Lodge Card Club Raided / Grand Jury does not indict any Lodge employees
Came looking for some info on this, but I guess I will kick the thread off. Anyone there at the time or know more detail
Texas would threaten to leave the confederacy if the federal government were doing the same thing to businesses in their state
they dropped money laundering charges but are still claiming "illegal gambling" so they can hold onto the money, while not actually filing any charges.
So it seems obvious from this latest filing that the only claim the state has against The Lodge is that their basic business model, along with the business model of almost every other grey-area card room in the state, constitutes illegal gambling under state law.
I honestly think this business model -is- illegal under a plain reading of the Texas law. But in this case, I don't understand why it would take the state so long to take any action on this, or what The Lodge would be singled out as the target to test this.
It is unbelievable to me that anyone in the United States is OK with the government just seizing your assets permanently without having to go to court and prove you did anything wrong. It's disgusting, regardless of any thoughts about the Lodge's model, gambling, drugs (this happens a ton in alleged drug cases), etc.
It is unbelievable to me that anyone in the United States is OK with the government just seizing your assets permanently without having to go to court and prove you did anything wrong. It's disgusting, regardless of any thoughts about the Lodge's model, gambling, drugs (this happens a ton in alleged drug cases), etc.
Are the Lodge's assets seized permanently? I'm not sure that's been established.
Texas would threaten to leave the confederacy if the federal government were doing the same thing to businesses in their state
Well, that's not really the dunk on Texas you think it is. Yes, Texas would rather enforce their own laws than have the feds come in and enforce theirs. And that's kind of what Texas is doing.
It is unbelievable to me that anyone in the United States is OK with the government just seizing your assets permanently without having to go to court and prove you did anything wrong. It's disgusting, regardless of any thoughts about the Lodge's model, gambling, drugs (this happens a ton in alleged drug cases), etc.
Its big business in Texas. Nearly double california per capita. Its what happens when states try to pretend they are "low taxes" but really just make up for it in thugs with badges fining and stealing from those that cant defend themsleves. that said, the government cant seize anything if the people dont tacitly support it, the government is by and for the people freely elected by the citizenry.
That’s what was determined today. Lodge can spend time and tons of money to try and get it released but the government has said it is forfeited.
Its big business in Texas. Nearly double california per capita. Its what happens when states try to pretend they are "low taxes" but really just make up for it in thugs with badges fining and stealing from those that cant defend themsleves. that said, the government cant seize anything if the people dont tacitly support it, the government is by and for the people freely elected
Well, “freely elected” is doing some heavy lifting but yes there are tons of people who would support it by saying “well don’t break the law then” because it never enters their brain that the government can just unilaterally take their stuff too and just say they broke the law.
I believe The Lodge would have to file in court to try and get the assets back. I think under civil asset forfeiture you're essentially guilty until you prove the money wasn't obtained via illegal means. Meanwhile, no charges have actually been filed.
Just governments doing what they do best, stepping on the necks of the people.
they dropped money laundering charges but are still claiming "illegal gambling" so they can hold onto the money, while not actually filing any charges.
Money laundering was always a way in for feds.but it appears state is moving forward down the administrative path where state has many more advantages
I believe The Lodge would have to file in court to try and get the assets back. I think under civil asset forfeiture you're essentially guilty until you prove the money wasn't obtained via illegal means. Meanwhile, no charges have actually been filed.
Just governments doing what they do best, stepping on the necks of the people.
No charges need to be filed. But there will be a administrative hearing
The state is banking on a long legal battle that has a relatively high likelihood of succeeding to keep the assets. And if this test case goes through, it might spell doom for other casinos. My advice for people in Texas is to not have any cash tied up in the player’s banks.
they dropped money laundering charges but are still claiming "illegal gambling" so they can hold onto the money, while not actually filing any charges.
$2 million honestly doesnt seem like that much for Doug Polk, Brad Owens and all the other owners of the Lodge. Ive seen those guys play $100K pots. And I've seen them make huge amounts of money from ClubWPT sponsorships and rake from the poker community. While the forfetiure is BS, these guys need to step up and make the poker community whole after how much the community has given to them.
