BetRivers Poker may have only launched in October 2024, but it is already making substantial waves in the regulated United States online poker world. Having initially launched only in Pennsylvania, BetRivers Poker is, as of 10 June 2025, now also available to residents of Delaware, Michigan, and West Virginia, with those players able to compete across state lines thanks to shared liquidity.
This unprecedented move means the BetRiversquad-state shared liquidity is the first to link West Virginia poker to other states. It’s also just the second online poker operator to offer a four-state network, including Delaware, where it is currently the only regulated option for residents.
Pros
Highly responsive to player feedback
Aim to give 100% of rake back to players
Exceptional software (good UX)
Regular bonuses and promos
Cons
Currently no mixed games (likely to change in future)
Limited tournament formats
Editor's Comment
We at PokerNews feel strongly that the launch of BetRivers Poker marks a significant development for the US poker landscape.
One aspect we love from BetRivers is how responsive they are to player feedback. Their ethos to provide a platform that truly is for the players is not just corporate jargon, they back up their claims. Anyone can give direct feedback via
BetRivers Poker Feedback, and it's something the operator actively checks and acts upon.
Furthermore, BetRivers Poker offers a low rake, theorising that they will make back the money lost with their other (casino, sports) assets. Therefore, this makes it a no-brainer for players to play at, knowing they'll be rewarded in the form of tickets, freerolls, promos and bonuses galore!
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 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!
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!
Keith Becker
PokerNews PA Ambassador
Where Can I Play BetRivers Poker?
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.
Like every other state in the country, online poker experienced a shutout in PA following Black Friday. In October 2017, PA became one of just a handful of states to legalize online poker in their jurisdiction and has since seen several different poker operators enter the market.
It was PokerStars PA that led the way two years later, becoming the first poker operator to be legal in the state. A couple of years later, more big players like BetMGM PA and WSOP PA followed suit.
The next major change for poker in the Keystone State was the establishment of the multi-state compact. This allowed for cross-state play across the same operator, massively bolstering the joint player pool. BetRivers operates within a similar multi-state shared liquidity pool, now allowing PA players to compete against others in MI, DE and WV.
First attempts to legalize online poker in Michigan after Black Friday failed, after a 2016 bill was unsuccessful. This led the way, though, and made vital ground for another bill in 2019 to be proposed - this time it was successfully passed and online poker was legalized in MI.
COVID caused some complications with specific operators getting licences in the Wolverine State. Understandably, the county’s lawmakers were more occupied with the pandemic than gambling laws. However, as with PA, PokerStars was the first operator to go live in Michigan, launching in January 2021.
Four years later in 2025, BetRivers Poker launched in the state and combined its player pool in MI with three other states - PA, DE and WV.
Delaware is a symbolic state when it comes to poker. Known as the ‘First State,’ Delaware lived up to its nickname by becoming the first state to legalize online poker in 2012 - just one year after poker’s Black Friday.
The state stood alone in offering online poker to its residents until Nevada and New Jersey followed its example soon after. In 2014, an online partnership was signed to allow players from all three states to play against one another in a shared-liquity pool.
In December 2023, Delaware went back into a poker blackout. 888poker had been the exclusive online poker provider in the state, but decided to not renew its agreement, leaving residents without an option to play poker. That was, until, the resurrection of Run It Once, now of course rebranded as BetRivers Poker. BetRivers launched in Deleware in June 2025, cementing its place as the first (and at the time only) poker site to operate in the First State.
As with BetRiver in other states, DE players can take advantage of the multi-state compact and play against others in PA, MI and WV.
Progress in West Virginia to get online poker back up in the state was slow to say the least. The Mountain State was well behind the likes of Deleware in its efforts to legalize poker, with motivation lacking due to the smaller population.
In other states like Pennsylvania, legalizing online poker was more of an enticing prospect as the revenue generated from its 13+ million residents had a much larger potential. Alternatively, with a population of less than two million, this prospect in West Virginia was far less attractive.
That being said, in 2019 after seeing the positive revenue drawn in from neighbouring states Pennsylvnia and New Jersey (both of which had legalized online poker), the state legalized online poker. Perhaps due to the limited player pool in West Virginia, no operators were drawn to enter the market. That was, at least, until BetRivers capitalized on the opportunity and launched in WV in June 2025.
As a way to workaround the small(er) population, West Virginia was too included in the multi-state compact, sharing liquidity with PA, MI and DE, alleviating any concerns that there won’t be enough players to run a substantial amount of cash games and tournaments.
BetRivers Poker New Jersey
At the time of writing, BetRivers Poker is currently not available to play in New Jersey.
However, as a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), New Jersey is another state where BetRivers Poker is expected to launch in the not-too-distant future.
BetRivers Poker Nevada
At the time of writing, BetRivers Poker is currently not available to play in Nevada.
