Texas Poker Just Got Bigger: WPT Heads to Austin

The World Poker Tour (WPT) is making its much-anticipated debut in Texas this fall, with the first-ever official event in the Lone Star State. The inaugural WPT Prime festival will be held at The Lodge Poker Club in Austin from September 28 to October 13, 2025, with a highlight being the $1,100 buy-in championship featuring a guaranteed prize pool of $1 million.

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Breaking New Ground in Texas

For poker enthusiasts in Texas, this is an exciting moment in history. The WPT has avoided Texas until now due to the state’s stringent gambling laws, which prohibit most forms of gaming. This new partnership with The Lodge Poker Club signals a new chapter for both the tour and the local poker community.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Lodge for the first time and bring the WPT experience to the heart of Texas,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. “The Lodge is a standout venue with an incredible community of passionate poker players.”

Texas’s Private Club Poker System: A Legal Landscape

How did the WPT make its way to Texas? The state’s unique private poker club system has created a path for live poker tournaments, with nearly 70 private poker clubs spread across Texas. These clubs operate under a specific legal framework outlined in Texas Penal Code §47.02, which makes it possible for these clubs to function legally by charging membership fees and hourly seat rentals rather than taking a rake from the poker pots.

Instead of the traditional model where casinos collect a portion of the winnings, these clubs generate revenue by charging players for access to the game. For example, players pay a membership fee of $10-$15 and an additional $10-$15 per hour to play. This innovative model has allowed the poker scene to thrive in Texas despite the state’s conservative stance on gambling.

The Lodge Poker Club: A Premier Destination for Poker Players

Co-owned by poker influencers Doug Polk, Brad Owen, and Andrew Neeme, The Lodge Poker Club is a renowned venue in Austin, regularly hosting large tournaments with prize pools that can reach up to $1 million. Its popularity has made it a perfect venue for the WPT’s debut in the state.

The Lodge is well-known for hosting high-stakes tournaments that attract top players from around the country, and its partnership with the WPT will elevate its status even further. The WPT Prime festival at The Lodge will feature multiple exciting events, with satellite tournaments leading up to the championship, including the “Half Milly” tournament with a $400 buy-in and $500,000 guarantee.

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A Digital Expansion for WPT

While this live tournament in Texas is a major milestone, the WPT has also expanded its presence online. Platforms like WPT Global and ClubWPT Gold have allowed the brand to reach a global audience. WPT Global serves players from over 50 countries, while ClubWPT Gold caters to U.S. players in 45 states, including Texas. The digital expansion of the WPT highlights its ability to adapt to different regulatory environments while maintaining its brand as one of the top poker tours worldwide.

Doug Polk, one of the co-owners of The Lodge, is also heavily involved in promoting ClubWPT Gold, a sweepstakes poker site. His involvement has brought attention to the platform, with significant numbers of new players joining since its launch. Despite some controversies surrounding the site, such as the delayed payouts during the WSOP Millionaire Maker event, ClubWPT Gold continues to thrive as an online poker destination.

Texas Poker Fans Rejoice

For Texas poker players, the WPT’s Texas debut represents more than just a tournament. It is a symbol of the growing influence of private poker clubs in the state, which have allowed for legal poker action despite the challenges posed by the state’s gambling laws. With online poker still years away in Texas due to the state’s conservative stance, events like the WPT Prime festival are crucial for maintaining a vibrant and active poker community.

The festival’s satellite events, combined with the chance to qualify through ClubWPT Gold, make this an exciting time for poker players in Texas. As the WPT continues to expand both live and digitally, its debut in Texas may just be the beginning of more historic poker events in the state.

FAQs

1. When is the first WPT event in Texas?

The first WPT event in Texas will be held at The Lodge Poker Club in Austin from September 28 to October 13, 2025.

2. What is the buy-in for the WPT Texas Championship?

The buy-in for the WPT Texas championship will be $1,100, with a $1 million guaranteed prize pool.

3. How do Texas private poker clubs operate legally?

 Texas private poker clubs operate under a legal framework that allows them to charge membership fees and hourly seat rentals rather than taking a rake from the poker pots.

4. Who co-owns The Lodge Poker Club? 

The Lodge Poker Club is co-owned by poker personalities Doug Polk, Brad Owen, and Andrew Neeme

5. What other digital platforms is WPT using?

 WPT has expanded digitally with platforms like WPT Global and ClubWPT Gold, which serve players internationally and within the U.S.

Poker lovers in Texas—don’t miss your chance to experience history in the making! Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable poker event at The Lodge Poker Club. Visit betterpokernews.com to stay updated on all things poker!