- The launch will connect Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia simultaneously.
- West Virginia will get its first legal online poker through BetRivers’ four-state network.
- It will mean the return of online poker to Delaware after an 18-month blackout period.
- The network could become the largest in US history if New Jersey joins later this year.
West Virginia is set to become the newest state to offer legal online poker, with BetRivers Poker confirming plans to launch a four-state network that will simultaneously connect Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and the Mountain State “very soon.”
The announcement marks a historic moment for West Virginia online poker players, who will finally gain access to regulated online poker for the first time since the state legalized it in 2019. BetRivers Poker is set to become the first operator to break new ground in West Virginia.
As reported in Poker Industry PRO on Thursday, Harry Corvese, Social Media and Content Manager for BetRivers Poker, revealed the expansion plans on the operator’s official Discord server, assuring players that the multi-state launch is soon. “I assure you, forever is not an accurate timeline for when we will be merging,” Corvese wrote in response to players asking about expansion plans. “While I can’t provide a locked-in date yet, it is coming very soon.”
The ambitious rollout plan will see BetRivers Poker simultaneously launch in Michigan, West Virginia, and Delaware and be joined with Pennsylvania, creating one of the largest online poker networks in the United States. New Jersey will follow “later in the year” once the company meets specific regulatory requirements in that state.
A Milestone for US Online Poker
This represents a significant milestone for the US online poker industry, which hasn’t seen a new state launch since PokerStars went live in Michigan in February 2021. The four-and-a-half-year gap between state launches is the longest stretch since Ultimate Poker first launched in Nevada in April 2013.
The expansion comes at a pivotal time for BetRivers Poker, which launched in Pennsylvania in October 2024. The operator has built a loyal following with its unique features, including anonymous tables, built-in HUD technology, and what it calls the lowest rake structure in the state.
Recent preparation for the multi-state launch has been evident in several moves by parent company Rush Street Interactive. The operator recently adjusted its rake structure to better accommodate different tax rates across multiple states, finding a middle ground that works across all jurisdictions.
For West Virginia, the BetRivers launch represents the end of a long wait for legal online poker. Despite legalizing online poker in 2019 and joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in November 2023, no operator had previously committed to launching in the small mountain state.
The delay has largely been attributed to West Virginia’s modest population, which makes it challenging for operators to generate sufficient revenue. However, BetRivers’ inclusion of West Virginia in its initial multi-state network demonstrates how shared liquidity agreements can make smaller markets viable.
Delaware online poker players will also benefit significantly from the launch, as it will end an 18-month blackout period that began when 888 Holdings departed and Rush Street Interactive took over as the state’s exclusive igaming provider.
BetRivers Poker Could Become Largest in the US
When BetRivers achieves its four-state network, it will match WSOP in terms of connected states. If the company successfully adds New Jersey later this year, it would become the first five-state online poker network in US history.
The timing of BetRivers’ expansion is particularly strategic, coming as Pennsylvania online poker has joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. This allows BetRivers to connect its Pennsylvania player base with other states from day one, providing the shared liquidity needed to compete with established networks.
BetRivers’ approach to online poker has set it apart from competitors since its Pennsylvania launch. The platform features the lowest rake structure in most markets, anonymous seating to prevent player tracking, and a comprehensive rewards program that returns significant value to players.
Brand ambassador Phil Hellmuth’s involvement could provide additional marketing leverage for the multi-state launch. With the WSOP Main Event approaching in early July, Hellmuth’s high-profile presence could generate significant exposure for BetRivers Poker across all markets.
The expansion timeline is up in the air, though a launch could be within the next month or two based on New Jersey’s later-in-the-year target. BetRivers has been methodically preparing for this moment, with test websites already configured for poker in all target states.
The success of BetRivers’ four-state launch could reshape the competitive landscape of US online poker. For poker players across these four states, the launch promises increased liquidity, more tournament options, and access to BetRivers’ innovative features. The multi-state network could provide the critical mass needed to support more game variants and higher stakes, benefiting players at all levels.