Nevada is another state that could see BetRivers Poker launch in the near future, with the state being the 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 only viable 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 Ontario
At the time of writing, BetRivers Poker is currently not available to play in Ontario.
However, it could be 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.
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
Speaking to PokerNews in 2022
Best BetRivers Poker Bonuses, Rewards and Rakeback Offers
Let’s get straight into the juicy stuff - the bonuses and promotions. Here, we will outline everything BetRivers Poker has to offer, including promo codes and the operator’s rakeback scheme so you can get more for your money!
BetRivers Poker Welcome Bonus
The best bonus at BetRivers Poker is the welcome bonus, and it is as generous as they come. You’ll get your first deposit amount matched 100% up to $1,000! There’s no catch, just make a deposit using the promo code ‘POKER’ and you’ll be eligible for your bonus funds.
*Note that in Delaware, the offer is the same format (100% deposit match) but the bonus is only up to $250.
State
Bonus
Maximum Bonus
PA
100% First-deposit match
$1,000
MI
100% First-deposit match
$1,000
DE
100% First-deposit match
$250
WV
100% First-deposit match
$1,000
BetRivers Poker Best Bonus: 100% Matched Deposit up to $1,000.
Eligibility: Must be in the state (PA/MI/DE/WV), new poker customers only, existing customers cannot claim the bonus but existing Sportsbook/Casino customers without a BetRiver Poker account are eligible for the bonus.
Wagering Requirements: The bonus will be released in stages, with $5 available for every $25 dollars in rake a player makes (tournaments/cash games/SitNGos).
BetRivers Poker Rewards
The BetRivers rewards programme is called iRush Rewards, and one great aspect of it is that it isn’t product-exclusive. This means whether you play BetRivers Casino, Poker or delve into the betting markets on the Sportsbook (or all three!), you’ll earn points that contribute towards the same iRush Rewards system.
We absolutely loved this about BetRivers’ iRush Rewards, as the reward to players is multiplied the more BetRivers products you use.
For poker specifically, you’ll earn a certain number of points for every $1 in rake you pay. There are different points that tally towards different things - outlined below.
$1 in rake = 4 Loyalty Points awarded
$1 in rake = 15 Bonus Store Points awarded
Loyalty points will help you move up the iRush loyalty levels. As you accumulate more Loyalty Points, you will move up in loyalty tiers and the rewards you receive will get increasingly more valuable.
Bonus Store Points, on the other hand, can be redeemed to ‘buy’ bonuses to use on real money poker on BetRivers. These are outlined below.
Bonus Store Points
Loyalty Level Required
Poker Bonus Awarded
1,000
No minimum level
$5
1,800
No minimum level
$10
4,200
iRush Level 3 (or higher)
$25
15,000
iRush Level 6 (or higher)
$100
35,000
iRush Level 8 (or higher)
$250
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
The BetRivers Poker 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. BetRivers Poker is no different. Its platform is solid and provides an easy place to navigate through the various real money poker games on offer.
There are also a tonne of intuitive features that make BetRiver Poker’s software standout from the rest.
Here are all the different features of the software that makes BetRivers Poker one of the top online poker sites right now.
BetRiver Poker Features
Legacy, top-quality software from Run It Once
Built-in HeroIQ HUD
1,500x buy-in (jackpot) Sit&Gos
Largest multi-state compact (meaning larger player pools)
Dynamic in-game avatars
Run It Once Software
While the flaw in some new poker sites is that they are initially buggy and don’t work so well as they try to iron out the creases and evolve into a top-class poker platform, this isn’t the case for BetRivers.
Run It Once Poker operated with a smooth and intuitive interface that made it popular among players internationally. Using the same, established software, players can expect an equally good 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.
Check out our list of the best poker HUDs you can use at the tables.
BetRivers Poker players get to enjoy this same luxury on the newly branded software. Like GG Poker, playing at the tables is made easier as you have opponents’ state at hand ready for you to exploit!
What’s more, acting on industry feedback BetRivers have ensured that external HUDs are not allowed on its platform. It believes this gives some players an unfair advantage, but BR’s decision to implement the HeroIQ HUD within its software offers a great compromise.
Run It Once Poker HeroIQ HUD
1,500x Buy-in Sit&Gos
Sit&Gos are a great tournament option for players on a time crunch, and jackpot Sit&Gos are even better.
With the launch of BetRivers Poker in the US, players can enjoy Sit & Go tournaments that include exciting opportunities to win your initial stake many times, enhancing the overall poker experience.
These jackpot-type Sit & Gos have become hugely popular in online poker and each site has their own version just under different branding and name. You have the likes of Twister Poker, Winamax Expresso, Spin & Gold and BetRivers also has their own version of the game. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love winning 1,500x their buy-in?
Large Player Pool
Another key feature of BetRivers Poker is the player pool. As a newcomer in the industry, you’d expect the number of players on the site to be low as they dip their toes in and test the waters. However, thanks to the four-state shared liquidity pool, you won’t find it difficult to find opponents for the tables!
