BetRivers Poker Review: Games, Software & Rewards
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The US online poker scene has just seen a major development: as of October 31, 2024, BetRivers Poker is now live for players in Pennsylvania, with plans to expand to additional states soon.
Online poker in the US has been an under-tapped market ever since Black Friday more than a decade ago. Now, BetRivers is offering a new option for players in Pennsylvania, with plans to expand to other legal online poker states like Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, and the province of Ontario in the near future.
This review will cover everything you need to know about BetRivers Poker following its recent launch, including its history and ownership, available games, deposit and withdrawal options, and bonuses for new and returning players.
Editor's Comment
We at PokerNews feel strongly that the launch of BetRivers Poker marks a significant development for the US poker landscape.
While Run It Once Poker faced challenges in competing with international giants, we anticipate that BetRivers Poker will thrive in the smaller US market. It promises to provide players in Pennsylvania and potentially other states with a diverse range of poker options, including NLH sit&gos and PLO cash games.
With Phil Galfond at the helm, a respected figure in the poker community, we look forward to seeing how he shapes the US online poker experience with this exciting new venture.
Sign up at BetRivers Poker and get an instant Welcome Bonus!
Need more convincing? No problem - here's PokerNews Ambassador, Keith Becker to give his view:
I'm thrilled to see BetRivers Poker launch in PA, and I've already jumped into the action! The software is superb and smooth, and the built-in HeroIQ HUD and random table identities are great, intentional choices to level the playing field for recreational grinders.
Phil Galfond also has a vision to deliver industry-leading rewards to players on BetRivers, and between that and the integration with Rivers Casino for live events, I can't wait to see how they disrupt the space!
BetRivers Poker Additional Info
| Time of Launch: | October 31, 2024 |
| Areas of Launch: | Pennsylvania (then potentially New Jersey, Ontario, Michigan, Nevada). |
| Games: | MTTs and Cash Games |
| Bonus Offer: | 100% Poker Bonus Match Up to $1,000 (PA) |
| Legal Restrictions: | *Must be 18+ / Must be in state where poker is legal |
English
BetRivers Poker - What Is It and Where Has It Launched?
In this section, we’ll cover everything we know about BetRivers Poker so far, including details on its Pennsylvania launch and potential upcoming states where BetRivers may expand.
What is BetRivers Poker?
BetRivers Poker first operated internationally under the name Run it Once Poker and operated by well-known pro Phil Galfond.
In early 2022, Galfond shutdown Run It Once internationally to set sights on the US market. The same year, gaming operator Rush Street Interactive (RSI), which operates BetRivers in several US markets, bought Run It Once Poker.
"It is a very steep uphill battle in the rest-of-world markets, given how much of an advantage a poker platform with a large player base has," Galfond said at the time.
When Did BetRivers Poker Launch?
With BetRivers Poker officially launching on October 31, 2024, in Pennsylvania, the platform is now live in its first US state, marking a significant milestone for Rush Street Interactive (RSI) and US online poker.
Back in January 2024, RSI posted job listings suggesting that its Run It Once poker platform was preparing for a US debut. Later, Pokerfuse reported that RSI was collaborating with the Delaware Lottery to bring online poker to Delaware.
In another development, a spokesperson from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board confirmed to Pokerfuse that RSI was conducting a closed soft launch of BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania before its official release in October.
Beyond poker, BetRivers has a strong presence in both real money and social casino gaming. Its real money casino platform is available across various U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
These platforms offer a wide selection of slots, table games, and live dealer options. Additionally, their social casino caters to players looking for a more relaxed, non-monetary gaming experience. You can learn more about these offerings in our BetRivers Casino Review and BetRivers.net Social Casino Review.
Where Will BetRivers Poker Launch?
As noted, BetRivers Poker has officially launched in Pennsylvania as of October 2024, marking its entry into the online poker market. Additionally, there are plans for the site to expand to Delaware.
Players can also anticipate the rollout of BetRivers Poker in other states with legalized online poker operating under the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), including Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada, as well as in Ontario.
Rush Street Interactive offers RIO a lot — gaming licenses in multiple US states and other jurisdictions, large casino and sportsbook player bases, experience in building huge poker and other gaming platforms, to name a few.
