BetRivers Sportsbook Review

BetRivers is one of the top sportsbooks in the US, and after completing my review, I can completely understand why. The platform has some of the best live streaming available with a sports betting site, providing HD-quality coverage of a wide range of sports. The odds are competitive, and both the mobile and desktop platforms are easy to use and powerful.

Of course, every sportsbook has its flaws, and BetRivers is no different. I found some elements of the site’s customer support are pretty confusing, and there are some limitations on payment methods. However, these are small flaws and don’t take away from the fact this is one of the top sportsbooks in the US. To learn more about what this sportsbook offers and where it is available in the US, read my complete review below. 

About BetRivers

Rush Street Gaming is a popular gambling operator in the US that launched in the 1990s and operates dozens of entertainment properties nationwide. Rush Street Interactive is the online arm of Rush Street Gaming and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. This company is the driving force behind BetRivers Sportsbook, which takes its name from the popular Rivers casino brand owned by Rush Street Gaming. Previously, BetRivers was known as PlaySugarHouse in some US states. 

BetRivers Mobile Experience

The BetRivers mobile app is a fast and simple platform that allows players to make bets on the go. I picked up how to use the platform within minutes thanks to the clear navigation tab at the bottom of the screen, with options like “Promotions”, “Support”,  and “Betslip”. Finding different sports is easy, thanks to the expandable tab on the left of the screen. Odds load in seconds, making this an excellent choice for in-play bettors. 

If I didn’t want to download the app, I could visit BetRivers through my mobile browser. The platform is built on HTML5 technology, meaning it adapts to any device’s screen size. This optimization works very well, with menus shrunk into expandable tabs to simplify navigation. Odds and markets may load a little slower than the app, but it offers pretty much the same features as the mobile app.

BetRivers Desktop Experience

The BetRivers desktop site matches the quality of the mobile platform, giving bettors a choice of how they want to play. It uses the same format many platforms use, with popular markets in the middle and a list of sports on the left. However, I enjoyed that BetRivers makes it simple to find its unique features, with tabs for live streaming and its special odds boosts.

Navigation is simple, and markets are clear thanks to the blue, yellow, white, and gray color scheme. Features like live streaming and in-play betting work just as well on desktops, thanks to the powerful platform.

One unique feature of the BetRivers desktop site is the “Newsfeed” on the right of the screen, where you can see recent wins from other customers. I thought this was a nice touch that adds a more social element to the sportsbook, although some players may feel it clutters the screen. 

BetRivers Welcome Bonuses

Many sportsbooks will offer welcome bonuses to new customers to encourage them to sign up by providing chances to test out the platform without risking as much money. Many welcome bonuses also allow you to walk away with a profit. 

Following this page’s links, players can redeem a second chance bet worth up to $500. I found this a simple promo to claim. After entering the promo code “SPORTS” while signing up, I made a deposit that met the minimum of $10. Then, I placed a first bet of up to $500. When the bet was lost, the sportsbook rewarded me with bonus bets equal to my stake. BetRivers allows players to withdraw any profits from bonus bets, although this doesn’t include the bonus bets’ value. 

BetRivers Mobile Registration Process

Online sportsbooks must ask new customers for a range of personal information to keep them safe. However, BetRivers makes this process as easy as possible, and in my experience, you can register within a few minutes. Follow my simple step-by-step guide below to see how:

  1. Download the BetRivers app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 
  2. Open the app, allow it to access your geolocation services, and tap the “Join Now” button. 
  3. Enter the state where you are playing, and create a screen name and password for your new account. You will also need to provide an email.
  4. Enter a promo code to claim the welcome bonus. You can find the BetRivers promo code right here on this page.
  5. Provide your name, address, date of birth, and gender. You’ll also need to answer a security question of your choice and enter your mobile number.
  6. BetRivers will request you enter the last four digits of your Social Security Number. This information won’t be shared and is used to verify your identity. 
  7. Agree to the terms and conditions, and decide if you want to enable strong authentication to finish your account creation. 
  8. Go to the cashier section and choose to deposit. Select a deposit method, enter the required information, and confirm your first transaction.
  9. Browse through the markets at BetRivers and tap the odds of one to add it to your bet slip. Choose how much to stake and tap to confirm your bet.
  10. If your bet is a winner, return to the cashier section and choose to withdraw for instructions on how to get your money. 

