Run It Once Poker To Launch In The US Hints Phil Galfond

Summary:

• Galfond’s recent tweet gave out some exciting details on RIO’s potential launch in the US
• RSI will keep the RIO brand when it launches online poker in the country
• RIO could go live first in Michigan and New Jersey

Phil Galfond finally gave an update as to the status of Run It Once (RIO), the online poker site he founded in 2018 that was later acquired by online gaming operator Rush Street Interactive (RSI).

In a recent conversation with a follower on Twitter, Galfond hinted that Run It Once is likely to retain its name once RSI launches online poker in the US.

RIO Launching Soon in the US

Galfond launched RIO in 2019. The site served the international player pool for three years before it closed down in 2022 to shift to the regulated markets in the US. The platform was purchased by RSI for $5.8 million to expand its gaming portfolio. The Chicago-based company previously announced plans to launch online poker in the US but never released a timetable.

But with Galfond’s tweet over the weekend showing player patches bearing the name “Run It Once Poker, Powered by BetRivers”, it has become clearer that RSI could roll out online poker in the US soon whilst keeping the RIO brand.

Yeah, we’re running low.

Got plenty of v2 though: pic.twitter.com/CeQsF0GG0n

— Phil Galfond (@PhilGalfond) March 25, 2023

The US online poker market is currently dominated by three operators – BetMGM Poker US, WSOP US and PokerStars US. Should RSI proceed with plans to enter the market, it would need to attract a decent number of players to keep up with its competitors, and retaining the RIO brand will help make that happen.

The RIO brand remains popular among a lot of players, mainly because of its association with Galfond who is a prominent figure in the world of poker. Galfond’s fans and those who have come to love the RIO platform will most probably sign up.

Potential States For RIO Launch

Now that it’s almost 100% certain that RIO will go live in the US in the near future, the big question is, where could it launch first?

New Jersey and Michigan will most likely be on the list given that BetRivers is already operational in both states. They are also part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).

RSI could also launch RIO in Delaware – if it secures an online poker contract with the state which begins in November. It is competing with 888 for that massive deal.

RSI could also be targeting Pennsylvania given its huge market size, though it remains a segregated market. RIO could go live there joining PokerStars PA, BetMGM PA, and WSOP PA.