Phil Galfond to PokerNews in 2022
Where to Play BetRivers Poker in the US
Let's take a closer look at where you can play BetRivers Poker in the US, including potential future states where BetRivers may look to launch.
BetRivers Poker Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is the first state where BetRivers Poker has officially launched, beginning its operations at 9 AM Eastern Time on October 31, 2024.
In September 2024, Doug Harbach, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, informed Pokerfuse that BetRivers Poker was gearing up for its October launch while “currently undergoing a closed soft launch” that was not open to the public.
Pennsylvania is already home to a handful of online poker sites, including PokerStars PA, WSOP PA, Borgata Poker PA and BetMGM Poker PA.
BetRivers Poker Nevada
Another state that could see BetRivers Poker launch is Nevada, home to the poker capital of the world in Las Vegas.
There is a small online poker market in Nevada despite it being home to Las Vegas. In fact, the online regulated poker option for players in Nevada is WSOP NV.
That said, BetRivers Poker could launch in Nevada, given that the state is a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
BetRivers Poker Michigan
Another state that could see BetRivers Poker launch is Michigan, which is a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) and home to several poker sites, including PokerStars MI, BetMGM MI and WSOP MI.
When Michigan joined MSIGA, Run It Once founder Phil Galfond told Pokerfuse that he was pleased with the development.
BetRivers Poker New Jersey
Another member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) is New Jersey, another state where BetRivers Poker could potentially launch.
Like Michigan, New Jersey is already home to several online poker operators including PokerStars NJ, BetMGM NJ and WSOP NJ.
BetRivers Poker Delaware
Another state where BetRivers Poker is expected to launch is Delaware.
In December 2023, the Delaware Lottery switched its online iGaming partner from 888Poker to Rush Street Interactive (RSI), a clear indicator that the state planned to launch BetRivers Poker.
Delaware was the first state to pass online gambling legislation in 2012.
BetRivers Poker Ontario
BetRivers Poker is likely to launch in Ontario given that Run It Once Poker previously operated in the Canadian province.
BetRivers Poker would join a handful of other operators in Ontario, including PokerStars ON, 888poker ON and WSOP ON.
It should be noted that Ontario is a segregated market, meaning players on BetRiver Poker would not be able to play with players in other states.
BetRivers Poker West Virginia
It is unlikely but still possible that BetRivers Poker will launch in West Virginia.
Online poker is legal in West Virginia and the state is a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), but there are no online poker operators in the state.
BetRivers Poker Bonuses
One of the benefits of playing on any online poker site is the bonuses and promotions they offer for new and returning players alike.
This section of the review will look at the bonuses expected to be offered by BetRivers Poker.
The BetRivers Poker Welcome Bonus
With the official launch of BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania, players can take advantage of an exciting welcome offer: a 100% Poker Bonus Match up to $1,000.
Like other sites, BetRivers Poker is offering a 100% deposit bonus for first-time users. This is a popular bonus that attracts new players by offering them plenty of value to deposit.
This approach mirrors the international strategy employed by Run It Once Poker, which previously offered a 100% welcome deposit bonus for new players. By adopting a similar model, BetRivers is well-positioned to attract and retain a strong player base.
How Does the BetRivers Poker Welcome Bonus Work?
The BetRivers Poker welcome offer features a 100% deposit match bonus on your initial deposit, up to $1,000.
Check out our step-by-step guide to claiming the bonus below, it’s as easy as signing up, making your initial deposit, and claiming your bonus funds!
How Do I Claim the BetRivers Poker Welcome Bonus?
To claim the BetRivers Poker welcome bonus, players in Pennsylvania need to follow these simple steps:
- Sign Up: Click the PokerNews link and create your account by providing the required information.
- Verify Your Account: Complete the verification process to ensure your account is secure.
- Make Your Initial Deposit: Fund your account with a qualifying deposit, matched up to $1,000, to activate the bonus.
The BetRivers Poker Loyalty Bonus/Reward Scheme
Yet another benefit to playing on online poker sites are the Loyalty Reward programs that offer value to the grinders putting in hours.
With BetRivers Poker's recent launch in Pennsylvania, specific details about its Loyalty Reward program are still forthcoming. However, it is safe to say that BetRivers Poker will offer some sort of Loyalty Reward program for players.
