Doug Polk to exit active role at The Lodge Card Club

Doug Polk announced on X on July 3, 2026, that he will step away from day-to-day operations at The Lodge Card Club in Texas while retaining a share in the business. He said increasing commitments to other projects and his growing family prompted the decision.

Polk joined The Lodge as a co-owner in 2022 alongside fellow poker professionals Andrew Neeme and Brad Owen. In his post, he thanked the club’s staff, members and local poker community for their support. “With several other projects demanding more of my time, and my family continuing to grow, I’ve decided this is the right time to step back from my involvement with The Lodge so I can focus more fully on those priorities,” he wrote. He confirmed he will no longer have an active role in operating the venue.

The announcement follows an operational disruption earlier this year after Texas authorities executed a raid at The Lodge’s Round Rock location in March as part of an investigation into alleged gambling offenses. The action forced the club to close, led to layoffs and prompted the postponement of a scheduled World Poker Tour event. The Lodge reopened in late May after being closed for a little over two months. Officials have not announced criminal charges against the business or its owners in connection with the probe.

Polk expressed confidence in the remaining management and ownership. “I have every confidence in the current management team, employees, and ownership… I expect The Lodge will continue to thrive,” he wrote, adding that the friendships and community around the club mean a great deal to him.

Polk will remain financially tied to The Lodge through his ownership stake. He is known for his professional poker career and an active online presence; his statement framed the change as a shift of focus toward other business activities and family commitments.