BetRivers Account Verification

As with all US sportsbooks, BetRivers asked me to verify my account before giving me full access to all its features, like withdrawals. This is a safety measure designed to protect players from fraud and underage gambling. Luckily, BetRivers made it simple to complete the process. The site requested that I provide copies of identification documents through its on-site portal or email. Here are some of the documents often needed to complete the process:

  • Photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or another formal ID)
  • Proof of address (a recent utility bill)
  • Proof of payment method used (a bank statement or photo of your credit card)

After completing this process, I had to wait a few days for confirmation that my account had been verified. During this time, I could still deposit and place bets. Once the verification was complete, BetRivers assured me I wouldn’t have to verify my identity again, and I could withdraw.

Another additional security measure at BetRivers is its geolocation requirements, which are standard for US sportsbooks. Every state has different sports betting laws, so the platform needs access to location services to prove players are playing in a state where sports betting is legal. I was prompted to activate this as soon as I launched the app. 

BetRivers Payment Methods

I was pleased to see that many of the most trusted payment providers in the gambling industry are supported by BetRivers Sportsbook. Bank cards like Visa and Mastercard and online banking options are available. I could also make payments using e-wallets like PayPal and Venmo or more gambling-specific options like Play+. The sportsbook also supports PayNearMe deposits, which allow players to visit retailers like Walgreens and make cash deposits online. I was disappointed that no mobile-specific options like Apple Pay are available, but overall, the options are solid. 

Minimum deposits and withdrawals are standard $10 for most payment methods. There are only four ways to withdraw in most states, which is disappointing. Online banking, Play+, Venmo, and PayPal are all available for withdrawals. In my experience, BetRivers has some of the fastest withdrawals in the US, with PayPal, Play+, and Venmo transactions often completed within hours. Online banking requests take a more standard three to five days. 

You can also make deposits and withdrawals with casino cage cashiers at partnered land-based casinos in some states. 

BetRivers Betting Features

Many sportsbooks will cover the same markets and payment methods, so I always look at betting features to help find what makes each operator special. BetRivers has a few features that caught my eye, including its Quick Same-Game Parlay Picks. The mobile sportsbook will generate same-game parlays for popular events, which I could add to my bet slip with a tap. It’s a minor feature, but I often backed these markets.

One of the best features of BetRivers is its massive range of live streaming options under the dedicated “Live Streaming” tab. I found dozens of daily events I could watch while placing bets, including international soccer, tennis, hockey, and basketball. This is one of the most extensive ranges of live streaming I’ve seen at a US sportsbook and is perfect for fans of European sports.

Additionally, BetRivers supports a loyalty program called iRush Rewards. I was automatically enrolled in this free program when I signed up, and I could earn loyalty points by placing bets. I could then use these loyalty points to claim bonuses like bonus bets alongside real-life rewards in the Bonus Store. 

BetRivers Sports and Markets

I was impressed with the range of sports available at BetRivers, with well over 20 sports supported. As you’d expect, all the major league sports are backed with a huge range of options. However, I was impressed with the niche sports options, including floorball, surfing, and more. Here are some betting options available with the most popular betting sports at BetRivers. 

Football

Every bet type you can imagine for NFL betting is available with BetRivers Sportsbook. Each preseason, regular season, and postseason game will have moneylines, point spreads, totals, player props, and team props all available.

Basketball

Basketball is one of the most fast-paced sports in the world, and you’ll find a huge range of in-play markets for every NBA game. Odds update on mobile and desktop within seconds, so you can always get the latest prices. Global basketball fans can also find live streaming of the Euroleague and other popular competitions.

Baseball

Long-term bettors will have everything they need with the BetRivers app, with the sportsbook supporting a range of future wagers. I was impressed that before the MLB season starts, there are a range of odds boosts available on futures.

Hockey

BetRivers has a range of promotions for existing players, which can boost betting on the NHL. I found promos like parlay boosts and parlay protection, which I could add to my NHL wagers for free. Hockey fans interested in European leagues can use live streaming to watch games while they place bets. 

BetRivers Customer Support

While BetRivers mobile is an excellent platform that runs without issues, some players may encounter problems or just need guidance. That’s why the sportsbook has a range of support tools. When I visited the “Help Center”, I found a range of FAQs sorted into helpful categories. I could also search for specific answers with the search bar. The answers I found were concise and useful, and I solved most of my issues here.

