The Lodge Card Club, located in Round Rock, Texas, near Austin, has announced its indefinite closure and the layoff of its entire workforce due to mounting legal issues from local authorities.
Since March 10, when the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) conducted a raid on the facility, the club has remained closed. During the raid, officials seized evidence and froze the club's assets.
Among the club's owners are prominent poker figures Doug Polk, Andrew Neeme, and Brad Owen, who are well-known in the poker streaming community.
In a communication to staff, co-owner Jason Levin expressed the difficulty of delivering the news, stating, “This is the hardest message I’ve ever had to write.” He explained that the decision to close was influenced by the legal uncertainties surrounding the club's operations, although he asserted that the business had adhered to the law.
Despite no formal charges being filed, the Williamson County District Attorney's office has indicated to the club's legal team that they believe the current business model does not align with Texas regulations.
Levin further noted that reopening could lead to additional raids, risking further asset seizures and potential arrests. He emphasized, “Because we have not been given any indication of when the investigation will conclude, we have no other viable path forward at this time.”
He mentioned the possibility of rehiring staff if the club resumes operations in the future, expressing deep gratitude for the team's contributions.
The closure follows legal scrutiny tied to Texas gambling laws and the club's operating model, which exists in a legally ambiguous area. Texas has stringent gambling regulations, and poker clubs typically function as private entities, allowing peer-to-peer games rather than house-banked gambling.
According to a 22-page affidavit acquired by PokerNews, the investigation into The Lodge involves allegations of organized crime, money laundering, and illegal gambling activities. The affidavit also highlights that around $1.35 million in deposits were marked as “suspicious,” alongside financial transactions between accounts associated with the club.