BetRivers Set to Enter Pennsylvania’s Online Poker Market

Rush Street Interactive's BetRivers brand is set to become the newest player in Pennsylvania’s online poker market after receiving regulatory approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). The brand passed all necessary tests late last month, signaling its readiness to go live. However, despite clearing these hurdles, the official launch date for BetRivers' online poker platform remains unknown, leaving players in the Keystone State waiting to join.

 

BetRivers Gears Up for Launch

BetRivers’ entry into the Pennsylvania market is highly anticipated by poker enthusiasts, as it will become the fifth online poker operator in the state. The brand will join an already competitive market, which includes established names like BetMGM, Borgata Poker, PokerStars, and WSOP. For online poker players, this means more variety, more promotions, and potentially a greater overall playing experience.

Although BetRivers has passed PGCB’s regulatory protocols, it has yet to list an online poker option on its Pennsylvania website. PlayUSA reached out to Rush Street Interactive (NYSE: RSI) to clarify when players might expect to see the platform go live, but no definitive timeline has been shared.

PGCB Director of Communications Doug Harbach emphasized that adding a new operator to Pennsylvania’s online poker space is a positive development. “As with growth in all online gaming sectors, gamblers continue to look for more options in the variety of games,” Harbach told PlayUSA, underscoring the excitement around the brand’s pending debut.

 

Stringent Testing Before Approval

Launching an online poker site in Pennsylvania involves a lengthy and rigorous process to ensure the platform is ready for public use. According to Harbach, BetRivers had to pass several stages of testing and inspections, which can take weeks to complete. “This process … involves work ‘behind the scenes’ that can last for weeks, culminating in controlled multi-hour test periods to allow real play and wagering to occur prior to providing an approval to offer the site 24/7,” Harbach explained.

These tests ensure that the platform operates smoothly, that its security measures are in place, and that it provides a fair playing field for users. Only after these conditions are met will the PGCB give final approval for BetRivers to operate its online poker platform continuously.

 

Pennsylvania’s Online Poker Market and Recent Trends

Pennsylvania’s online poker market has been active since 2019 and continues to grow, albeit with some fluctuations in revenue. In August 2024, the state's four existing online poker operators generated $2.2 million in revenue. This was a decline of 8.9% compared to August 2023, and a drop of approximately $70,000 from July’s revenue. June 2024 fared better, with $2.4 million in revenue, though year-on-year losses for that month were more pronounced at 25.4%.

Despite these downward trends, industry analysts are optimistic about the future. The disparity between 2024 and 2023 revenue figures has gradually shrunk from June to August, signaling a potential stabilization in the market. The upcoming launch of BetRivers could provide a timely boost to these numbers, offering more competition and likely attracting new players to the platform.

Harbach remains positive about the overall trajectory of online poker in the state. He believes that as players become more comfortable with gambling online, they will continue to flock to these platforms. “Patrons interested in participating online has grown significantly as they become more comfortable gambling online and trusting that the sites [offering] games that are fair and reliable,” he said.

BetRivers’ entry is expected to further diversify Pennsylvania’s online poker scene. Players in the state will soon have five distinct platforms to choose from, each offering its own bonuses, loyalty programs, and unique features. While the launch date is still pending, BetRivers’ arrival is considered a win for the state's poker community.

Once live, the platform will likely draw in players with promotions similar to what BetRivers offers in its sportsbook and casino sectors. The addition of a new competitor could also incentivize existing operators to improve their offerings, benefiting consumers.

 

 

The Future

While Pennsylvania poker players await the official launch of BetRivers, the brand’s approval by the PGCB marks a significant step forward. For now, it remains to be seen when the platform will officially go live. As BetRivers prepares to enter the market, industry experts believe it will contribute to increased competition, potentially spurring revenue growth in a market that has shown mixed results in recent months.

With online poker already generating millions for Pennsylvania, the addition of BetRivers is poised to offer new opportunities for both players and the state’s growing online gaming industry.