The story began on March 10 when the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission conducted a raid, forcing the club to suspend operations as authorities investigated suspicions of illegal gambling, organized crime, and money laundering. Assets, including cash, were reportedly seized, effectively paralyzing The Lodge.
The investigation centered around the club’s three main shareholders — Doug Polk, Jake Abdalla, and Jason Levin. For Polk, a standout personality in modern poker, this was a particularly sensitive moment. The Lodge wasn't just another investment but a project that had become a symbol of the Texas poker boom in recent years. With nearly 70 tables, a vast community, and the popular livestream “Poker at the Lodge,” it was one of the USA’s most prominent poker venues.
A turning point came on April 28 when a grand jury decided not to press charges. This verdict paved the way for The Lodge’s return, obligating authorities to return the seized assets. For the club, this was not only a legal victory but an opportunity to quickly resume operations, rehire staff, and prepare for a grand reopening.
The timing is symbolic. The Lodge will reopen on May 26, the same day the WSOP 2026 kicks off in Las Vegas. While part of the poker world watches the first bracelet events in Nevada, the Texas community will celebrate their own big start — the return of a club whose closure sparked discussions on the legal status of poker rooms in the state.
The first day’s schedule is set to foster community spirit. At 10:15 AM, the inaugural tournament will take place — a $50 No-Limit Hold’em Turbo. The day will feature two more low-cost tournaments with the club also gearing up for the return of cash games.
Changes will extend beyond the tables. The Lodge will introduce a new dining concept, replacing the original Odds Bar & Bistro with Frank & Margie’s, offering Italian-American cuisine aimed at both players and the broader Round Rock community. The restaurant will open on May 16, ahead of the poker operations' return.
There’s also anticipation surrounding the return of the “Poker at the Lodge” livestream. Known as one of the world’s most-watched poker streams with around 239,000 YouTube subscribers, the entire saga is heading toward a conclusion that every Lodge employee, player, and fan would have hoped for weeks ago. The club endured a raid, legal uncertainty, public scrutiny, and temporary closure. Now, it prepares for a comeback watched by the entire American poker scene.
Welcome back home Lodge members.
— Lodge Card Club (@LodgePokerClub) May 12, 2026
The grand reopening is May 26th at 9am🤠 pic.twitter.com/YYLiMaPhgQ
Sources — X, PokerNews, YouTube
