Phil Hellmuth Becomes a BetRivers Ambassador Months After Selling Stake in Firm

Posted on: January 14, 2025, 10:27h. 

Last updated on: January 14, 2025, 10:39h.

Poker legend Phil Hellmuth is joining BetRivers, the digital sports betting and online casino of Rush Street Gaming, as a brand ambassador.

Phil Hellmuth BetRivers Rush Street
Poker legend Phil Hellmuth poses for a publicity photo in part of his new partnership with BetRivers. The online gaming firm is owned by Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive, a subsidiary of Rush Street Gaming. (Image: BetRivers)

Hellmuth, 60, has more World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets than any other player in history. His 17 bracelets are highlighted by his 1989 win of the WSOP Main Event, which delivered him a first-place check of $755K.

A BetRivers release on the partnership said Hellmuth will work with the interactive gaming platform to “deliver a variety of exciting and exclusive player experiences and entertainment” across the Rush Street Interactive (RSI) portfolio.

Phil Hellmuth is a living legend whose influence extends far beyond the poker table to all gamblers, and we are excited to welcome him to the BetRivers family,” said Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive. “Phil’s unmatched passion, dynamic personality, and flair for entertainment make him the perfect ambassador as we continue to expand our offerings and elevate player experiences across our platforms.”

Rush Street Interactive runs online sports betting in 15 states — Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The BetRivers Online Casino, which includes internet poker, is available in Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. 

Hellmuth Returns to RSI 

In 2020, Hellmuth, affectionately known as “The Poker Brat” by his legions of fans, invested $300K in RSI’s initial public offering. Last summer, Hellmuth announced he had sold off his entire stake, citing “macroeconomics” for his divesture.

Hellmuth’s selloff came after RSI announced it was ending its affiliate program, or revenue-sharing agreements with iGaming and sports betting content websites that direct traffic to such platforms. Six months later, Hellmuth is entering a new relationship with the BetRivers and Rush team.

“Ever since meeting the Rush Street Interactive executive team in 2012, I have been a fan. I have been impressed with RSI’s moxie, will, and determination to build a beautiful product — an online gaming experience that people love to use and play on. I am proud to announce that we will elevate our collaboration to share my experience and love of poker, gambling, and entertainment with BetRivers players and fans, both online and in person,” Hellmuth said.

Hellmuth’s first task as BetRivers’ newest brand ambassador is a most envious one, as the poker pro will attend Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans with BetRivers VIPs. The BetRivers Sportsbook has the Detroit Lions favored to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy at +280. The Kansas City Chiefs are next at +350 and Philadelphia Eagles are third at +400. 

Partnership Details 

BetRivers sponsoring Hellmuth will bring the poker superstar, whose career live cash winnings are north of $30 million, to the platform’s live dealer studio where he’ll host events and lead interactive sessions for players and fans.

Hellmuth will also appear in person and online at BetRivers poker tournaments. And with RSI behind “Poker Night in America,” Hellmuth will assume “a prominent role” with the cable television and online streaming production.

Other celebrities with BetRivers partnerships include NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, poker pro Phil Galfond, and New York sports broadcasting icon Mike Francesa.