- Dynamic Avatars visually reflect player behavior and discourage third-party tracking.
- Built-in HeroIQ HUD provides real-time stats, a unique feature in the US market.
- SNG Select offers both classic and randomized lottery-style prize tournaments.
- Cash games feature auto-seating and fixed buy-ins.
BetRivers Poker has significantly broadened its presence in the regulated US online poker market, going live on Tuesday morning in three new states: Michigan, West Virginia, and Delaware.
Having launched its online poker platform just eight months ago in Pennsylvania (October 2024), BetRivers Poker has quickly grown to operate in four states — and it is not stopping there. The operator is expected to go live in New Jersey later this year, which would make it the first online poker network to span five US states.
Despite being a relatively new entrant in the space, BetRivers Poker has already earned praise for several standout features, including a low rake structure, generous welcome offers and rewards, and market reach. But perhaps its biggest selling point is its software.
- 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!
Poker fans may recognize the platform powering BetRivers Poker, which is the same software developed for Run It Once Poker, founded by high-stakes pro Phil Galfond about eight years ago. Known for its innovative features and player-friendly design, the software quickly earned respect across the industry.
Under the new ownership of Rush Street Interactive (RSI), the software has not only retained many of those beloved features but has also evolved in meaningful ways. It now supports both desktop and mobile apps; previously, it was desktop-only and has expanded beyond cash games and lottery-style sit & go’s to include multi-table tournaments (MTTs).
In this article, we will highlight the key software features that make BetRivers Poker stand out from its competitors in US online poker.
1) Dynamic Avatars:
One of the most distinctive features of the BetRivers Poker platform is its innovative Dynamic Avatars system. This adds a fun and unique dimension to online poker by displaying player avatars that change expressions based on their recent playing style.
The avatars feature eight different facial expressions, including moods like “asleep,” “passive,” and “angry.” For example, a player on a winning streak might have a cheerful, celebratory avatar, while a player on a losing streak could display frustration or disappointment. Players who adopt a very tight, cautious style might be shown with the “asleep” expression, whereas aggressive players are represented by the “angry” avatar.
Beyond adding entertainment value, this feature also aims to discourage the use of third-party tools such as Heads-Up Displays (HUDs), helping to preserve a fair and balanced gaming environment.
2) Built-in HUD HeroIQ
The site also features an optional built-in Heads-Up Display (HUD) called HeroIQ. HeroIQ provides three key pre-flop statistics—VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot), PFR (Pre-Flop Raise), and 3-Bet percentages—that are widely regarded as essential metrics in third-party HUD software.
The VPIP and PFR stats are prominently displayed next to each player’s avatar at the table, including the user’s own. These statistics are color-coded with a heat map ranging from green to red, enabling quick and intuitive reading of player tendencies. When hovering over the stats, players can see the 3-Bet percentage, two additional gauges, and the total number of hands tracked.
While the Dynamic Avatars provide a visual personality for players’ styles, HeroIQ offers clear, numerical insights to help players make informed decisions.
Notably, BetRivers Poker is currently the only operator in the regulated US online poker market to offer this kind of built-in HUD functionality.
3) SNG Select
SNG Select is BetRivers Poker’s unique spin on the popular lottery-style sit and go format. It features two types of three-handed, winner-takes-all tournaments: Classic and Cub3d, both sharing the same player pool.
The Classic version follows a traditional format, where players compete for a fixed prize determined by the total prize pool minus the rake. On the other hand, the Cub3d variant adds a twist: the prize pool is randomized, offering players a chance to win between 2x and 1500x their buy-in.
Cub3d tournaments also include an exclusive feature called “Glitch,” which randomly awards bonus prizes, even to players who don’t finish first. This adds an extra layer of excitement and reward potential, making SNG Select stand out from other sit and go formats.
4) Auto Seating & Fixed Buy-in
BetRivers Poker uses a blind lobby system for its cash games, employing auto-seating and fixed buy-ins to streamline gameplay and enhance fairness. Players simply select their stakes and are automatically placed at an available table, seat selection is not permitted, limiting the ability to target specific opponents.
Buy-ins are fixed at 100 big blinds, ensuring consistent stack sizes across the table. This setup is designed to promote responsible bankroll management for both recreational and professional players.
With this system in place, BetRivers Poker is currently the only operator in the regulated US market offering a true blind lobby experience with both auto-seating and fixed buy-ins.
