Grind in PokerWired x Stake Poker $250 GTD Freebuy on Friday
15 Jun 2026Read More
WPT Festival at The Lodge Postponed Following TABC Raid
- WPT postponed Texas poker event after a police raid.
- Raid followed a major tournament; IDs and chips involved.
- WPT plans to announce new dates; stakeholders respond.
Image Credit: The Lodge Card Club
The World Poker Tour postponed its Lodge Wildcard festival after a law enforcement raid at the Lodge Card Club in Texas. Authorities, including the TABC, cleared the venue just hours after a major series concluded, citing operational impacts.
The World Poker Tour has officially postponed the highly anticipated Lodge Wildcard: Wacky Weekend of Poker festival, which was slated to run from March 13 to March 15, 2026.
This decision follows a major law enforcement raid at The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, Texas, the state's largest poker venue.
In a social media update issued on Tuesday, the WPT informed players that the festival would be delayed due to “circumstances outside of WPT’s control that impact event operations.”
While the tour has committed to announcing new dates for the "Wacky" event in the future, the immediate cancellation has left the local poker community searching for answers.
Authorities Target Texas’ Largest Card Room
Authorities Raid Texas' Largest Poker Room
The law enforcement action took place on Tuesday morning, just hours after the conclusion of the Lodge Championship Series Main Event. The raid involved both state police and the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC).
The Lodge, co-owned by high profile poker personalities Doug Polk, Andrew Neeme, and Brad Owen, was reportedly cleared of patrons during the operation. Key details from the scene included:
- Identification Checks: Some players reported that authorities required ID before allowing individuals to leave the premises.
- Chip Instructions: Patrons were advised to take their physical chips home and return them once the venue officially reopens.
- Ongoing Investigation: Round Rock police confirmed that the TABC is leading the investigation, though it remains unclear if the focus is on poker operations or liquor license compliance.
Owners Respond to Enforcement Action
Doug Polk, who was not present at the time of the raid, stated that he is currently “gathering information before issuing a formal statement.”
The Lodge has established a reputation as a cornerstone of the Texas poker boom, but this incident highlights the ongoing regulatory friction surrounding card rooms in the Lone Star State.
Upcoming Events
19 June 2026
Road to Banco €550 Poker
Poker-SM Live 2026 Goes More International: Open For All €250K Banco Championship
20 June 2026
888poker $300GTD Freebuy Poker
A Community Freebuy Worth Marking Down: PokerHeaven’s $300 GTD on 888poker
WSOP Circuit Tallin 2026 Poker
Chasing the Gold Rings: A Complete Guide to WSOP Circuit Tallinn 2026
Irish Open Australia 2026 Poker
Irish Open Goes Global: Inaugural Sydney Schedule Features 40+ Tournaments
European Mixed Poker Championship 2026 Poker
Tallinn to Host Inaugural European Mixed Poker Championship 2026 This October
Battle of Malta Autumn Edition 2026 Poker
What to Expect from the Battle of Malta October 2026 Autumn Edition
APT Championship Taipei 2026 Poker
APT Championship Taipei 2026 Set to Ignite Asia Poker Arena with TWD 165M GTD Main Event
Poker EventsStarts in
Latest News
-
Stake Freebuy -
Poker-SM Live 2026Poker-SM Live 2026 Goes More International: Open For All €250K Banco Championship18 Jun 2026Read More
-
BasePoker FreerollsBasePoker Weekly Freerolls: Everything You Need to Know15 Jun 2026Read More
-
FreerollBoost Your Bankroll with Two Exclusive Weekly Freerolls at BCPoker15 Jun 2026Read More
-
PokerStars Open MalagaPokerStars Open Malaga Aims for Another Record-Breaking Year10 Feb 2026Read More