BetRivers Casino currently offers a loyalty scheme is called iRush Rewards that is available in four licensed states (PA, NJ, WV, and MI). The iRush Rewards scheme allows BetRivers Casino players to earn Loyalty Level Points and Bonus Store Points, which can then be redeemed to purchase rewards in the Bonus Store.
There are different Loyalty Level tiers in the iRush Rewards scheme, going from Level 1 through to 10, and there is an Elite level after that! Points are earned by wagering with real money; you will attain a higher level as you accrue more points.
How Does the BetRivers Poker Loyalty Bonus Work?
With the launch of BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania, specific details about the loyalty program will be available soon. It’s expected to operate similarly to the iRush Rewards loyalty scheme offered by BetRivers Casino, where players can earn points through their gameplay and redeem them for various rewards.
How Do I Claim the BetRivers Poker Loyalty Bonus?
While the exact process for claiming loyalty rewards will be confirmed shortly, it will likely mirror the iRush Rewards program. Players can anticipate earning points through real-money play, which they can later redeem for enticing rewards.
BetRivers Poker Review
Now that we've addressed the bonuses and background of BetRivers Poker, it's time to look at the poker site itself. This section of the review will look at BetRivers Poker in terms of software and usability, features and player pool.
BetRivers Poker Software and Usability
With the official launch of BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania, the site features a similar software and interface to its predecessor, Run It Once Poker.
Run It Once Poker was recognized for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, along with reliable software that enhanced the online poker experience.
BetRiver Poker Features
Now it is time to take a look at some of the BetRiver Poker features, including the software, built-in heads-up display and 1,500x Buyin Sit&Gos.
Run It Once Software
Run It Once Poker operated with a smooth and intuitive interface that made it popular among players internationally. Players can expect the same experience from BetRivers now it has launched in the US.
Built-in HUD - HerolQ
Heads-up displays are an essential component to online poker that allows you to track your opponent's tendencies and make optimal decisions.
Run It Once Poker made this easy with HeroIQ, a built-in heads-up display that helped players increase their win rates and improve their decision-making.
1,500x Buy-in Sit&Gos
Sit&Gos are a great tournament option for players on a time crunch, and jackpot Sit&Gos are event better.
With the launch of BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania, players can enjoy Sit & Go tournaments that include exciting opportunities to win your initial stake many times, enhancing the overall poker experience.
Large Player Pool
As noted earlier, if other states follow Pennsylvania's lead, BetRivers Poker could expand to several markets, including those within the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
That means that BetRivers Poker has the potential of operating with a large player pool that draws from several states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan and Nevada.
BetRivers Poker Mobile App Review
When it operated internationally, Run It Once Poker notably did not offer a mobile app. However, with BetRivers Poker now live in Pennsylvania, players can access the game through a newly available mobile app, allowing for convenient on-the-go play.
| Aspect | iPhone App | Android App |
|---|---|---|
| Ready to Play? | Sign Up & Play | Sign Up & Play |
| No. of Downloads | TBD | TBD |
| Regions Available | PA | PA |
| App Limitations v Desktop | TBD | TBD |
| Games Available | NLH, PLO, Mixed | NLH, PLO, Mixed |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $10 |
| Minimum Withdrawal | $10 | $10 |
| Deposit Methods | Visa, Bitcoin, & More | Visa, Bitcoin, & More |
| Rewards | Yes | Yes |
| Sign-up Bonus | Get Bonus | Get Bonus |
Key BetRivers Poker App Features
More details about the BetRivers Poker app's features are emerging as it launches in the US, with updates expected to follow soon.
3 Reasons why you need to Download the BetRivers Poker App
More information about the BetRivers Poker app's features is emerging with the site's launch in the US, and additional details will be available soon.
What Poker Games can you play at BetRivers Poker?
This section covers the variety of poker formats available on BetRivers Poker.
BetRivers Poker includes popular formats such as tournaments, sit & gos, and cash games, offering a range of options like no-limit Hold'em, Omaha, and possibly mixed games.
Play No-limit Holdem at BetRivers Poker
As the most popular poker variant, BetRivers Poker offers no-limit Hold'em as a game for its players.
Players can expect a range of no-limit Hold'em cash games and tournaments, following in the footsteps of Run It Once Poker's previous offerings.
