PokerNews Podcast

In the 948th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back to discuss a new theory involving what might be the real reason behind authorities investigating The Lodge in Texas. It focuses more on the financial side of things, specifically the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) as opposed to actual poker and alcohol. Could it be the real reason for the raid?
Plus, an update from The Lodge in which they made an unfortunate announcement that they would be closing for the foreseeable future and laying off their staff.
The trio then takes a look at the viral bustout hand at PokerStars Open Philadelphia, offers their thoughts on Triton Tempo, and watches Kelly Lucas slowroll Phil Hellmuth on an episode of Hellmuth's Home Game. 
Finally, the crew discusses the passing of David Sklansky, the author of the game-changing book The Theory of Poker, and the complicated legacy he leaves behind.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:50 | How you feeling about The Lodge?
03:30 | Is the real story about The Lodge?
03:55 | Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) & FinCEN
11:13 | BSA Requirements
12:50 | Update: The Lodge lays off staff
16:00 | Viral bustout hand at PokerStars Open Philadelphia
20:33 | Triton Tempo – poker's chess clock
26:10 | Kelly Lucas slowrolls Phil Hellmuth
31:11 | David Sklansky passes away

In the 947th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back to discuss headlines from the poker world that didn't include The Lodge in Texas. Foremost among them was celebrity Kylie Jenner, working with Vanity Fair to make a viral poker video. Was it a good thing for poker? 
The crew also discusses the upcoming closure of the Resorts World Poker Room and some of their favorite (and worst) memories, Arden Cho at the Academy Awards, and winners from the recently-completed PokerGO Cup, including Andrew "Lucky Chewy" Lichtenberger, Tony Gregg, and Brock Wilson, who ultimately topped the leaderboard. It was also at the PokerGO Cup where Ben Grise notched back-to-back runner-up finishes while learning the tragic news that his good friend back in Indiana had been murdered.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Timestamps
01:30 | Mike's big score
02:41 | Kylie Jenner ventures into the poker world
08:05 | Resorts World closing poker room
13:45 | Lucky Chewy claims a PokerGO Cup trophy
15:20 | One for Tony Gregg
16:53 | Brock Wilson PokerGO Cup title
17:50 | Ben Grise's two runner-up finishes
20:40 | Arden Cho at the Oscars

In the 946th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow shoot a show devoted to examining the recently-released affidavit against The Lodge in Texas, which was raided by authorities last Tuesday. What were the details of the warrant? Find out here.
Plus, Doug Polk recently issued a new statement and is committed to making sure players are taken care of. But what do the details of the affidavit mean for the future of The Lodge and Texas poker in general? Well, unfortunately, it doesn't look good. Find out why in the latest episode.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 Welcome to the show
00:37 Initial reactions to the warrant
04:40 Statement from Doug Polk
06:20 What does the affidavit say?
12:00 What should players do?
13:50 What state laws were violated?
14:40 Who are the owners?
16:30 Is the loophole being closed?
17:00 What about the $1.35M?
19:25 What's likely to happen next?
21:45 Will Doug Polk fight?
23:50 Is this the end of poker rooms in Texas?
27:13 Final thoughts

In the 945th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow shoot a show devoted to the latest updates following The Lodge in Texas being raided by authorities. A lot has happened since the raid last Tuesday at Doug Polk's famed card room, which recently issued a new statement.
While we have some answers, there are still plenty of unanswered questions, given that the club remains closed and no formal charges have been filed. It remains an open investigation, os right now, players and owners have no recourse but to sit around and wait, not to mention the hundreds of staff currently out of work and awaiting some sort of clarity.
Hear about the facts as we know them, a timeline of events, and some of the current speculation as to what might be the root cause of the raid. Is it illegal gambling? Money laundering? Who might be involved? The crew explores it all.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the Show
01:00 | The Lodge issues new statement
05:09 | WPT postpones event
09:30 | No formal charges filed at this time
15:00 | History lesson on the rise of poker in Texas
22:00 | Why no one should be gloating
24:30 | What did Brad Owen have to say?
26:00 | Speculation abounds
31:40 | Poker should just be made legal

In the 944th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Connor Richards react in real-time to breaking news -- that The Lodge in Texas was being raided by authorities. It was an unexpected development at Doug Polk's famed card room that you can read more about here.
From there, the trio updates you on the cheating poker dealer from Texas that was highlighted in Episode 940. See new surveillance footage obtained by PokerNews that clearly shows exactly what went down. Another story includes Fedor Holz departing as a GGPoker Ambassador and stepping away from poker, which led to a discussion as to whether or not he's had a Poker Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Other stories include winners from the PokerGO Cup, straddles in tournaments, Joseph Spanne taking down the 2026 Wynn Millions, Mukul Pahuja & Nick Rigby claiming PokerNews PowerStack titles, and the passing of a beloved poker player. Finally, the show ends with the reveal of a recent The Hendon Mob Award winner.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
01:05 | The Lodge Card Club raided in Texas
06:00 | Cheating poker dealer exposed
13:30 | Worst fold in poker history?
20:58 | Fedor Holz leaves GGPoker; is he retiring?
24:03 | Fedor Poker Hall of Fame worthy?
26:42 | PokerGO Cup winners
29:35 | Straddles in tournaments?
32:33 | Joseph Spanne wins 2026 Wynn Millions Championship 
32:55 | Mukul Pahuja wins Borgata PokerNews PowerStack
33:10 | Nick Rigby wins three tournaments at RGPS St. Louis
34:20 | WWII Veteran Gene Bellar passes away at 101
36:00 | Koen Roos receives The Hendon Mob Award