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The Lodge Card Club Raid: TABC Investigates $1.35M in Suspicious Deposits
- TABC raids The Lodge Card Club; $1.35M in questionable deposits probed.
- Key figures like Doug Polk face money laundering allegations, yet deny wrongdoing.
- No formal charges filed; Austin branch closed; San Antonio branch still operational.
Image Credit: The Lodge Card Club/Facebook
The TABC raid on The Lodge Card Club follows a lengthy investigation into $1.35 million in suspicious deposits. High-profile owners like Doug Polk face scrutiny over money laundering and illegal gambling allegations detailed in a recently released 22-page affidavit.
A 22-page affidavit has pulled back the curtain on the recent raid of The Lodge Card Club, Texas’s largest poker room.
The document, obtained by PokerNews, details a year-long investigation by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) into the business co-owned by poker stars Doug Polk, Andrew Neeme, and Brad Owen.
The investigation, which began in June 2024, culminated in a search and seizure warrant alleging five major violations of the Texas Penal Code, including money laundering, engaging in organized criminal activity, and the promotion of gambling.
Financial Transactions Under the Microscope
The core of the TABC’s suspicion revolves around massive cash movements. Investigators reportedly analyzed bank records from late 2024 and early 2025, focusing on a Loomis cash vault located inside the club.
The affidavit alleges that approximately $1.35 million was deposited from The Lodge into an account held by Tempus Holdings, Inc. during the first two months of 2025.
Furthermore, as per media reports, authorities tracked $808,000 in transfers to a "sweeps" business account, where high-interest gains were accrued. Signers on these accounts reportedly include Doug Polk, Jake Abdalla, and Jason Levin.
Agent Douglas Bell, who led the investigation, stated in the warrant that these transactions are believed to be evidence of illegal activity.
Undercover Agents Hit the Poker Tables
To build their case, the TABC conducted a series of undercover operations starting in April 2025. Agents, including Agent Teague and Agent Alfaro, were given buy-in funds to play $1/$2 No-Limit Hold’em cash games.
During these sessions, the agents acted as regular players, meticulously documenting:
- The amount of chips purchased and sold.
- Security presence and beverage orders.
- Interactions with staff regarding membership fees.
A key point of the investigation involves the legality of the "private club" model. While Texas law prohibits traditional "rake," clubs like The Lodge typically charge membership and seat fees to remain compliant.
However, undercover reports suggested inconsistencies, with one agent claiming he was never asked to provide proof of membership during his session.
Legal Fallout and The Road Ahead
Despite the intensity of the raid, formal charges have yet to be filed. The Lodge’s Austin location remains closed, leaving its future uncertain, while the San Antonio branch continues to operate.
Doug Polk has denied any wrongdoing, stating he has no knowledge of money laundering within the operation. As the legal battle unfolds, the case could set a massive precedent for the future of the Texas poker industry.
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