Doug Polk Breaks Silence on the Reported Money Laundering Investigation

mrinal-gujare
17 Mar 2026
Mrinal Gujare 17 Mar 2026
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Doug Polk denies wrongdoing in The Lodge money laundering probe.
  • Player funds are secure, says Polk, amidst asset freeze.
  • No charges filed yet; investigation continues with full cooperation.
The Lodge
Image Credit: The Lodge Card Club/Facebook
Doug Polk addressed the investigation into alleged money laundering at The Lodge after a Texas raid, denying wrongdoing, assuring player funds are safe, and confirming cooperation with authorities while the club remains closed.

The poker industry was shaken last Tuesday when The Lodge, the largest cardroom in Texas, became the subject of a major law enforcement operation. 

Approximately 20 agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission along with officers from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and the IRS conducted a coordinated raid at the Round Rock venue.

Authorities executed a search and seizure warrant tied to an ongoing investigation into suspected money laundering and illegal gambling activities. According to Chris Porter, Director of Communications for the TABC, the operation is part of a broader inquiry that is still actively unfolding.

Assets Frozen and Operations Halted

The Lodge, co-owned by Doug Polk, Andrew Neeme, and Brad Owen, has since remained closed. As part of the investigation, the club’s assets and bank accounts were frozen, creating uncertainty for both players and the wider poker community.

Despite the scale of the operation, no formal charges have been filed so far. This lack of clarity has led to widespread speculation about the nature and origins of the investigation.

Polk Denies Allegations and Assures Players

On Monday, March 16, Polk issued his first public remarks since March 11, the day following the raid. In his earlier comments, he guaranteed that all player funds would remain secure and described the investigation as a “witch hunt.”

In his latest statement, Polk maintained a firm stance. He denied any knowledge of money laundering activities, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring players are paid, and confirmed that he is fully cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.
Polk’s response comes shortly after The Lodge released its own official statement. The situation has also been widely discussed across poker media, including a PokerNews Podcast episode that broke down the known facts, timeline of events, and emerging theories around the raid.

With no charges filed and the club still closed, key questions remain unanswered. What triggered the investigation, and how long will it take to resolve, are now central concerns for players and stakeholders alike.

For now, the focus remains on transparency, player fund security, and the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Upcoming Events

03 July 2026

CoinPoker $7 Million July Promotion Poker CoinPoker Expands CoinRewards to More Than $7 Million Per Month
Stake Poker $250 GTD Freebuy Poker Win Your Share of $250 with Stake Poker Freebuy

04 July 2026