A Two-Sided Gaming Empire
To answer the question, "What does Rush Street do?", one must differentiate between its two primary business units: Rush Street Gaming and Rush Street Interactive (RSI). While founded by the same gaming industry veterans, these are separate entities that focus on distinct sectors of the gambling and entertainment industry. Rush Street Gaming operates a portfolio of successful physical, regional casinos, while Rush Street Interactive focuses exclusively on online casino gaming and sports betting.
The Land-Based Empire: Rush Street Gaming
Rush Street Gaming (RSG) is a privately held company and a leading developer and operator of regional destination casinos across North America. Since 1998, RSG and its affiliates have developed six major casino properties, representing billions in investment. The company prides itself on a community-centric approach to development, often creating major entertainment hubs that act as economic engines for their host cities.
RSG's properties are known for their combination of gaming, high-end restaurants, nightlife, and hospitality, making them comprehensive entertainment destinations rather than just gambling halls.
Key Rivers Casino Locations
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, PA: A major gaming and entertainment destination in downtown Pittsburgh.
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia, PA: Situated in the city's downtown, this property created numerous local jobs and catalyzed neighborhood improvements.
- Rivers Casino Des Plaines, IL: Located in the Chicago suburbs, this casino has been a major contributor to the local economy.
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth, VA: Opened in 2023, this venue anchors the Portsmouth Entertainment District as Virginia's first full-service casino.
- Rivers Casino and Resort Schenectady, NY: A catalyst for economic development and tourism in the Capital Region of New York.
The Digital Frontier: Rush Street Interactive (RSI)
In 2012, the founders of Rush Street expanded their vision by launching Rush Street Interactive (RSI), a separate, publicly traded online gaming and sports betting company (NYSE: RSI). RSI leverages a proprietary technology stack and focuses on a "iGaming-first" strategy, targeting online casino players in regulated markets across the Americas.
Through its online platforms, RSI offers a full suite of products including online casino games, online and retail sports betting, and social gaming. The company operates under several prominent brands, including:
- BetRivers: A major online casino and sports betting brand available in multiple U.S. states and Canada.
- PlaySugarHouse: Another key online casino and sportsbook brand operating in various regulated jurisdictions.
- RushBet: The brand used for RSI's expansion into Latin American markets, starting with Colombia.
RSI has differentiated itself by focusing on a superior player experience, featuring innovative products like the proprietary Bonus Bank rewards system. The company also maintains a strong focus on responsible gaming and was the first U.S.-based online operator to receive the Responsible Gambling Council's RG Check Accreditation.
Comparison Table: Rush Street Interactive vs. Rush Street Gaming
| Feature | Rush Street Interactive (RSI) | Rush Street Gaming (RSG) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Type | Publicly Traded Company (NYSE: RSI) | Privately Held Company |
| Focus | Online Casino and Sports Betting | Land-Based Regional Casinos |
| Key Brands | BetRivers, PlaySugarHouse, RushBet | Rivers Casino |
| Operating Locations | Regulated online markets across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America | Physical casino locations in specific U.S. states and Canada |
| Primary Asset | Proprietary technology stack and online platforms | Physical properties, real estate, and hospitality assets |
| Customer Base | Online and mobile users | Land-based casino patrons |
Rush Street Ventures: The Investment Arm
For those searching for a broader understanding of the Rush Street name, it is important to note the existence of Rush Street Ventures. This is a separate private equity firm, founded in 2019, that is unrelated to the gaming entities. Rush Street Ventures invests in a range of industries, including industrial, manufacturing, and tech-enabled business service companies. Its focus is on acquiring or taking minority stakes in privately held, middle-market companies. This venture highlights the potential for confusion when referencing the broader "Rush Street" name, as it extends beyond the gaming world.
Conclusion: A Diverse Portfolio with a Common Origin
In conclusion, what does Rush Street do? The answer depends on which entity you are referring to. The brand represents a bifurcated business model encompassing both physical and digital entertainment. Rush Street Gaming develops and operates a portfolio of successful regional casinos under the Rivers Casino brand, creating community-focused entertainment destinations. Its online offshoot, Rush Street Interactive (RSI), is a publicly traded company that builds and operates online sports betting and iGaming platforms like BetRivers. The existence of the separate Rush Street Ventures also shows how the founders' entrepreneurial spirit has extended into other investment areas. Together, the two gaming companies have built a comprehensive presence in both the brick-and-mortar and digital gambling worlds.
Visit Rush Street Gaming to learn more about its land-based properties.
