The Lodge Card Club’s situation has moved from uncertainty to something far more final. What began as a high-profile raid earlier this month has now led to a full shutdown of its Round Rock location, with staff informed they are being let go and no clear timeline for a return.
For a club that had grown into one of the most recognizable poker rooms in Texas, the shift feels abrupt on the surface. Underneath, it reflects a deeper clash between how these membership-based poker clubs operate and how local authorities interpret Texas gambling law.
The Lodge Card Club Shuts Down Round Rock Location After Raid
The Lodge had remained closed following the March raid conducted by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which cited an investigation tied to alleged illegal gambling and financial activity. While no charges have been filed publicly, the operational reality has changed. This led to co-owner Doug Polk getting involved in several social media feuds with likes of Tom Dwan and Mikki Mase.
According to communication sent to staff, the Williamson County District Attorney’s office made it clear to the club’s legal team that its current business model does not comply with Texas law. That position effectively blocks any attempt to reopen in the short term.
That leaves the club in a difficult spot. Reopening risks another raid, potential asset seizure, and possible arrests. Staying closed leaves no revenue path, which ultimately led to the decision to shut down and release staff.
Jason Levin Email To Staff Explains Closure Decision
Majority owner Jason Levin addressed employees directly in a message that outlines both the reasoning behind the shutdown and the human cost attached to it. The full email reads:
When we started this journey, there were no guarantees—only belief, grit, and a shared commitment to build something meaningful. Through the early challenges, we found our footing together. We built relationships, earned trust, and created a place that was more than just a business. It became a community—because of you.
Each of you played a role in bringing that vision to life. From the front desk to the porters, dealers, managers, and production team—every detail, every interaction, every long day and late night added up to something truly special. You made this place what it was. Not the building, not the brand—you.
That’s why it’s so painful to say that The Lodge Round Rock location will need to shut its doors for the foreseeable future. While no charges have been brought, and we maintain that the club has always operated with the utmost integrity and within the laws of Texas, the Williamson County District Attorney’s office has made clear to our attorneys that they believe The Lodge’s current business model does not comply with Texas law. For this reason, we cannot re-open. Doing so would run the risk that authorities might once again raid The Lodge, seize more cash and assets, and potentially make arrests. Because we have not been given any indication of when the investigation will conclude, we have no other viable path forward at this time. As a result, we are forced to make the incredibly difficult decision to let our entire staff go. We hope you know just how valued each of you are, and as we hope for a favorable outcome, should we be able to once again open our doors, our plan would be to welcome you back with open arms.
There are no words that fully capture how much this hurts—not just as a business decision, but on a human level. I am deeply grateful for everything you’ve given, and I will carry that with me always. You didn’t just show up to work—you built something that mattered.
As we now turn to the difficult task of determining what comes next, please know that each of you has my respect, my appreciation, and my sincere thanks. I hope you take pride in what we created together, because it was real, and it was special.
I will miss all of you more than I can say.
With a heavy heart,
Jason Levin
Texas Poker Rooms Legal Gray Area Faces New Pressure
The Lodge’s closure highlights the fragile position that Texas poker clubs have operated in for years. These poker rooms typically avoid traditional rake structures and instead rely on membership fees or seat time charges, a model designed to fit within state law.
That model has always depended on interpretation. Some jurisdictions have allowed it to operate with little interference, while others have taken a stricter stance. Williamson County now appears firmly in the latter group.
The key issue is not whether poker itself is being played, but how the business profits from it. If authorities view those fees as indirect participation in gambling outcomes, the entire structure becomes vulnerable.
What Happens Next For The Lodge Card Club
For now, there is no clear timeline. The investigation remains ongoing, and the club has not been given any indication of when it might conclude. That uncertainty removes any practical path to reopening in the near future.
The longer this stretches, the more likely it becomes that The Lodge will need to rethink its entire model rather than wait for a simple green light. That could mean structural changes, relocation, or a prolonged legal fight to clarify how Texas law applies to poker clubs.
In the short term, the focus shifts to the people affected. Staff who helped build one of the most prominent poker communities in the state are now left looking for their next move, while the future of one of Texas poker’s flagship venues remains unclear.
