Rush Street Interactive has just launched online poker through BetRivers Poker, and the launch comes on the heels of the RSI acquisition of Run It Once Poker in 2022. BetRivers Poker makes its debut in Pennsylvania, with various poker games and tournaments available.

Rush Street Interactive, a major player in the online casino and sports betting industry, has officially launched BetRivers Poker, a real money poker platform for US players. This milestone follows RSI's acquisition of Phil Galfond's Run It Once Poker in March of 2022 for $5.8 million. Galfond, a well-known poker professional and founder of the original Run It Once platform, collaborated closely with RSI on BetRivers Poker, bringing years of player-first insights and innovations to the project.

With this launch, the American online poker landscape receives a significant boost, adding an eagerly anticipated option for players. The collaboration with Galfond has resulted in a platform dedicated to fairness, rewards, and engagement for all types of players, from novices to seasoned professionals.

"As poker players, we designed this platform from the ground up to be for the players - all players," Galfond stated in the official release. "I've been heavily involved in game design, promotions, policy decisions, and in building a team that sees online poker as I do. Our goal was to create a fair and rewarding experience that's exciting for everyone."

Where to play BetRivers Poker

The debut of BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania marks the first phase of RSI's multi-state rollout plan, with expansions to other regions anticipated. Pennsylvanians can now sign up for BetRivers Poker and enjoy exclusive welcome bonuses. New players are eligible for a 100% match bonus of up to $1,000 using the code: POKER.

Access to the platform is available through a desktop client compatible with Windows and Mac, and mobile apps for both iPhone and Android are slated for release in the near future. The site is designed to make the gaming experience accessible and engaging for players of all backgrounds.

Unique features and poker games

BetRivers Poker has been built with an emphasis on user-friendly innovations inspired by Run It Once Poker. Among these is the HeroIQ HUD, an integrated 'Heads-Up Display' that offers insights into gameplay patterns without the need for third-party software. Players can also benefit from randomized screen names and fair play auto-seating, which are aimed at leveling the playing field.

One of the standout features is the dynamic avatar system, which changes in response to players' in-game actions. These avatars give visual cues about opponents' play styles, adding a new layer of engagement to the poker experience. For game formats, BetRivers Poker offers a variety of options, including Sit & Go tournaments, cash games, and Multi-Table Tournaments. Also debuting on the platform are Cub3d Sit & Go Tournaments, a high-speed, spin-and-go style format where players have the chance to multiply buy-ins to as much as 1,500 times within minutes. This format promises quick thrills and substantial payout opportunities.

In Pennsylvania, BetRivers Poker aims to provide some of the smallest rake rates in the market, making it more appealing for players looking to maximize value. The platform also connects seamlessly with the iRush Rewards program, a popular loyalty scheme that spans both retail and online environments. Players earn and redeem points across various gaming options, further enhancing engagement and incentives for loyal customers.

Bridging online and retail poker experiences

An integral part of RSI's vision for BetRivers Poker is to unify online and in-person poker experiences. Through its partnership with Rivers Casinos in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, RSI is bringing new benefits to both retail and digital poker environments. This integration will allow players to access exclusive promotions and seamlessly transition between online and live poker settings.

Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI, expressed enthusiasm about this cross-channel approach. "Our goal is to create a seamless experience for players, bridging the gap between the BetRivers digital and Rivers Casino offerings," Schwartz noted. "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, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the value for players. "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," he said. "We're committed to continuing to innovate and provide value to our players."

With BetRivers Poker, RSI is charting a new course in the US online poker space, combining Galfond's player-focused insights with its own extensive resources and retail footprint. For Pennsylvania players, this new launch represents just the beginning of an experience that's expected to grow both in features and reach across the country.