Think about it. You’ve got all BetRivers players from Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware and West Virginia all playing against one another in one single player pool. That’s a potential player pool of over 26 million people across the four states!
While it might take a bit of time to rival the total number of players on the more-established sites like PokerStars, WSOP and BetMGM Poker, the potential market is there to surpass the player pools of these titans of the industry.
Pennsylvania Population: 13.08 million
Michigan Population: 10.14 million
Deleware Population: 1.05 million
West Virginia Population: 1.77 million
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Total Population of Shared Liquidity States: 26.04 million
Dynamic Avatars
We’ve already said a lot about what using the Run It Once software has brought to the new BetRivers Poker site, but this is a completely new feature.
GG Poker led the way in terms of dynamic avatars, bringing the virtual game to life. It allowed players to react to in-game situations using avatar emotes - we’ve all felt the rage of being sucked out on for a huge pot and the anger is then further fuelled by a Daniel Negreanu or Elky avatar popping up and adding salt to the wound.
They will now automatically assign each player one of eight dynamic avatars based on their preflop play. These can change as the hands unfold, and they range from emotions that express anger, passiveness and sleepiness. All of them will indicate a player’s playing style, giving an opportunity for opponents to interpret this information and take advantage.
BetRivers Poker Mobile App Review
When it operated internationally, Run It Once Poker notably did not offer a mobile app. However, players can now access games through a newly available BetRivers Poker mobile app, allowing for convenient on-the-go play.
Desktop to app connectivity is seemless, meaning you can go from one to the other playing real-money online poker and have no issues whatsoever. The app allows you to play four tables simultaneously.
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 in the future.
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.
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.
While at the time of writing, no bounty tournaments are offered, Progressive Knockouts (PKOs) are coming shortly. There are still a range of different tournament varieties to play and as the brand evolves, even more tournaments will be added to BetRivers' offering.
Another great aspect toBetRivers Poker'stournaments is their Early Bird special. While sites like GG Poker give you 'Bubble Protection' for pre-registration of a tourney (which means money back if you bubble), BetRivers gives you a 10% refund of your buy-in - paid in tournament tickets.
Play Cash Games at BetRivers Poker
At BetRivers Poker, cash games are available, offering players the chance to grind micro stakes or move up to higher levels.
At the time of writing, BetRivers Poker offers a wide selection of cash games, ranging from a $2 buy-in to $1,000. Despite being in its infancy, there are multiple tables for each buy-in level (thanks to the multi-state compact), so you won't struggle to find a game.
Another great aspect of BetRivers' cash games (and another way they look to give back to players) is the Happy Hour period. This occurs twice each day Monday-Friday, and during this time you'll earn $1 in poker bonuses for every $5 paid in rake!
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.
Buy-ins start at just $0.25, from which you can win up to $375! Other buy-in levels are $1 (win up to $1,500), $5 (win up to $7,500), $10 (win up to $15,000) and $25 (win up to $37,500). It works by each Sit&Go you enter being assigned a random prize amount. The minimum will be 2x the buy-in with the maximum being 1,500x the buy-in. You then play and if you're the last player left you'll win the allocated prize!
*For some of the larger prize multipliers, payout structures may differ. For instance, if you hit the 1,500x multiplier, 3rd place might get 20%, 2nd place 30% and 1st place 50% of the total prizepool.
Like cash games, BetRivers Poker also runs regular promos on their Sit&Gos - as shown below.
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.
Phil Hellmuth, one of poker’s most iconic figures with 17 WSOP bracelets, has joined BetRivers as a brand ambassador. Known for his larger-than-life personality at the tables, Hellmuth’s new role will bring his expertise to BetRivers’ growing poker platform.
In addition to appearing in exclusive tournaments on BetRivers Poker, Hellmuth will headlining events at Rivers Casinos and create content for BetRivers’ online casino, sportsbook, and poker platforms. He’ll also make guest appearances on Poker Night in America, adding to the show’s excitement.
Hellmuth’s partnership with BetRivers is a natural fit, given his long relationship with Rush Street Interactive, the company behind the site. With Hellmuth on board, BetRivers is poised to offer an even more dynamic experience for players, both online and in person. It’s an exciting time for poker fans to connect with a true legend in the game.
*Must be 21+ / Must be in state where poker is legal
Languages Available
English
Is BetRivers Poker Legal & Legit?
BetRivers Poker is a fully regulated poker site, operating legally under the rules and regulations of the States in which it is live.
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.
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, 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.
Do I have to be in the US to play BetRivers Poker?
Currently, BetRivers Poker is exclusively available in Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Delaware.
Is BetRivers Poker a good site to play?
Yes, BetRivers Poker is a good site for players as explained in this review.
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.
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.
Not available in Ohio
VISA
MasterCard
PayPal
Skrill
Bank Transfer
echeck
Online bank transfer
Credit Card
English