Pennsylvania: BetRivers partners with pro Phil Galfond for its online poker platform

Thursday, October 31, 2024 10:31 AM
  • Scott Long, CDC Gaming

BetRivers today launched its online poker platform in partnership with poker pro Phil Galfond, who helped design and develop the product.

“As poker players, we designed this platform from the ground up to be for the players – all players,” Galfond said in a news release. “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.”

Galfond, who famously goes by “OMGClayAiken” online, has just shy of $3 million in live tournament winnings, according to the Hendon Mob, which tracks tournament results, and has won three World Series of Poker bracelets.

BetRivers touts the platform as “offering a unique player-first experience designed by poker players for poker players.” BetRivers Poker will have the lowest rake in Pennsylvania, though that amount wasn’t specified. Features of the platform include “dynamic avatars” that give players insights into their opponents’ play styles and Cub3d sit-and-go tournaments that allow players to win up to 1,500 times their buy-in in minutes.

The online product’s rewards will integrate with the loyalty programs at the live poker rooms in its two Pennsylvania casinos, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and Rivers Casino Philadelphia. BetRivers Poker also will be featured on RSI’s “Poker Night In America” TV series.

“Our goal is to create a seamless experience for players, bridging the gap between the BetRivers digital and Rivers Casino offerings,” Richard Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of Rush Street Interactive, said in the release. “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.”

RSI says it plans to introduce BetRivers Poker to other jurisdictions in the future.

“By integrating online and in-person poker, we’re not only enhancing the player experience, but also providing a seamless loyalty and rewards program,” Tim Drehkoff, Rush Street Gaming CEO, said in the release. “We’re committed to continuing to innovate and provide value to our players.”