by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Feb 3, 2022 | Updated on Feb 3, 2022
Summary
- Mike Matusow buys a piece of the action by investing in Poker House of Dallas
- Matusow aims to take advantage of the Texas poker boom, following in the footsteps of Doug Polk, Andrew Neeme, and Brad Owen
- Poker rooms in Dallas are currently at risk of closure with the city recently changing its tune on poker operations.
Mike “The Mouth” Matusow will run Poker House of Dallas. The four-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner tweeted this week that he, alongside his partners, will move to Dallas for their new business venture. Matusow becomes the latest poker figure to buy into the burgeoning poker scene in Texas.
Last month, Doug Polk, Andrew Neeme and Brad Owen jointly purchased the popular Lodge Poker Club in Houston.
Poker Continues to Grow in Texas Despite Legal Challenges
Poker operates in a legal grey area in Texas. Casino gambling is prohibited in the state, but poker rooms are allowed to operate on a seat/membership fee basis as collecting rake is illegal. However, there are certain jurisdictions where legally compliant operators are still being chased by authorities.
Despite its complicated legal status in the Lonestar State, poker has remained popular among local players and the so-called social poker clubs continue to thrive. In Houston, poker rooms are operating smoothly without any legal disruptions, which means Polk, Neeme, and Owen have embarked on their new business at the right place and time.
But can we say the same for Matusow and his partners?
Permit Revocation in Dallas
Just recently, the Texas Card House, one of Dallas’ most popular poker spots, has had its business permit revoked for allegedly “keeping a gambling place“. The owners of the club were informed through a letter that they’re in violation of the state’s gambling laws. The decision left them shocked and confused, considering that they’ve been operating for several months now after gaining approval from the city itself.
More poker rooms are at risk of receiving the same revocation letter, and Matusow’s Poker House of Dallas could be one of them.
Whether or not Matusow will be successful in his latest pursuit remains to be seen but in the meantime, a poker legend doing business in the city is something that the Dallas poker community should celebrate and be excited about. The American poker pro is currently busy inviting players to join his club for a chance to take part in a $250K freeroll tournament this February.
