BetRivers Poker has managed to position itself uniquely in the regulated US online poker landscape. The fact that it connects players from four different states (MI, PA, WV, and DE) is quite an achievement in its own right, but this is just one aspect in which this operator stands out from the rest.
Right from the get-go, guided by the principles envisioned by Phil Galfond, original creator of BetRivers Poker, the site has adopted a player-first policy. While many operators tout this type of policy, BetRivers Poker really sticks to it.
This player-first approach doesn’t stop at the low rake and frequent promotions that BetRivers Poker has become known for. The operator has also shown a willingness to go the extra mile for individual players, adding that personal touch that is generally lacking in the online poker world.
- The best online poker software in the US with the lowest cash game rake.
- Generous 100% deposit match bonus up to $1000 ($250 in Delaware)
- Now live for players in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware & West Virginia!
It’s Small Things That Count
For a while now, BetRivers Poker has been running a special promotion where players can win a special shirt by eliminating one of their Very Important Phils from a tournament (Hellmuth or Galfond). This is already a nice promo as it stands, but recently, the operator went a step further for one of its players, adding a feel-good twist.
It’s been a moment since we’ve seen a poker site go out for an individual customer like this, and it is no surprise the player in question was touched and delighted. It shows a different kind of commitment to their player base, and these things don’t go unnoticed by the community.
This wasn’t the first time BetRivers Poker went out of its way to make one of their players’ day, either. Earlier this year, one player posted on Discord that they couldn’t play Phil’s (Galfond) Main Event because they had a heart attack. Galfond himself took the time to record a short video, sending this player best wishes for his recovery and thanking him for playing at BetRivers.
A 20-second video may not seem like a lot, but it is extremely rare to see a big-shot player representing a major brand take the time to do something like this. It’s not expected or common, which only further demonstrates how BetRivers Poker is taking a detour from the usual path.
If you check out the operator’s X profile, you’ll quickly notice it’s covered in reposts from players bragging about their wins on BetRivers. The social media team is giving attention to all players, big and small, sharing in their joy and excitement, making them feel less like just another nickname behind the screen and much more like a part of a large community of actual people who love poker.
Low Rake & Non-Stop Promotions
Another aspect of BetRivers Poker’s player-first approach is evident from their rake policies. We broke down all the details in this earlier article, but, in short, the site is the least expensive to play on. Low rake percentages combined with very reasonable rake caps, broken down by different levels, help ensure players’ bankrolls last longer.
This approach represents the continuation of Galfond’s legacy. Back in 2016, he started Run It Once, a poker site for the players. He had to give up on this vision after several years, but then Rush Street Interactive, the parent company of BetRivers Poker, came along and picked things up.
On top of offering games with the lowest rake, BetRivers is also generous with its promotions. There is a never-ending stream of these, catering to all players. Happy hours, leaderboards, freeroll tickets — there is always something extra up for grabs.
When it comes to tournament guarantees, the site isn’t afraid to keep raising the bar, either. An occasional overlay doesn’t deter the team from the tried and tested approach of “)if you build it, they will come_.” BetRivers Poker has bumped up guarantees for its flagship events several times already, and they aren’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Of course, it is all business. RSI and BetRivers are in the business of making money. However, they are willing and able to look beyond profits and see those who make it all possible: players. By going the extra mile and sometimes perhaps giving up on short-term gains, they are looking to build a place where everyone feels valued and at home.
So far, they’ve done a pretty good job of it, and there are certainly some pages competitors could take from BetRivers Poker’s book to make their platforms a more welcoming environment.
