The North Texas poker community celebrated its second legal triumph this month as the Dallas Board of Adjustment voted in favor of Champions Social Club, granting the poker venue permission to host games inside its Dallas property. The decision marks a turning point after years of legal disputes and has been viewed by some in the community as a positive development this month.
Champions Social Club Finally Approved
Champions Social Club, best known for its successful Houston operation co-owned by Phil Hellmuth, has been battling Dallas officials since 2021 for the right to spread poker. The social club took over the historic III Forks steakhouse property with plans to turn it into a private membership club offering poker, much like The Lodge Card Club in Austin and Texas Card House at multiple locations across the state.
Texas has strict anti-gambling laws, but poker clubs operate in a gray area by charging seat and membership fees rather than collecting cash-game rake. This model has fueled a growing poker scene, although Dallas has been one of the toughest cities for operators to navigate.
President Isaac Trumbo emphasized that more than $15 million has been invested in renovations over the past four years. “We were gratified that our expectations about being treated fairly at the Board of Adjustment came to fruition,” Trumbo said following the 4-1 vote.
Board member Michael Hopkovitz cast the lone dissent, arguing that poker remains illegal under Texas law. Prior to the vote, neighborhood residents voiced contrasting opinions—some argued the presence of a card room would negatively impact schools and churches nearby, while others spoke in support of the poker community’s rights.
Texas Card House and Champions Score Back-to-Back Victories
This ruling comes on the heels of another major legal milestone for Texas poker. Just last week, the Texas Supreme Court declined to hear city appeals in a long-running case against Texas Card House (TCH), effectively upholding its right to operate in Dallas. That decision ended a three-year legal standoff involving revoked Certificates of Occupancy (C.O.) and multiple appeals.
Both TCH and Champions previously faced C.O. revocations, leaving their businesses in legal limbo. Champions was first denied in 2021, filed a lawsuit, then had its 2024 C.O. approval withdrawn by the city just six days later. Tuesday’s vote finally resolved that ongoing dispute in Champions’ favor.
With Dallas poker rooms winning two critical cases within this month, many see this as a signal that city officials’ longstanding resistance is beginning to shift.
Legal Landscape of Poker in Texas
Poker’s legality in Texas continues to spark debates among lawmakers, attorneys, and residents. Under Penal Code 47.04, gambling is only permissible when it takes place in a private setting, all players have equal opportunity to win, and no one outside the winners derives economic benefit. Most clubs argue that charging access fees complies with these rules, but critics—including some Dallas officials—maintain that clubs violate the law by running structured poker businesses.
Political resistance has shut down other proposals in the Dallas area. High-profile poker pro Doug Polk attempted to open a major suburban card room in Farmers Branch, but the plan was rejected at a city council meeting in May 2024 after strong community opposition. Outside the Dallas region, however, cities like Austin and Houston remain friendlier to card room operators, allowing the industry to thrive.
What’s Next for Champions Social Club
Although Champions now has approval, it must fulfill certain conditions before launching games in Dallas, including building a wall to enclose the north entrance of the property. Trumbo has not yet set a timeline for the poker room’s official opening.
In the meantime, Champions’ Houston location will host the Fall Poker Open from October 1–13, headlined by a $1 million guaranteed Championship Event. The Houston venue, located inside a converted Hampton Inn, continues to be one of the most prominent poker destinations in the state.
As Dallas players wait for Champions to officially open its doors, the North Texas poker community celebrates two victories that could significantly reshape the city’s stance on poker clubs in the years ahead.
