RSI Chief Executive Talks Through Growth Plans and Market Hurdles

(AsiaGameHub) –   Rush Street Interactive (RSI) used its latest earnings call to showcase its confidence in the future of online gaming. During Tuesday’s conversation with Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon, CEO Richard Schwartz walked through the company’s core strengths, noting that its scale grants a competitive edge over rivals still focused on expanding their operations.

Online Casino Stays at the Heart of RSI’s Strategic Plan

These discussions followed RSI’s strong Q1 2026 financial results, during which the company reported revenue of $370.4 million, marking a 41% year-over-year increase. This figure also set a brand-new quarterly record for the operator. The conversation centered primarily on new growth opportunities and competitive landscapes across North America and Latin America. Schwartz made clear that ample opportunities still exist, even if they are rarely straightforward to pursue.

Online casino continues to stand as RSI’s leading vertical, with far less emphasis placed on sports wagering. Schwartz expressed confidence that this strategy aligns with evolving player preferences and fully leverages the unique advantages of this sector. He noted that casino users typically log in more frequently, spend more time gaming, and remain loyal for longer stretches.

The pairing of record-breaking new player acquisition and improving marketing efficiency creates a powerful dynamic that will propel our business to new heights.

Richard Schwartz, RSI CEO

North American expansion is moving ahead as planned. The July launch in Alberta, Canada represents measured, controlled growth. According to company executives, this market will mirror the early trends observed in Ontario. RSI will need to stand out among competitors, combat entrenched unregulated gray-market operators, and carve out a distinct market niche. Schwartz expressed confidence that the company’s prior experience will prove invaluable, with long-term profitability as a top core priority.

RSI Is Well-Positioned to Address Growing Challenges

Schwartz also discussed potential US iGaming legalization. Virginia remains a promising opportunity, as momentum for regulated online gambling in the state continues to build. RSI views the state as a prime expansion target due to its large population, existing land-based partner, and the chance to enter the market with established brand awareness.

Latin America remained the company’s most dynamic region. While Mexico offers lucrative opportunities thanks to its size and the relative lack of competitive casino-focused operators, Colombia presents some complications. Regulatory shifts, tax changes, and court rulings directly impacted profitability. However, Schwartz remained confident that absorbing these costs and focusing on player loyalty would deliver long-term returns.

I believe this is an opportunity for us to capture significant interest from bettors across these markets.

Richard Schwartz, RSI CEO

RSI also faces several challenges within the US market. Prediction market platforms are on the rise, sparking concerns that this new form of competition could siphon away existing users. RSI CFO Kyle Sauers largely dismissed this threat, noting that customer acquisition costs are actually trending lower. He added that RSI is targeting a distinct type of player and efficiently reaching this audience.