BetRivers Poker has revived a fan-favorite cash game feature from the now-defunct Run It Once Poker: “Splash the Pot.” This innovative system gives players extra money in randomly selected hands, offering a fresh way to receive rakeback while adding excitement to cash games.
From Run It Once to BetRivers
Originally developed by legendary pro Phil Galfond on Run It Once, Splash the Pot rewarded players with surprise bonuses during live cash hands. Although the feature gained a loyal following, Run It Once struggled to compete with major global operators like PokerStars and GGPoker and eventually closed. BetRivers, under Rush Street Interactive, has now reintroduced the system with updated software and U.S.-friendly accessibility.
Galfond promoted the comeback on social media, praising the feature for adding unpredictability and extra value to cash game tables.
How Splash the Pot Works
During certain cash game hands, BetRivers adds a random sum of money directly to the pot before any bets are made. The size of the splash varies widely—from a single big blind to as much as 1,000 big blinds—depending on the pool. Some larger splashes, called BIG SPLASHES, are distributed among the entire table.
Players never know when a splash will occur, making every hand potentially more rewarding. This system functions as additional rakeback, giving players a direct boost to earnings without reducing existing promotions.
Community Reaction
Players have generally welcomed the feature, praising the extra 5% rakeback and the thrill of surprise pots. A small number of users have noted that the splash lines complicate hand histories for tracking software, but this minor issue is outweighed by the added value.
Why It Matters
Splash the Pot is more than just a gimmick. It reintroduces a beloved Run It Once mechanic to U.S. poker players, enhances cash game appeal, and rewards regular play in a unique, transparent way. With BetRivers’ implementation, the surprise bonus pots can dramatically shift game dynamics and player strategy, creating a lively, unpredictable environment at the tables.
