Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has introduced a brand new take care of Phil Hellmuth that may see the 17-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner turn into a model and content material companion.
The firm mentioned Hellmuth will convey “his unparalleled expertise and charisma to deliver a variety of exciting and exclusive player experiences and entertainment” throughout the corporate’s on-line on line casino, sportsbook, and poker platforms. He’ll additionally play a serious position in RSI-owned productions such because the BetRivers Network and Poker Night in America.
“The new ambassador deal with BetRivers is a long time coming!” Hellmuth informed Card Player. “I have been waiting for over 10 years for the right partner for a ‘front of hat deal’ for me in the online space. Many companies have approached me for the last 12 years, and I was close to signing with some other massive online casinos/poker rooms. BetRivers was the right fit for me.”
Sponsorship History
When it involves sponsorship offers, Hellmuth is not any stranger to representing various manufacturers and has parlayed his “Poker Brat” persona into some profitable offers all through the years.
During the poker increase of the 2000s, he was an envoy for Ultimate Bet. He in the end left a short time after the corporate was embroiled in a dishonest scandal. UB in the end ceased operations in 2011.
As a end result, he was a high free agent for on-line poker websites, however by no means signed a brand new deal. He did, nonetheless, endorse loads of different manufacturers, a few of which had little to do with poker and even playing.
At occasions Hellmuth has resembled a Nascar driver, sporting quite a few sponsored patches on his monogrammed clothes. (There was additionally that point he really dressed like a Nascar driver and crashed a racecar.) The 60-year-old has repped companies and merchandise starting from the Aria Casino in Las Vegas, to the Bitcoin Latinum cryptocurrency platform, to the Luxon Pay e-wallet, to the Breinfuel vitality drink.
In 2008, Hellmuth and his iconic quotes appeared on 12 million cans of Milwaukee’s Best Light beer cans. In 2015, he received a bunch of display screen time because the face of a hamburger industrial for Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s.
Hellmuth has additionally authored 4 books, whereas serving because the host of the World Poker Tour’s ‘Raw Deal’ section. In current years, Hellmuth has additionally served as an adviser to a number of corporations.
The new take care of RSI/BetRivers, which launched a U.S. on-line poker product in Pennsylvania in November with plans of additional growth, will see Hellmuth concerned with selling the model, internet hosting stay on line casino seller occasions, offering sports activities betting commentary, making appearances at in-person and on-line tournaments, headlining occasions at land-based casinos, showing on Poker Night in America, and extra.
“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,” RSI CEO Richard Schwartz mentioned. “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.”
Hello @BetRiversCasino! pic.twitter.com/Rf686WoIwg
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) January 14, 2025
Hellmuth has been closely concerned with enterprise pursuits over the past decade and has not shied away from his ambitions in poker and past, telling Card Player in 2022 that his numerous offers have put him on the trail to changing into a billionaire by the point he’s 75.
Hellmuth beforehand was an investor in dMY Technology Group, which was a part of a reverse merger with Rush Street Interactive in 2020. He provided Card Player some feedback on the deal and his involvement with the corporate.
Card Player: How does it really feel so as to add a web based poker sponsorship once more?
Phil Hellmuth: Partnering with Rush Street Interactive and BetRivers is an thrilling new chapter for me. Ever since assembly the Rush Street Interactive government crew in 2012, I’ve been a fan. I’ve been impressed with RSI’s moxie, will, and willpower to construct a ravishing product – a web based gaming expertise that folks love to make use of and play on.
Today, I’m proud to announce that we are going to elevate our collaboration to share my expertise and love of poker, playing, and leisure with BetRivers gamers and followers, each on-line and in particular person.
First off, I will likely be taking seven BetRivers VIPs to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Then, I’ll meet with BetRivers VIPs in Philadelphia at Rivers Casino, and in Chicago at Bet Rivers Casino. Folks, search for many extra enjoyable and thrilling integrations!
CP: What makes you excited in regards to the deal?
PH: BetRivers is a publicly traded firm with a valuation of $3.15 billion. It’s additionally in a bunch of states in America, in addition to in some provinces in Canada, and likewise we now have a presence in South America – Mexico, Colombia, and Peru – the place we’re exhibiting sturdy development and hopefully quickly in Brazil.
CP: What was your historical past with the corporate?
PH: I’ve identified the CEO and co-founder Richard Schwartz for a few years. In reality, I used to be part of the corporate that took RSI out in a SPAC (particular goal acquisition firm). I really discovered RSI for our SPAC. Niccolo de Masi was SPAC CEO, Greg Carlin was the CEO on the time. Greg is co-founder as effectively.
They paid me $1.5 million for connecting them: introducing them, vouching for each side, and serving to foster relationships that result in the general public itemizing of RSI by means of our DMY Technology Group (SPAC). Greg and Niccolo are improbable folks and businessmen. Niccolo remains to be on the board.
CP: What will likely be your involvement with Poker Night in America?
PH: I’ve been a companion with RSI in capturing PNIA for a few years. Now, we’re taking the connection to the following degree! We will likely be capturing PNIA in March at Thunder Valley Casino.
