A Williamson County Grand Jury refused to authorize the proposed charges from the state in its case against The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, Texas on Tuesday, paving the way for an imminent reopening of the popular card club.
The grand jury's decision ends a months-long legal dispute between The Lodge and the state of Texas, specifically the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). On March 10, an early morning raid by the TABC on the premises shuttered the operation and left both players and employees with questions about their futures.
Later in March, those questions were answered – in the worst possible way. With its assets and bank accounts frozen and an extended closure looming, The Lodge had no choice but to lay off all of its employees and the situation looked bleak.
A little over a month later, The Lodge delivered good news to the poker community.
It's unclear when exactly The Lodge will resume business as usual, but its statement to the public included mention of reopening "as soon as possible" and plans for "special events" to welcome members back to the tables.
'Time to rebuild'
The Lodge co-owner Doug Polk, who initially branded the investigation as a "witch hunt," also announced the victory on social media.
While The Lodge has triumphed in its legal battle, significant damage to the club – financial and otherwise – has already been done.
"The damage to our staff and members has been tremendous, and it is now time to rebuild," Polk wrote in his post.
Employees will need to be rehired after over last month's layoffs, which impacted over 200 people. The Lodge will also receive its frozen assets back, paving the path to returning locked-up player funds. A few other logistical matters will need to be smoothed out, but the club could be back open in a matter of weeks.
The decision wraps up a dramatic legal battle with big implications for Texas poker. Operators can now move forward with more certainty of the industry's growing future in the state.
