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Efforts by Doug Polk to establish a poker room in Farmers Branch, a suburb of Dallas, were rejected earlier this week. On Tuesday night, the city council voted against a proposal to allow poker clubs in the area.
Two years ago, Polk purchased The Lodge poker club in Round Rock, Texas. Following the success of this poker room, he had hoped to expand his operations into other parts of Texas, starting with Farmers Branch. The city council meeting attracted both supporters and opponents, each voicing their opinions on the matter.
Polk addressed the council to ease concerns about the impact of a poker club on the community. “There are card players all over your city today, so I want to dispel the idea that this is somehow eroding the fabric of the community,” Polk stated, according to PokerNews.
Poker clubs have been growing in popularity across Texas in recent years. Texas law prohibits gambling if the house takes a rake, so these clubs operate as social clubs where players pay membership dues, similar to country clubs.
These clubs have proliferated, especially in south Texas, hosting regular cash games and tournaments. However, some cities resist allowing poker clubs, with Dallas currently involved in a court battle with business owners who attempted to open clubs within the city limits.
Polk took the council’s decision in stride and expressed his gratitude to both supporters and opponents. “Want to thank everyone that came out tonight,” he posted on X. “Lots of people came and spoke, I appreciate supporting our concept. I also recognize lots of people who spoke against were trying to do what’s best for their town. Overall, they were respectful. Lots of great people in Farmers Branch.”
Despite the setback in Farmers Branch, Polk remains determined to find a new location for his next poker club.