poker was crafted through continuous real-time feedback from those who know the game best, including the experienced senior leadership team. Many of them are former professional poker players.
Their hands-on involvement has ensured that every feature, from game variety to the reward systems, serves the poker community authentically, RSI officials indicated in a release.
A key differentiator of BetRivers Poker is the deep involvement of Galfond—not just as an ambassador, but as a vital partner in its design and development.
As a professional poker player and industry innovator, Galfond brings invaluable insight into the game. He ensured the platform is finely tuned to meet the needs of poker players at every level.
In the release, Galfond stated:
“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,” said Phil Galfond. “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.”
Innovative features and game variety
BetRivers Poker offers a comprehensive suite of game formats. That includes cash games, sit & go tournaments, and multi-table tournaments (MTTs), catering to players of all skill levels.
The platform also introduces unique features like Dynamic Avatars, which provide players with real-time insights into their opponents’ play styles. These avatars adjust their expressions based on the opponent’s behavior, offering an intuitive and engaging way to read the competition.
Additionally, the Cub3d Sit and Go Tournaments (SNGs) allow players to win up to 1,500x their buy-in in minutes.
Expanding reach with omnichannel poker
RSI’s collaboration with the poker rooms at Rivers Casinos in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia enhances the poker experience for retail players. It offers additional rewards and promotions by connecting online and in-person play, the company says.
Retail players can enjoy integrated rewards and seamless transitions between digital and live poker environments, making it easier to engage and play across both platforms. This omnichannel approach adds value for Rivers Casino’s poker community while offering all players the benefits of playing both online and live. Rush Street Interactive CEO Richard Swartz added in a press release:
“We are incredibly excited about the launch of this platform. Our goal is to create a seamless experience for players, bridging the gap between the BetRivers digital and Rivers Casino 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.”
Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street Gaming, added:
“This launch reinforces our commitment to offering Rivers Casino’s guests a wide variety of 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.”
Low rake, iRush Rewards add appeal
According to RSI, BetRivers Poker will offer among the lowest rake in Pennsylvania, giving players more value with every hand.
PlayUSA noted that BetRivers Poker contradicts industry norms by offering the lowest rake on small stakes.
BetRivers players also benefit from poker’s integration into the award-winning iRush Rewards program. There they can earn and redeem points across both digital and retail properties. This cross-vertical integration highlights RSI’s dedication to delivering value across all gaming verticals, including online casinos and sports betting. RSI expects poker to drive a substantial overall revenue uplift.
Poker Night in America connection leads future expansion
BetRivers Poker’s reach will be expanded through its association with the well-known Poker Night in America (PNIA) series, owned by RSI. BetRivers Poker will appear across PNIA’s platforms, including social media, streaming, and its TV show, with plans to increase its presence over time.
This exposure will help introduce BetRivers Poker to a broader audience of poker enthusiasts. It can leverage PNIA’s established reach and influence in the poker community.
The BetRivers online poker platform has initially launched in Pennsylvania. RSI has plans to expand it into additional jurisdictions as part of its long-term strategy. 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.
