Before launching its new BetRiversonline poker platform in Pennsylvania over the weekend, Rush Street Interactive (RSI) talked to the experts.
The development of BetRivers Poker was shaped by ongoing feedback from expert poker players, including many senior leaders at Rush Street who are former professional players themselves, and collaborated with poker professional Phil Galfond.
He shared the news on his X account.
Today is the day! I’m thrilled to announce the launch of #BetRiversPoker in Pennsylvania.
We built this platform with poker players in mind every step of the way.
Check us out now, and stay tuned! I’ll share some big news in a few days 👀
— Phil Galfond (@PhilGalfond) October 31, 2024
Galfond added more context in a quote that was part of a press release announcing the new online poker option. "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 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."
The company is hoping to deliver "a unique, player-first experience designed by poker enthusiasts, for poker enthusiasts."
BetRivers Poker Features Lifelike Avatars
The platform includes unique features like Dynamic Avatars, which help players understand their opponents' play styles by changing expressions based on behavior. This offers an engaging way to analyze the competition.
Plus, the Cub3d Sit and Go Tournaments give players the chance to win up to 1500 times their buy-in quickly.
Galfond Wants Lower Rake
BetRivers Poker is set to provide one of the most competitive rake rates in Pennsylvania, offering players greater value with every hand. Galfond backed up the claim in a post on X.
In some places, rake has reached levels I never imagined when I started playing online poker.
Many players want it back where it was.
Not me.
I want it lower.
Here’s my idea: https://t.co/c2Wa4B39mBpic.twitter.com/KlHkwONVT4
— Phil Galfond (@PhilGalfond) November 3, 2024
Rake is a fee collected by cardrooms or casinos to cover the operational costs and generate revenue from poker games. Casinos may employ various methods to collect rake. Typically, it is a percentage of the pot in each hand, ranging from 2.5% to 10%, up to a specified maximum.
This fee is mandatory and applies to all participants in a pot, since poker is a player-versus-player game, where players compete against each other instead of the house.
Additionally, players can take advantage of BetRivers Poker seamless integration into the acclaimed BetRivers iRush Rewards program, where they can earn and redeem points across both online and physical venues.
Online Poker Expansion Plans in the Works
Now that it has launched in Pennsylvania, BetRivers plans to expand into more areas as part of its long-term strategy. It will start with appearances on 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.
Poker players in the Keystone State can get 100% bonus match.
Rush Street Interactive 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, and, as well as in the regulated international markets of Colombia, Ontario (Canada), Mexico and Peru.
