Second WPT event delayed this month as TABC investigates Round Rock's largest poker room
The World Poker Tour has postponed its Lodge Wildcard: Wacky Weekend of Poker festival, originally set for March 13-15 at The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, Texas, following a law enforcement raid on the venue Tuesday morning.
The WPT cited "circumstances outside of WPT's control that impact event operations" in a statement posted to social media. No new dates have been announced.
State Police and TABC Raid the Venue
Texas state police and the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission conducted the raid Tuesday morning, roughly 16 hours after The Lodge Championship Series Main Event had concluded.
Players on the floor were told to take their chips home and return them when the club reopens. According to a Reddit post from one player, authorities required identification from patrons before allowing them to leave the property. The reason for the enforcement action has not been disclosed.
The Round Rock Police Department confirmed the matter is under TABC investigation but has not clarified whether the action is tied to poker operations or the club's liquor license.
Co-owner Doug Polk was not present during the raid and said he was still gathering information before issuing a formal statement. Polk co-owns The Lodge with Andrew Neeme and Brad Owen. The Round Rock club is the largest poker room in Texas.
A Tough Month for the WPT Calendar
The postponement is the second WPT event pulled from the schedule this month. Earlier in March, the tour delayed the $1,100 WPT Prime Cyprus Championship, which carried a $1 million guarantee, citing safety concerns and logistical challenges tied to escalating military conflict involving Iran. That event had been scheduled to run March 5-9 at the Chamada Prestige Hotel and Spa. The rest of the Cyprus festival continued, with an alternate $1,100 event replacing the Prime Championship.
Players registered for the Lodge Wildcard weekend are being asked to wait for further updates as the situation surrounding the club continues to unfold.