$2 million honestly doesnt seem like that much for Doug Polk, Brad Owens and all the other owners of the Lodge. Ive seen those guys play $100K pots. And I've seen them make huge amounts of money from ClubWPT sponsorships and rake from the poker community. While the forfetiure is BS, these guys need to step up and make the poker community whole after how much the community has g
Polk has repeatedly said he will make the players whole. Probably needs to have lawyers create an agreement of sorts. Very complex situation.
Well, that's not really the dunk on Texas you think it is. Yes, Texas would rather enforce their own laws than have the feds come in and enforce theirs. And that's kind of what Texas is doing.
Kind of maybe
$2 million honestly doesnt seem like that much for Doug Polk, Brad Owens and all the other owners of the Lodge. Ive seen those guys play $100K pots. And I've seen them make huge amounts of money from ClubWPT sponsorships and rake from the poker community. While the forfetiure is BS, these guys need to step up and make the poker community whole after how much the community has g
If the entire ownership team kicked in it would be easily manageable but theres no indication that the owners with no public "influencer" exposure have any intention of throwing good money after bad. The influencers are going to have to take it on the chin because stiffing players basically ends them as poker "good guys" who can print off droolers watching their content and using their promo codes. That said, the "anonymous" owners might want to kick in as well because of the mess it will cause at the other lodge location if their is a big public fight over this or if players get slow walked on cashing chips.
Polk has repeatedly said he will make the players whole. Probably needs to have lawyers create an agreement of sorts. Very complex situation.
No offense but thats kinda BS. If all of the owners come to an agreement they can distribute the money within a day or two.
If the entire ownership team kicked in it would be easily manageable but theres no indication that the owners with no public "influencer" exposure have any intention of throwing good money after bad. The influencers are going to have to take it on the chin because stiffing players basically ends them as poker "good guys" who can print off droolers watching their content and usi
Yeah thats a good point. But even for the annonymous owners the bad publicity surely isnt good for the other Lodge poker rooms. But totally agree the influencers are more inclined to end this sooner rather than later, in particular Doug Polk.
No offense but thats kinda BS. If all of the owners come to an agreement they can distribute the money within a day or two.
a very good point on this topic was made on pokersesh. https://youtube.com/shorts/bI470PN8jyE?s...
No offense but thats kinda BS. If all of the owners come to an agreement they can distribute the money within a day or two.
There are plenty of other creditors. There could be legal liability paying one group over another.
I don’t think it is as simple of finding Polk, giving him chips and receiving cash. Probably have to sign a document acknowledging and guarantee no future claims. Probably also need to verify that you were a member.
I think he will make good but it will take a lot of time.
a very good point on this topic was made on pokersesh. https://youtube.com/shorts/bI470PN8jyE?s...
Yep. Chip counterfeiters must be on the job already. Another gray area that Doug will have to navigate.
Yep. Chip counterfeiters must be on the job already. Another gray area that Doug will have to navigate.
Be careful of people selling their chips at a discount. They also might not be redeemable if you weren’t a member.
I would bet Polk will redeem them at some point. It is going to take some lawyers and time.
Be careful of people selling their chips at a discount. They also might not be redeemable if you weren’t a member.
I would bet Polk will redeem them at some point. It is going to take some lawyers and time.
I went over all of this on pokersesh a month ago, how much to purchase for, how to redeem, the risk of counterfeiting, how to negotiate a sale, risks for doug, etc. The smart money and the guys with backpacks full of chips have already worked these things out.
There are plenty of other creditors. There could be legal liability paying one group over another.
I don’t think it is as simple of finding Polk, giving him chips and receiving cash. Probably have to sign a document acknowledging and guarantee no future claims. Probably also need to verify that you were a member.
I think he will make good but it will take a lot of time.
Yeah hes already promised he would make good so I dont doubt him. I just wonder how long it will take, now that they know the government isnt giving the money back they should post an update with a more clear plan. IE what is the timeline to get everyone paid? Otherwise it feels like theyre dragging it out.
