Police Raid Poker Room in Texas

A popular card room operating in the Houston area was raided by police on Thursday morning. The 101 Poker Club in Katy, Texas, was shut down by authorities at around 11:30 a.m. local time. According to sources speaking to PokerNews, officers drew their weapons and players were removed from the tables. A video taken from outside the building shows police officers closing off the entrance.

The reason for the raid has not yet been disclosed. Sources who have visited the club repeatedly say the room does not use the hourly table fee model common in Texas. Although gambling laws in Texas are strict, there is an arrangement that allows poker to be played in exchange for membership and table fees, provided no rake is taken. According to sources, 101 Poker Club charges membership fees but takes chip deductions from the pot. It is not clear whether this was the reason for the raid.

During the incident, players in the room were released, but dealers and staff were detained. At least one non-dealer employee was arrested. The club's tables are usually full on weekends and eight to ten games run at the same time even on weekdays. Many clubs in the area are similarly accused of taking rake. Lucky J Social Club, which was raided recently in Houston, has reopened and begun offering table games other than poker that are not legal in Texas.