Police raid popular Texas poker room
Police raided the 101 Poker Club poker room in Katy, Texas. Officers shut down the club at 11:30 a.m. local time, entering the building with weapons drawn. Players were let out of the building, while dealers and staff were detained. At least one employee was arrested.
The reason for the raid remains unknown. Clubs in Texas can legally host poker games as long as they don't take rake. Many rooms instead charge membership fees and seat fees.
101 Poker Club also makes money on fees, and in addition, according to some reports, takes chips from the pots. One theory is that the authorities' actions may be connected to the fact that the room's staff don't check that every visitor has a membership card. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) made a similar claim against The Lodge, a room co-owned by poker blogger Doug Polk.
As a reminder, the TABC and police raided The Lodge in March. Law enforcement confiscated more than $2 million from the club, counting cash and various assets. The room's management was suspected of money laundering and running illegal gambling.
In April, the court declined to return an indictment, finding the evidence gathered insufficient. The Lodge resumed operations, and in July Doug Polk stepped away from managing the club.
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The reason for the raid remains unknown. Clubs in Texas can legally host poker games as long as they don't take rake. Many rooms instead charge membership fees and seat fees.
101 Poker Club also makes money on fees, and in addition, according to some reports, takes chips from the pots. One theory is that the authorities' actions may be connected to the fact that the room's staff don't check that every visitor has a membership card. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) made a similar claim against The Lodge, a room co-owned by poker blogger Doug Polk.
As a reminder, the TABC and police raided The Lodge in March. Law enforcement confiscated more than $2 million from the club, counting cash and various assets. The room's management was suspected of money laundering and running illegal gambling.
In April, the court declined to return an indictment, finding the evidence gathered insufficient. The Lodge resumed operations, and in July Doug Polk stepped away from managing the club.
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