Texas poker club raided over illegal gambling and money laundering claims
A poker club in Texas was shut down early Tuesday after authorities raided the premises. Lodge Card Club, a well-known venue for high-stakes games, now faces an investigation into suspected illegal activities. The club's management confirmed it would stay closed until further notice.
The raid began in the early hours of Tuesday, with officers from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) serving a warrant. They photographed players' IDs and questioned staff while allowing those present to leave with their chips. The TABC later stated the operation was linked to allegations of money laundering and unlicensed gambling.
An upcoming World Poker Tour (WPT) event, set for March 13 at Lodge, was cancelled following the raid. The club's first official statement called the reasons for the crackdown unclear but assured players their funds would be protected. Prominent poker player Doug Polk stepped in, guaranteeing that all affected players would receive their money back once the investigation concluded. He also promised to share more details about the incident soon. The raid has sparked debate within the poker community. Tom Dwan, another high-profile player, criticised Polk's handling of the situation, accusing him of turning a blind eye to past cheating scandals. Dwan went further, proposing they resolve their disagreement in a one-on-one poker match. The incident comes at a time when poker's popularity in Texas has surged, partly due to events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and the Texas Hold'em Poker Tour. Recent legislation, such as HB 2843, introduced stricter rules for poker clubs, requiring better security measures like surveillance and age checks. While these changes have improved the industry's image, legal disputes over gambling regulations remain.
Lodge Card Club remains closed as the investigation continues. Players who had funds at the club have been assured their money will be returned. The outcome of the probe could influence how poker clubs operate under Texas law in the future.
