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$1.35M Deposits Flagged as Lodge Raid Warrant Details Allegations
- TABC investigated $1.35 million suspicious deposits linked to The Lodge Card Club.
- Undercover operations highlighted compliance issues with Texas's gambling laws.
- The outcome could significantly impact Texas's poker industry and its legal framework.
Image Credit: The Lodge Card Club/Facebook
The Lodge Card Club raid affidavit details $1.35 million in deposits, undercover operations, and alleged violations of Texas law while authorities continue investigating money laundering and illegal gambling with no formal charges filed yet.
The search and seizure warrant behind the raid of The Lodge Card Club in Texas has revealed detailed financial activity that authorities consider suspicious, including approximately $1.35 million in deposits and multiple alleged violations of state law.
The 22-page affidavit outlines an extensive investigation conducted by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, beginning in June 2024 and continuing into early 2026.
Five Texas Law Violations Cited in Affidavit
The affidavit lists five alleged violations under Texas law tied to The Lodge Card Club:
- Texas Penal Code 71.02(a) - ENGAGING IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
- Texas Penal Code 34.02 - MONEY LAUNDERING
- Texas Penal Code 47.03 - PROMOTION OF GAMBLING
- Texas Penal Code 47.04 - KEEPING A GAMBLING PLACE
- Texas Penal Code 47.06 - POSSESSION OF GAMBLING DEVICE, EQUIPMENT OR PARAPHERNALIA
These allegations form the legal basis for the ongoing investigation.
The investigation began after Agent Douglas Bell received a "confidential report of some questionable financial activity" linked to the club, which is co-owned by Doug Polk, Andrew Neeme, and Brad Owen.
Authorities confirmed the club held a liquor license before initiating surveillance on June 13, 2024. Bank records were later requested and received by the end of August 2024, allowing investigators to analyze transaction flows.
$1.35 Million Deposits Raise Red Flags
Investigators identified that during the first two months of 2025, approximately $1.35 million was deposited from The Lodge via the Loomis cash vault into a bank account held by Tempus Holdings, Inc., a business associated with the club.
"The above listed transactions are believed to be in support of, and constitute evidence of the illegal activity taking place at the Lodge Card Club," the search warrant reads.
Additionally, around $808,000 in transfers were made between January 1 and February 28, 2025, from a Tempus Holdings account into a sweeps account linked to key stakeholders.
Undercover Operations Inside The Lodge
The TABC conducted multiple undercover visits starting April 17, 2025, with agents actively participating in poker games.
During the first visit:
- Agents were given $600 each
- One agent bought $200 in chips
- Another bought $100
- Games included $1/$2 no-limit hold'em
- Agents tracked:
- Chip purchases
- Beverage orders
- Security presence
- Session winnings and losses
Further undercover operations took place, including a second visit on May 9, 2025, and additional sessions, with the final recorded visit on January 30, 2026.
Focus on Illegal Gambling Structure
Texas law allows certain poker operations if no rake is collected. Card rooms like The Lodge instead rely on membership and seat fee models.
However, investigators are also examining whether illegal gambling occurred. During one visit, an agent reported that "he was never asked about providing proof of, or the need to purchase a membership while inside the club," while others were required to obtain membership before playing.
Current Status and Polk Statement
One week after the raid, no formal charges have been filed, and the timeline for further legal action remains uncertain.
The Lodge Card Club location in Austin remains closed, while the San Antonio venue continues operations. Doug Polk addressed the situation publicly, stating:
"I did not participate in, and still have no knowledge of, any money laundering in the operation of the Lodge."
With financial transactions, undercover operations, and multiple alleged legal violations now documented, the investigation into The Lodge Card Club remains active.
Whether charges will follow or operations will resume is still unclear, leaving the future of one of Texas’s largest poker rooms uncertain.
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