Another Texas social-poker club has been raided alleging the operation of an illegal-gambling enterprise. On Sunday, the Watauga Social Lounge, in Watauga, Texas, a suburb of Fort Worth, was raided by local police acting under a Tarrant County (Texas) search warrant and seizure order.
Social-media posts offered by players and one presumed staffer indicate that all players present were issued citations and $360 fines, while all staff and management present at the strip mall-located poker club were detained.
The raid took place on the final day of a $100,000 guaranteed tournament offered by the club. The timing of the raid for the tourney's final day, when most or all of the prize money was to be distributed, may have been intentional. Onlookers reported that the club was virtually emptied of its tables and chairs, decks, chips, and other items related to the business's operations, with everything loaded into a police truck and hauled away as evidence.
Watauga club embroiled in February 'hidden rake' controversy
The Watauga Social Lounge made headlines in late February when it evicted a player, Ben Ross, from another poker tournament being run by the club. Ross argued with the club's management over hidden rake being withheld by the club from re-buys in the tourney, and the club in turn bounced Ross over the accusations and additional comments wherein he referred to the club as a "rathole". Ross's eviction occurred just before that tourney reached the money, with Ross still in the event.
