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Prosecutors announced they have dropped the money laundering charges pertaining to The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, Texas, just outside of Austin.
The affidavit pertaining to last month's raid and closure of venue co-owned by pro player Doug Polk revealed some interesting developments that included, but were not limited, to:
Texas Penal Code 71.02(a) - ENGAGING IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
Texas Penal Code 34.02 - MONEY LAUNDERING
Texas Penal Code 47.03 - PROMOTION OF GAMBLING
Texas Penal Code 47.04 - KEEPING A GAMBLING PLACE
Texas Penal Code 47.06 - POSSESSION OF GAMBLING DEVICE, EQUIPMENT OR PARAPHERNALIA
Despite the money laundering charges being dropped, the club's assets remain frozen. This includes approximately $2 million.
Criminal charges have been dropped as none were filed by the 30-day deadline required.
It is being reported that the probe will now focus on illegal gambling (Texas Penal Code 47.04: "keeping a gambling place" as Class A misdemeanor). That could be good news for The Lodge as other poker establishments have been victorious versus the state with prior probes of this nature.
Previous raids of poker clubs in the state involved the legal grey area of businesses operating within the “Membership fee” model. The Lodge Card Club probe adds the alleged money laundering element, which can trigger harsher felony crimes if proven. Thus far there have been no charges or arrests in this matter.
Texas uses civil asset forfeiture (Code of Criminal Procedure Ch. 59): only needs "probable cause" to hold property indefinitely—no proof beyond reasonable doubt required for criminal charges. A April 8 court filing confirms they're retaining everything on that basis while the club stays shut. Legal gray area for member-based poker rooms.
- Ace King, Gambling911.com
