What launched
BetRivers Poker, a regulated US online poker room, launched Mystery Bounty tournaments on Wednesday 4 November 2026. PokerNews and Pokerfuse both name four states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware and West Virginia. Pokerfuse reported on 26 October that the launch was coming the following week, as part of the room's second-anniversary promotions.
In a Mystery Bounty, unlike a plain knockout, the amount of each bounty is hidden until it is won.
How the format works
PokerNews says bounties claimed during the bounty phase, which it describes as the in-the-money stage, give the player a draw at a hidden prize. The amount shows on screen right after a knockout, the average bounty updates with each one and tables mark all-in players with a bounty target icon. Pokerfuse adds that bounties activate only at the money and that about half of each entry goes to the bounty pool and about half to the regular prize pool. PokerNews does not state a split, so that figure rests on Pokerfuse.
What the reports give and what they do not
Pokerfuse reports a first event on 4 November at 3:05 pm Eastern with a buy-in of 5 dollars and a 400 dollar guarantee, marked as a test in its name. PokerNews says events come in various buy-in levels but names no amounts or guarantees. Pokerfuse says the room expects Mystery Bounty to become a regular part of its tournament schedule, with multiple buy-in levels, and we found no published schedule.
Pokerfuse of 26 October also says BetRivers is the third US regulated operator to offer the format after WSOP Online and PokerStars on FanDuel, and the only one serving Delaware and West Virginia. That comes from one outlet and we did not check the other rooms. It matters because it means the format is new online to players in those two states, if the claim is right.
What is confirmed and what is not
Confirmed
- Mystery Bounty tournaments went live at BetRivers Poker on 4 November 2026 in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware and West Virginia. PokerNews; Pokerfuse
- Bounties are activated at the money stage and a bounty won is a draw at a hidden prize. PokerNews; Pokerfuse
Still open
- The split between the prize pool and the bounty pool. Only Pokerfuse gives it, at about half and half.
- The buy-in levels and guarantees after the first test event. No schedule is published in the reports.
- Whether BetRivers is the third US regulated room with the format, and the only one in Delaware and West Virginia. Only Pokerfuse says so.
- Whether the format will stay on the schedule. The room says it likely will, which is an intention.
What this means for a player
A Mystery Bounty changes what a knockout is worth only after the money, so decisions before the bubble look like an ordinary tournament and decisions after it carry a lottery component. Before you register, check the lobby for the pool split, because a larger bounty share leaves less prize money for the places. Whatever the format, stack depth and position decide your ranges, and that is what we help you study.
where BetRivers Poker offers Mystery Bounty tournaments from 4 November 2026: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware and West Virginia.Source: PokerNews, 2 November 2026
Questions readers ask
When did BetRivers Poker launch Mystery Bounty tournaments?
On Wednesday 4 November 2026, according to PokerNews and Pokerfuse.
Where can I play them?
In Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware and West Virginia.
How does the bounty work?
Bounties switch on at the money and a bounty won gives a draw at a hidden prize, shown on screen after the knockout.
What are the buy-ins?
Reports name one 5 dollar first event with a 400 dollar guarantee and say further levels are planned, with no published schedule.
