One of Texas’s largest cities is getting another poker room.
The city’s board of adjustment panel voted 4-1 to approve the room’s certificate of occupancy. The move reverses city officials’ revocation of the certificate for Champions Social Club in April. The revocation came just days after initially approving the application.
Some board members voted to move forward with the approval because of the recent decision of the Texas Supreme Court to hear a similar case, which allowed Texas Card House Dallas to continue dealing cards.
City officials argued that the club violates state laws on gambling. Board members ruled in Champions Clubs’ favor because of the ruling, despite local opposition.
“when i look at the rules, the facts, and the law, it only takes me one way,” board chair and former city councilman David Neumann said.
High-End Poker Club & Restaurant Planned
The city argued that the certificate of occupancy was awarded as an error. The city was adamant that poker clubs in Texas violate state gambling laws. Numerous local residents turned out for the more than seven hour meeting to voice opposition.
“This is my third time coming down to city hall to protest Champions poker house,” resident Nancy Bergsma said. “Why are we still discussing this? Please vote no and stop illegal activity from having a home at the edge of our subdivision.”
Champions ownership spent $15 million renovating the former III Forks restaurant location in North Dallas to open the club. Plans called for a restaurant and upscale poker room, similar to its Houston location.
Casino gambling is illegal in Texas, poker clubs have been able to skirt the law by operating as social clubs. Players pay dues or a seat fee rather than the clubs taking a rake from the poker games. Texas online casinos are typically limited to sweepstakes casino platforms.
The approval paves the way for the club to start spreading games. Champions’ ownership were pleased to see the legal wrangling finally come to an end.
“We’re committed to the city of Dallas,” co-owner Isaac Trumbo told local media. “We’ve invested $15 million into the restoration of this iconic property that has been important to North Dallas for a generation.”
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