More options for poker players
When Rush Street Interactive (RSI) bought Phil Galfond’s Run It Once Poker in 2022, everyone knew the eventual goal was to create a US multi-state online poker network. Last November was the first step, when the company launched the renamed BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania. And now Rush Street has announced a major expansion, as BetRivers Poker has gone live in Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia, creating the fourth interstate online poker network in the United States.
“The launch of a unified cross-state player pool significantly enhances the BetRivers Poker experience,” said RSI CEO Richard Schwartz in a Tuesday statement. “By expanding the network, we’ll bring more players to our tables, offer a wider variety of games, and raise the stakes with larger tournament prize pools. We’re thrilled to strengthen our poker footprint and deliver best-in-class competition and community-driven play across multiple states.”
Welcome to the party
The interstate network launch is notable for several reasons. BetRivers is now potentially a major player in the US online poker industry that has been dominated by PokerStars, WSOP Online, and BetMGM. It doesn’t have the brand recognition that the others do, but the combination of Phil Galfond’s presence and fingerprints and Phil Hellmuth’s ambassadorship could draw in both pros and casual players alike.
The BetRivers Poker network also brings onboard two states that have long been ignored: West Virginia and Delaware. BetRivers is the first online poker room to launch in West Virginia, despite online poker being legal in the state for years.
Delaware was one of the first states to offer online poker, with three sites linked to the state’s racinos, powered by 888. But when the Delaware Lottery switched its iGaming provider from 888 to Rush Street Interactive in late 2023, online poker shut down after a decade. Now Delaware online poker is back and players can immediately enjoy shared liquidity.
The BetRivers network is also now tied with WSOP Online for the largest in terms of states, both with four. WSOP Online covers Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, while BetRivers links Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Delaware. And the kicker: BetRivers plans to expand into New Jersey later this year, making it the first five-state network and potentially the largest in terms of players (potentially – people will still have to sign up and play).
“As poker players, we built this platform for the players – all of them,” said Phil Galfond. “From brand-new poker players to seasoned pros, we focused on fairness, fun, unique features, and meaningful player rewards. I’ve been involved from day one to help shape BetRivers Poker into a platform that delivers the best possible player experience.”
The post BetRivers Launches Interstate Poker Network, Gives West Virginia Its First Online Poker Room appeared first on Poker News Daily.
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