Meddler2
Full House
Interesting article and good explanation of "membership" poker rooms in Texas:
http://www.pokerintx.org/home/membership-card-room/
http://www.pokerintx.org/home/membership-card-room/
I didn't take a picture of it because of the glaring, armed security guard outside...but finding this place was hell. Our uber driver drove around for 20 minutes through 2 strip malls before we finally found it hidden away in a corner with a sign on the door but not on the façade - obviously trying to keep a low profile, in part because the legislature is still tryuing to determine the ultimate legality of this.
I've played at the one in Plano a few times. Poker Rooms of Texas (http://www.pokerroomsoftexas.com). This guy is doing everything right, and his business is growing. Not a shady place at all. I don't know about the Uber misfortune above but I found it ok. I like the way it is set. It is in a strip mall. The store front does not face the busy street, but instead faces a side which can easily be seen when you drive down that lane of parking. 2 guards, 1 outside and 1 inside, security cameras, so safe.
I read another is opening up with a similar business model, and it begins "Enter in the back door". No, I'm already out on that.
This room is not hiding but not being splashy either. Well run. Its exactly as the article reads. The manager understands he has to compete against the fairly close Native American casinos in OK, and adjusts the prices accordingly. The manager also asks the players for feedback on what he can do better.
Another thing he is doing is trying to put an emphasis on the "non-grinder". Not necessarily focusing on newbies, but he doesn't want a casual player to get killed by grinders every time. He has a 1/2 with limits on buyins and straddles. And he has a 1/3 game with higher buyins and straddles are allowed. The 1/2 plays smaller as intended, but both play larger than casino games because there is no money coming off the table!
Free snacks, waters, etc. ATM inside. BYOB.
That's the one that just closed down. No details though.I had heard that the Texas Card House is kinda a dive, security etc. A new one opened recently in Austin called Throne something. I have not heard anything on it.
I'm curious as well. His Facebook page has an apology from a few days ago that states renovations will be done immediately and then a post today stating they are closed indefinitely. Wonder if there was a legal issue or dried up bank account.Wow, they didn't last very long. They had custom felts and chips that looked nice. I wondered what happened.
Initial capital outlay would be a lot to get one of these going, but if you had a decent profit structure and ran a good, clean, friendly room, I think word of mouth would keep you growing.
Hosting is something I enjoy, it comes naturally to me. I also have a knack for numbers. I'd love for Indiana to make cardrooms legal, and to have a deep pockets backer to help me make the best cardroom in northern Indiana, because I'd do it just like Martin and it would be a lot of fun. I can't wait to get a few chips and fix my table so I can run the best mixed game micro stakes home game in northern Indiana.I agree, and I think that is what he has done. He knows that he has to compete with the fairly close OK casinos, so he keeps the rental fees low. Its definitely growing, and he is definitely investing in the things like security (inside and outside). Like I said before, he is not operating under the covers, but not broadcasting it either. Definitely through word of mouth. He has grown his business on cash games alone, and only recently started tournaments. I don't know if he is making money but he is filling tables. Most of the time he has more tables going than the 2nd biggest casino in OK.
I've read some other similar rooms are opening up in the DFW area soon. I don't have any information about them but I bet they have no idea what they are up against. Martin has set a high standard. It will take a lot to match what he has created. I would predict something much like the Throne (Austin) experience...great ideas, but could'nt deliver to match. I would predict Martin is going to outgrow his current space within 12 months.
The rooms in Austin have been going for a few years now. Then again Dallas has always been a little more anti-poker with the underground room raids. I honestly believe the owners thought the certificate of occupancy meant he was legit. I was going to open a room, spoke with two attorney's - they both told me to hold off and see what the climate was. Glad I did! (y) :thumbsup: We'll see how it plays out. I'll be keeping an eye out.You would've thunk this would have been vetted before opening up...
Cart before the horse and all...
Card room in Dallas was raided last night and the one in Plano just got a cease and desist letter from the city. Not looking good for "legal" poker in North Texas.
The new one in Dallas CJ's Card House was raided last night. No details if it was a SWAT type raid, but they took all the $$$.Craig- which one was raided and which got the cease and desist?
I think it's because it's only their opinion that it's legal. The law states no one can receive economic benefit from poker. It's a stretch to make the argument that a membership fee and a seat rental charge to a place that only serves poker is 100% legal. It's Texas - people complain about everything they don't agree with, and I'm sure this is one of them. Plano just did it a little softer.CJs had only been open 3 weeks and seems to be dark now. Damn!
Poker Room of Texas has 11 tables going strong right now. It's been going for about 9 months.
A 3rd room just opened a couple of weeks ago some where close to PRT, but I don't think it's doing too well. This might cause them to cut their losses.
It's a state law. I wonder why the cities are coming down on them?
Glad too see that Austin has a better climate then we do up here. It appears that so does Houston. Oh well - maybe all we need is more time.The Texas Cardhouse in Austin has expanded and opened up a 2nd poker room in north Austin.
It's Dallas. Lots of casino money paid to make sure license plates cross the boarders.I would like to know the law that is being violated. PRT was upfront with city when he got city permits. I thought the state laws were the ones in question. If the ones in Austin are allowed to operate under the nose of the state government (Austin is state capitol), what is the problem?