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Doug Polk Surprised By Those Who Don’t Want Him To Play At His Own Poker Room

Lodge Card Club Owner Makes Final Table In Texas Tournament

by Sean Chaffin  |  Published: Nov 27, 2024

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“Is it a bad look for the owner of a card room to final table and/or possibly win a big tournament at their own room?”

That was the simple question poker pro and owner of the Lodge Poker Club Doug Polk posed this week as part of a Twitter poll. After making the final table of the venue’s Mayhem main event in in Round Rock, Texas, Polk was a bit shocked at the response from players.

While just over 63% of respondents said there was no issue with Polk playing in tournaments, almost 19% said that playing an event at his own property and making a final table was a bad look. Another 18% responded that they weren’t sure or didn’t care.

“Crazy to me that 3 out of 10 people think it’s a bad look for me to play tournaments at [my cardroom],” Polk said.

Mixed Opinions On Issue

This isn’t the first time that Polk made a deep run at this own place. In 2022, the Lodge hosted a $2 million guaranteed event that had an overlay of $334,100. Polk finished fourth in that tournament, cashing for $142,000.

This tournament also featured a slight overlay on its $1 million guarantee.

WPT Executive Tour Director Matt Savage said there could be some ethical issues surrounding missed guarantees in these types of situations.

“It’s bad in my opinion only if you are missing the guarantee and entering and reentering for what appears [to be] for free,” he posted. “I’ve played events in my tournament festivals and charity events for promotional purposes, and it helps because I’m not a pro.”

Moneymaker Tour Executive Director Tony Burns expressed similar reservations about owners and management mixing it up in tournaments. Playing in the tournament could make other players believe there could be biased rulings and other decisions that could benefit the club owner.

“Most players know us and our reputation that we wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize the integrity of the game we’ve worked hard at and love,” he noted. “I’m frequently asked why I don’t play in events on the Moneymaker Tour. Since I often have access to the chips, make rulings or work with ones that make the final ruling, I’ve made the decision not to play to avoid the perception. Truth of the matter is that there are players that don’t know us, conspiracy theorists, and others that look to blame their misfortunes on something.”

Others were supportive of Polk playing tournaments and bringing some fun to the final table live stream, including six-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Josh Arieh.

“I think your honorable reputation has earned you the right to do so,” he said. “Yes, there are some spots (where) this would look bad, but if you won, people wouldn’t call foul. They would just compare it to a lightning strike of luck.”

Despite having the chip lead at one point, Polk ultimately finished sixth for $40,000. The win ultimately went to Terry Morales, who chopped heads-up with Austin Apicella for $163,375 each.

After initially indicating he would step away from tournaments at the property, Polk later reconsidered and plans on mixing in some events occasionally.

“I will be continuing to play cash games at Lodge Poker Club and might play the odd big tournament,” he posted. “If that is something that upsets you, then please do not sign up to play at our club when we have an event going!”

 
 
Tags: Doug Polk,   Poker Poll,   Twitter Poll,   Player Opinions,   Poker Tournaments,   Texas,   The Lodge Card Club,   Poker Controversy
 
 
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