Police in Houston raided a poker club on Wednesday night over allegations of illegal gambling at the property. Authorities arrested at least three people and seized more than $350,000 in cash and gaming equipment.
Members of SWAT and drones were used as part of the raid at Lucky J Social Club. About 80 to 90 people were inside at the time of the police action. The three men arrested are charged with misdemeanor counts of promoting gambling. More charges are expected.
“My thought right now on this developing story is that there may be additional charges, such as money laundering, or a federal investigation,” former federal prosecutor Michael Wynne, who has represented Texas poker clubs, told local media. “We’ll see what develops in the coming days. Also, I would not be surprised if we don’t see more raids.”
Casino Games Alleged
The exact number of people arrested isn’t certain. Other outlets have reported as many as five were arrested during the raid. PokerNews reported that officers stood in the waiting area during the raid and used drones as surveillance inside the club during the operation.
Video of the scene shows dozens of players with their hands in the air looking toward officers inside the facility. According to local reports, several residents in the area had reported illegal gambling operations at Lucky J over the last several months.
Since Texas poker clubs have been operating for several years, it’s likely these residents reported casino games like blackjack and baccarat.
The, the Houston Police Department sent undercover detectives inside to surveil club activities. Casino gaming is illegal in Texas and poker rooms operate on a club membership system similar to a country club.
Chan Sold Property in 2021
The property was previously owned by 10-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Johnny Chan. Under Chan’s ownership, the club was called 88 Social. Then, he sold the club in 2021 and the venue was renamed 101 Richmond in December of that year. That was followed by a rebranding to Elite Social Club and then to Lucky J under the current ownership group.
The property saw 20 players robbed while leaving the club in 2025. The former Legends Poker Room, which is no longer open, also reported several shootings and robberies that year.
The closure of the Lucky J follows a raid of the Lodge Poker Club in Round Rock by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in March over allegations of money laundering.
The property saw its assets frozen and employees laid off before a grand jury ultimately chose not to move forward with charges. The club reopened earlier this week.
