The poker room ceased operations on March 10, after a raid conducted by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Poker.org reports. A planned World Poker Tour festival has been canceled following the enforcement action.
The TABC stated that the raid is part of an investigation into alleged money laundering and illegal gambling on the premises, with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service and other Texas agencies. Details from a search warrant later indicated that an undercover investigation had taken place over two years.
The Lodge Card Club will remain closed for the foreseeable future while the investigation continues. There has been no official word from the company.
Information about the closure and layoffs emerged through social media posts by former employees following an internal announcement. A post from Alisa Maria, a former dealer, referenced a message delivered to staff:
"Well, management has officially announced that the Williamson County DA office has made clear to their attorneys that The Lodge's current business model does not comply with Texas law. No charges have been brought, and they still remain confident that the club always operated with integrity and within Texas law.
Regardless, reopening the club while investigations take place would run the risk of assets being seized again and possible arrests being made. So, with a heavy heart, they have announced officially that The Lodge will remain closed for the foreseeable future and that it must let all of their employees go."
All employees have been laid off following the announcement.
As the investigation proceeds, state authorities may argue that illegal gambling took place at the club, despite a private club exception that allows poker under Texas law. The search warrant points to instances of direct public access to the premises by investigators, which would contradict the premise of a private club.
No charges have been brought thus far. The long-term legal ramifications for the club’s owners remain unknown.
Doug Polk, the figurehead of an ownership group that includes Andrew Neeme and Brad Owen, earlier described the investigation as a "witch hunt" and pledged to make players whole. He later issued a statement denying all knowledge of possible money laundering and other illegal activity at the club. The closure of the state’s largest poker room leaves operations suspended while the investigation continues.
Dingnews.com 30/03/2026