Play Pot-limit Omaha at BetRivers Poker
Pot-Limit Omaha, or PLO, is strikingly similar to No-Limit Hold'em in that there is a small blind and big blind on the table, the action moves in the same direction, and the end goal is to make the best five-card poker hand. However, there are two main differences.
First, you receive four hole cards instead of the two received in NLHE, and you must use exactly two of those cards, combined with three of the community cards, to make the best poker hand. Second, your maximum bet size is governed by the size of the pot, hence the Pot-Limit name.
With its recent launch in Pennsylvania, BetRivers Poker includes Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) among its available games. Phil Galfond is known as a PLO specialist and it only makes sense that his site would offer it.
Following the legacy of Run It Once Poker, players can expect both cash games and tournament formats for PLO, making BetRivers Poker a go-to destination for Omaha enthusiasts.
Play Online Poker Tournaments at BetRivers Poker
BetRivers Poker features tournaments with various buy-in levels and structures. This includes multi-table tournaments (MTTs), sit&gos and satellites.
More information about BetRivers Poker tournament offerings will emerge as the platform continues to expand its launch in Pennsylvania.
Play Cash Games at BetRivers Poker
With the launch of BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania, cash games are available, offering players the chance to grind micro stakes or move up to higher levels.
As BetRivers Poker expands, more details on available cash game formats will continue to emerge.
Play Sit&Gos at BetRivers Poker
BetRivers Poker offers sit&gos, making them an ideal tournament option for players short on time.
Additionally, players can look forward to special Sit&Gos featuring a lottery system, providing opportunities to win up to 1,500x their buy-in.
As more details about BetRivers Poker's sit&gos become available, updates will be provided.
Withdrawals and Deposits at BetRivers Poker
BetRivers Poker offers a range of withdrawal and deposit options for players.
Deposits include methods such as Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe, VanillaDirect, and Bank Transfer. For withdrawals, players can use options like bank transfer, PayPal, and Skrill. As more information emerges, additional details on these payment methods will be provided.
| Operator | Deposit | Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
VISA
|
1-5 days
|
Is BetRivers Poker Legit?
BetRivers Poker is a fully regulated poker site, operating legally under the rules of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, as well as those of Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada.
Run It Once Poker was a popular platform when it operated internationally, and its founder, Phil Galfond, is widely respected in the poker community.
While BetRivers Poker has established itself as a legitimate site, we still recommend that players exercise due diligence when engaging with any online poker platform.
Is BetRivers Poker Legal?
With its recent launch, BetRivers Poker is a fully legal and regulated poker option for players in specific regions. It operates under the regulations of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board in Pennsylvania, and will similarly adhere to the rules of other jurisdictions, such as Michigan and Delaware, as it expands its reach.
Is BetRivers Poker Rigged?
As a legal and regulated online poker site, players can rest assured that the games on BetRivers Poker are fair and not rigged.
PokerNews still advises players take precautions whenever playing on an online poker site.
Play at BetRivers Poker
BetRivers Poker FAQs
Can you play BetRivers Poker for free?
Yes, BetRivers Poker offers a free play option and ways for players to win free tournament tickets.
Will BetRivers Poker have live tournaments?
BetRivers Poker will operate as an online site but could hold live promotional events at various casinos.
Will BetRivers Poker have an app?
Yes, BetRivers Poker has launched a mobile app in PA, unlike Run It Once Poker when it ran internationally.
How can I download BetRivers Poker?
BetRivers Poker is available via the iOS and Android stores to players based in PA.
Do I have to be in the US to play BetRivers Poker?
Currently, BetRivers Poker is exclusively available in Pennsylvania. While it is anticipated to launch in other states like Michigan and New Jersey in the future, there is also potential for a launch in Ontario, Canada.
Is BetRivers Poker a good site to play?
Yes, BetRivers Poker is a good site for players located in Pennsylvania and will soon be elsewhere too.
Is BetRivers Poker going to be the same as Run It Once?
BetRivers Poker will be similar to Run It Once Poker, which was purchased by Rush Street Interactive (RSI) in 2022.
Has BetRivers Poker Launched?
BetRivers Poker officially launched in Pennsylvania on October 31, 2024, and we will keep you updated on any further developments in other states.
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