The Copa Club was the latest target in the ongoing dispute over poker clubs in the state
Authorities in Texas shut down the Copa Club poker room in Westlake following a raid by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department. The club, located in the Fort Worth area, announced its closure on Instagram, citing “unforeseen circumstances” but did not provide further details. The message assured customers that updates would follow and expressed hope for a quick reopening.
Poker rooms operate in a legal gray area in Texas due to strict anti-gambling laws. While the state bans most forms of gambling, a loophole in Texas law allows non-raked poker rooms to function if they charge membership and seat fees rather than collecting a portion of each pot. Some cities permit these clubs, but many municipalities, including Westlake, have refused to recognize the model, making it difficult for poker rooms to operate legally.
Copa Club had only recently opened in Westlake, offering poker games alongside a bar and restaurant. However, sources familiar with the Texas poker industry suggest the club may not have disclosed its intention to run a poker room when applying for a business license. This lack of transparency could have contributed to law enforcement’s decision to intervene.
Texas poker rooms have faced raids in the past, with similar crackdowns occurring at establishments across the state. The Watuga Social Lounge Poker Club in Dallas was shut down during a high-stakes tournament, and other clubs have faced legal challenges over their operations.
It remains unclear whether anyone was arrested or if charges were filed following the raid on Copa Club. Photos from the scene show deputies removing poker tables from the venue. The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department has not yet provided a statement regarding the operation.