There’s also the the “Support Chat” tab for 24/7 live chat, but keep in mind that this tab isn’t available in the Help Center. Queues for live chat are short, and in my experience, customer support agents are helpful. There are also the options to telephone customer support or get in touch via email, although the support email is not easy to find. 

BetRivers Responsible Gambling

Most US states require online sportsbooks to deliver a certain standard of responsible gambling support, and I was pleased to see BetRivers takes this commitment very seriously. It has a dedicated responsible gambling page with advice on spotting signs of problem gambling and details on the account tools available on the sportsbook. These include deposit, spending, and time limits. 

The sportsbook also provides guidance to third-party responsible gambling resources, including state-specific information based on your geolocation.  

BetRivers State Directory

BetRivers is an incredibly popular sportsbook backed by a well-respected US gambling company. Therefore, I wasn’t surprised to see the platform is available in many US states. Check out the full list of where you can legally use BetRivers mobile below. 

Arizona

BetRivers launched in Arizona with approval from the Arizona Department of Gaming on October 22, 2021. Arizona law allows sportsbooks to partner with local sports franchises, and BetRivers teamed up with the Arizona Rattlers to launch legally. 

Colorado

Through a partnership with JP McGill’s Hotel & Casino, BetRivers was one of the first operators to get approval to launch from the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission. It launched on the first day of online sports betting on May 1, 2020.

Illinois

As an official partner of the NFL’s Chicago Bears, Illinois gamblers can play with BetRivers and get exclusive promotions for games featuring the team. The sportsbook also may offer Bears rewards through the iRush Rewards program. 

Indiana

BetRivers Sportsbook was one of two platforms to go live on the first day of online sports betting in Indiana, with the other being DraftKings. BetRivers launched on March 10, 2019, thanks to its partnership with French Lick Resort, which allowed it to receive a license from the Indiana Gaming Commission. 

Iowa

When online sports betting first went live in Iowa, you used to have to visit a retail location to sign up in person before playing online. Now, you can register with BetRivers using the mobile app anywhere in the state. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission licenses the platform. 

Louisiana

In Louisiana, you can only use sportsbooks licensed by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board in the 55 parishes that approved sports betting in a vote. BetRivers went live in the Pelican State on January 28, 2022, and is an official betting partner of the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Maryland

On November 23, 2022, BetRivers launched in Maryland, allowing bettors across the state to download the app and play from anywhere they have a connection. You can also visit a retail BetRivers sportsbook at Bingo World. 

Michigan

Launched on July 17, 2020, BetRivers Sportsbook offers unique benefits to Michigan bettors thanks to its partnership with the Detroit Pistons. You’ll often find odds boosts and other promos for the team pre-game and in-play.

Ohio

Ohio brought in the new year in 2023 with the launching of online sports betting, and BetRivers was one of the first sportsbooks to launch. The site is approved by the Ohio Casino Control Commission and is partnered with Hollywood Casino Columbus. 

New Jersey

New Jersey is the first state where BetRivers went live, launching in 2018 under the PlaySugarHouse name with approval from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The sportsbook is partnered with Golden Nugget Atlantic City. 

New York

When online sports betting was launched in New York, BetRivers was one of the first sportsbooks to go live on January 8, 2022, with approval from the New York State Gaming Commission. The operator also launched the first retail sportsbook in NY, with Rivers Casino Schenectady going live on July 16, 2019.

Pennsylvania

BetRivers has a special place in the history of Pennsylvania sports betting, as the online platform was the very first to launch in the state on May 31, 2019. Initially, the platform was known as PlaySugarHouse, and at one point, BetRivers Sportsbook and PlaySugarHouse Sportsbook were both live in the state despite being the exact same. 

Virginia

Initially, only online sports betting was available in Virginia, as retail sportsbooks were only able to launch in land-based casinos, and there were no land-based casinos. BetRivers Sportsbook online launch in January 2021. However, Rivers Casino Portsmouth is one of a handful of land-based casinos to launch in the state, and you can find a retail BetRivers there.

West Virginia

BetRivers first launched its online casino in West Virginia in 2021 before going live with its sportsbook in June 2022. The West Virginia Lottery Commission licenses the sportsbook through its partnership with Century Casino.