Dallas is handed its second defeat in trying to prevent poker clubs from operating
Texas poker clubs have won another round in their ongoing battle with city officials. On Tuesday, Champions Social Club secured approval from the Dallas Board of Adjustment (BOA) to host poker games, marking its first major breakthrough after years of legal hurdles.
The decision followed a contentious hearing where residents, industry representatives, and local officials debated whether poker clubs should be allowed to operate in Dallas. Champions, which already runs a successful club in Houston co-owned by Phil Hellmuth, has been trying since 2021 to open its Dallas location inside the former III Forks steakhouse. The board voted 4-1 in favor of the club, despite strong objections from neighborhood groups who argued a poker venue would bring crime and traffic to the area.
Isaac Trumbo, president of Champions, said his team invested $15 million to restore the property and was “gratified” by the ruling. Still, opposition was vocal. Parents and church leaders raised concerns about having a poker room close to schools, while supporters argued the games operate legally under Texas law since no rake is taken from pots. Instead, clubs charge seat and membership fees, a model already proven in cities like Austin and Houston.
This latest win comes just a week after the Texas Supreme Court declined to hear a case against Texas Card House (TCH), another Dallas poker venue that has fought its own battles with regulators over its Certificate of Occupancy. That decision effectively ended years of litigation and ensured TCH can continue to operate.
Together, these victories signal momentum for poker clubs in North Texas, even though legal challenges remain. State law bans most gambling but allows games where only players profit. Critics argue clubs exploit a gray area, but courts and city boards appear increasingly willing to side with operators.
Champions has not announced an opening date for its Dallas poker room, as final conditions—such as property modifications—must be met. Meanwhile, the club is preparing for its Fall Poker Open in Houston this October, highlighted by a $1 million guaranteed championship event.
