Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has acquired Phil Galfond’s Run It Once (RIO) poker software, making it available in the US.
In an interview, RIO founder and pro poker player Phil Galfond said the agreement took 18 months to make and wouldn’t be revealed.
RIO’s software will be integrated into RSI’s platform.
With RSI, Galfond and his colleagues have spoken with several possible partners over the last 18 months. Our honesty, ethics, fairness, and transparency values extend beyond our players. They stood out for their integrity and impartiality.
Regarding the RIO Poker platform, we’ve heard things like “if only RIO could iterate faster” and “if only RIO were bigger.”
No matter how big we are, we’re still kids. As a result, we’ve added to our current IT team professionals who have built enormous poker platforms. “I’m excited to see what we can do as a team.”
Heads-up, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey
Run It may have gone solo in America, but that would have been the most challenging approach. Run It Once can use RSI’s current gaming licenses in several jurisdictions. If regulators approve Run It Once’s software, Rush Street’s poker room might open at any time.
Because internet poker has been allowed in the US for almost a decade, there should be room for an operator like Run It Once in some areas. Just two companies have set up shop in Michigan, making it the most sought-after state.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ licensing arrangement with BetRivers, one of RSI’s powerful brands, already allows it to provide online sports betting and casino games in the state. Maybe Run It Once can outsell WSOP.com in Michigan.
With a population of 13 million vs. Michigan’s 10 million, Pennsylvania may be the primary target if Michigan does not legalize online poker. Pennsylvania has the “Big Three”: PokerStars, BetMGM, and WSOP.com. Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Delaware do not have an interstate poker network.
Due to its size (9.3 million residents) and mature online gaming business, New Jersey has been a popular location for online gambling lovers. With three of the biggest brands in online poker, it’s never had too much competition.
Run it Once won’t be available in Nevada or Delaware, which share an interstate with New Jersey. Not in Delaware, where the state’s three casinos have joined up with internet poker operators. Despite being the US gambling capital, Nevada is small and has struggled to keep more than one poker room open for years.