Doug Polk Speaks Out After Texas Poker Raid
Summary:
- Doug Polk addressed the investigation and its impact in his first video since the March 10 raid.
- He argued The Lodge operates legally by charging fees instead of taking rake from games.
- Polk pledged to personally cover player losses if the club cannot return funds.
Doug Polk has broken his silence following the raid on The Lodge Card Club, the Texas poker room he co-owns, which is under investigation for alleged illegal gambling and money laundering.
“I’m Taking on Seven-Figures in Personal Liability”
In his first YouTube video since the March 10 raid, Polk spoke about the impact on the business and its players. He reassured those holding chips that they would not lose their money, even if the situation worsens.
If The Lodge does not make these people whole, I will. I’m taking on seven-figures in personal liability. Not because I have to, but because I want to and I don’t want anyone that’s involved with this to end up losing their money.
The raid, carried out by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, has put a spotlight on how poker rooms operate in the state. While gambling is generally illegal in Texas, some clubs rely on a legal gray area that allows poker games if no rake is taken from pots. Instead, they charge membership and seat fees.
Polk defended this model, saying it follows the law as it has been understood for years.
As for economic benefit, really what that has boiled down to is there cannot be an ecomomic benefit within the hand itself. So, essentially, 100% of the gambling must go to the player.
“There’s Nothing Suspicious About Doing That”
He also pushed back against the allegations raised in the investigation, including claims tied to money laundering. According to Polk, the financial transactions mentioned by authorities reflect standard practices in high-stakes poker, where players often move money electronically for safety reasons.
There’s nothing suspicious about doing that from my perspective. We are trying to operate in accordance with the law. When I saw my name next to money laundering, I was shocked. I didn’t know what to do.
The raid forced the club to lay off a large number of employees, something Polk said was difficult on a personal level.
When I saw that we had let go of the employees, I did feel a little bit upset for our people. These are good, hard-working people.
Authorities have until early April to decide whether to file charges. If no charges are brought, the seized funds may be returned, which could allow the club to reopen.
For now, Polk says the future remains uncertain, but he made clear that protecting players is his priority.
