The Lodge Card Club Reopens After Grand Jury Decision

The Lodge Is Back: Grand Jury Clears Round Rock Poker Room to Reopen

The state folded its hand.

After nearly two months of uncertainty, legal battles, and a devastating shutdown, The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock is on its way back.

On April 28, a Williamson County Grand Jury heard the case and returned a “no bill,” meaning no criminal indictment — clearing the way for The Lodge to recover its seized assets and plan a near-term reopening.

It's been a long and tumultuous road, but we are happy to share a positive outcome for The Lodge and our devoted community of members and followers worldwide.

Earlier today, a Williamson County Grand Jury heard our case and declined to indict. The decision reflects that the…
— Lodge Card Club Austin (@LodgePokerATX) April 28, 2026

The saga began on March 10, when the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) raided The Lodge Card Club, seizing assets including over $1.3 million in cash, forcing the poker club to close amid allegations of money laundering, illegal gambling, and organized crime. Money laundering charges were later dropped, and prosecutors ultimately focused on whether the poker operation violated Texas gambling law.

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We know our loyal staff, members, and followers have been anxiously waiting for an update regarding the recent events that led to the closure of the club. We recognize that the closure has had a serious impact for many. More than 200 staff members rely on The Lodge for their…
— Lodge Card Club Austin (@LodgePokerATX) March 15, 2026

The Lodge posted a statement on X following the decision: “Earlier today, a Williamson County Grand Jury heard our case and declined to indict. The decision reflects that the investigation conducted by TABC, including the March 10, 2026, enforcement action, did not support charges of criminal conduct, consistent with our position throughout.”

Co-owner Doug Polk — the poker pro and YouTube personality who helped build The Lodge into a nationally recognized brand — was characteristically direct in his response.

BREAKING: All charges against myself, my partners, and the Lodge have been officially rejected.

The seized money and equipment will be returned and we will reopen as quickly as possible, hopefully within a few weeks.

The Grand Jury in Williamson county heard the allegations… pic.twitter.com/giEFXKzq6N
— Doug Polk (Code Doug) (@DougPolkVids) April 28, 2026

Doug Polk Poker

The road back won’t be simple. The Lodge will have a tall task re-hiring nearly 200 employees who were laid off in March, and planning out other operational tasks, which could take a month or more to complete.

The Lodge operates as a private membership club, charging players membership and seat fees rather than taking a rake from pots — a model its operators argue fits within Texas Penal Code defenses for private gambling. The TABC’s warrant had argued that charging those fees, along with selling food, beverages, and merchandise, constituted an illegal economic benefit to the owners. The grand jury disagreed.

The no-bill decision is a major win for The Lodge, but it isn’t the same thing as a court handing every membership-based card room a permanent green light. Texas poker rooms have long operated in a legal gray area, and the Lodge surviving this round does not erase that tension. The legality of the private poker-club model in the state may ultimately be decided by the Texas Supreme Court.

List of private poker clubs in Texas, including Texas Card House, The Lodge Card Club, Champions Club, and more, with locations and features.

For now, though, the reaction across the poker world has been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it “one of the biggest wins for poker in a long time.” Texas players who lost their favorite room for nearly two months finally have reason to look forward to the felt again.

Sources:

PokerNews: pokernews.com/news/2026/04/lodge-card-club-poker-room-to-reopen-51144.htm
Casino.org: casino.org/news/texas-poker-room-the-lodge-set-to-reopen-after-grand-jury-clears-doug-polk-of-gambling-charges/
PokerFlops: pokerflops.org/lodge-card-club-grand-jury-reopening/
PokerScout: pokerscout.com/the-lodge-will-reopen-after-grand-jury-ruling-rejects-charges/
GamblingNews: gamblingnews.com/news/major-twist-texas-poker-club-reopens-as-grand-jury-drops-case/
Poker.org: poker.org/latest-news/lodge-card-club-triumphs-in-texas-legal-dispute-reopening-imminent
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