Why Did Authorities Raid One of the USA's Biggest Poker Rooms?

In the 944th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Connor Richards react in real-time to breaking news -- that The Lodge in Texas was being raided by authorities. It was an unexpected development at Doug Polk's famed card room that you can read more about here.

From there, the trio updates you on the cheating poker dealer from Texas that was highlighted in Episode 940. See new surveillance footage obtained by PokerNews that clearly shows exactly what went down. Another story includes Fedor Holz departing as a GGPoker Ambassador and stepping away from poker, which led to a discussion as to whether or not he's had a Poker Hall of Fame-worthy career.

Other stories include winners from the PokerGO Cup, straddles in tournaments, Joseph Spanne taking down the 2026 Wynn Millions, Mukul Pahuja & Nick Rigby claiming PokerNews PowerStack titles, and the passing of a beloved poker player. Finally, the show ends with the reveal of a recent The Hendon Mob Award winner.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps *Time Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 01:05 | The Lodge Card Club raided in Texas 06:00 | Cheating poker dealer exposed 13:30 | Worst fold in poker history? 20:58 | Fedor Holz leaves GGPoker; is he retiring? 24:03 | Fedor Poker Hall of Fame worthy? 26:42 | PokerGO Cup winners 29:35 | Straddles in tournaments? 32:33 | Joseph Spanne wins 2026 Wynn Millions Championship 32:55 | Mukul Pahuja wins Borgata PokerNews PowerStack 33:10 | Nick Rigby wins three tournaments at RGPS St. Louis 34:20 | WWII Veteran Gene Bellar passes away at 101 36:00 | Koen Roos receives The Hendon Mob Award