Potential 2024 RIO Poker Launch Could Revolutionize US Market

Summary:

• Run It Once could launch in the US in 2024
• At the moment, the US regulated online poker market is controlled by the WSOP, PokerStars, and BetMGM
• RIO’s launch will encourage competition and could shake up the market, especially with its innovative features

With shared liquidity gaining momentum in the US after West Virginia joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), poker enthusiasts are looking forward to more exciting developments in the US regulated online poker market.

The entry of a new online poker site will be welcome news for players and the industry as a whole, and it won’t be long before this happens, with a new platform likely to make its debut in the US by next year.

We’re talking about Run It Once (RIO), the online poker site founded and launched in 2019 by American poker pro Phil Galfond. It is now owned by Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive (RSI) following an acquisition deal in 2022.

Innovative Features Will Make RIO Standout

For quite a long time now, the US regulated online poker market has been controlled by three major operators – WSOP, PokerStars, and BetMGM. These brands already have a proven track record in offering real-money online poker given their long experience in the industry, but for US online poker to truly flourish, the market must become more competitive. RIO’s launch will help make that happen.

RIO, the brainchild of a passionate and highly-accomplished poker pro, could shake up the US online poker landscape with its innovative and distinct features. The platform is not entirely new as it already operated in the international market for almost three years.

RIO is expected to join the US online poker market in 2024, potentially launching first in New Jersey and Michigan and then expanding to Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Its parent company RSI already operates online casinos in these four states.

While Galfond eventually decided to terminate RIO’s global operations after struggling to keep pace with rivals, some of the site’s unique features quite made a mark, such as SNG Select, Splash the Pot, a built-in HUD called HeroIQ, and the Legends rewards scheme.

While he no longer has ownership control over RIO, Galfond still has a key role at the site, remaining involved in all product/feature and policy decisions. This means RIO could bring to the US the same innovative features it offered when it was still operating in the global market.

RIO Could be the Game Changer

RIO’s entry into the US online poker scene will encourage competition and innovation in the market, resulting in improved gaming experience for players and industry growth. Customers will have expanded options, especially in terms of games, tournament structures, and stakes.

Furthermore, the launch of a new online poker site like RIO will contribute to the US economy by generating tax revenue and creating more jobs.