PokerNews Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Poker Club THE LODGE Nears It's End? Is this the Real Reason Why? Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

In the 948th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back to discuss a new theory involving what might be the real reason behind authorities investigating The Lodge in Texas. It focuses more on the financial side of things, specifically the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) as opposed to actual poker and alcohol. Could it be the real reason for the raid?

Plus, an update from The Lodge in which they made an unfortunate announcement that they would be closing for the foreseeable future and laying off their staff.

The trio then takes a look at the viral bustout hand at PokerStars Open Philadelphia, offers their thoughts on Triton Tempo, and watches Kelly Lucas slowroll Phil Hellmuth on an episode of Hellmuth's Home Game.

Finally, the crew discusses the passing of David Sklansky, the author of the game-changing book The Theory of Poker, and the complicated legacy he leaves behind.

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!

Here's why Kylie Jenner is GREAT for Poker Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

In the 947th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back to discuss headlines from the poker world that didn't include The Lodge in Texas. Foremost among them was celebrity Kylie Jenner, working with Vanity Fair to make a viral poker video. Was it a good thing for poker?

The crew also discusses the upcoming closure of the Resorts World Poker Room and some of their favorite (and worst) memories, Arden Cho at the Academy Awards, and winners from the recently-completed PokerGO Cup, including Andrew "Lucky Chewy" Lichtenberger, Tony Gregg, and Brock Wilson, who ultimately topped the leaderboard. It was also at the PokerGO Cup where Ben Grise notched back-to-back runner-up finishes while learning the tragic news that his good friend back in Indiana had been murdered.

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!

Diving Into The Lodge Affidavit – Is this the End of Texas Poker? Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

In the 946th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow shoot a show devoted to examining the recently-released affidavit against The Lodge in Texas, which was raided by authorities last Tuesday. What were the details of the warrant? Find out here.

Plus, Doug Polk recently issued a new statement and is committed to making sure players are taken care of. But what do the details of the affidavit mean for the future of The Lodge and Texas poker in general? Well, unfortunately, it doesn't look good. Find out why in the latest episode.

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 show00:37 Initial reactions to the warrant04:40 Statement from Doug Polk06:20 What does the affidavit say?12:00 What should players do?13:50 What state laws were violated?14:40 Who are the owners?16:30 Is the loophole being closed?17:00 What about the $1.35M?19:25 What's likely to happen next?21:45 Will Doug Polk fight?23:50 Is this the end of poker rooms in Texas?27:13 Final thoughts

What Happened? The Lodge Remains Closed After Raid + Assets Frozen Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In the 945th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow shoot a show devoted to the latest updates following The Lodge in Texas being raided by authorities. A lot has happened since the raid last Tuesday at Doug Polk's famed card room, which recently issued a new statement.

While we have some answers, there are still plenty of unanswered questions, given that the club remains closed and no formal charges have been filed. It remains an open investigation, os right now, players and owners have no recourse but to sit around and wait, not to mention the hundreds of staff currently out of work and awaiting some sort of clarity.

Hear about the facts as we know them, a timeline of events, and some of the current speculation as to what might be the root cause of the raid. Is it illegal gambling? Money laundering? Who might be involved? The crew explores it all.

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!

Why Did Authorities Raid One of the USA's Biggest Poker Rooms? Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

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!

Brad Owen Admits "I Don't Know How Much Time I Have Left in this Space" Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

In the 943rd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are joined by TJ Reid at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas. The quartet talks about the viral and vulnerable tweet sent by famed vlogger Brad Owen, who was open about burnout and how he's currently feeling within the poker space. It's an intimate look at a part of the game that's not often talked about.

They then discuss the perfect 300 bowling game of Ryan Riess, who won some money from Jesse Lonis, as well as Jorge Abreu crushing the EPT Paris final table, getting lucky in a wild hand and against Felix Schneiders heads-up, and wins from Nick Seward and NFL Hall of Famer Richard Seymour. Plus, Chad was at the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) Reno to play in his first PokerNews PowerStack. See highlights from that tournament, as well as Hamid Izadi's win in the stop's main event.

Finally, a shoutout to podcast colleagues Dara O'Kearney and David Lappin on their new respective sponsorship deals! Find out where they landed and what it means for the future of The Chip Race.

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!

What Can You Expect for the 2026 WSOP? Jeff Platt Shares All Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

In the 942nd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are joined by Jeff Platt at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas. The quartet talks about Platt's new role with the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and what all that entails.

Find out what all you can expect from the 2026 WSOP as the former cohost of the PokerNews Podcast talks about being a face of the brand, live viewer experience, storytelling, the Poker Hall of Fame, and much more.

Plus, Platt shares some of his favorite WSOP moments that he's been a part of over the years, moments that include Doyle Brunson and Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi.

Find out all about those stories and more in this week's episode of the PokerNews Podcast!

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!

James Hartigan & PokerStars Gear Up for EPT Paris & Irish Poker Open Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

In the 941st episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are joined by James Hartigan at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas. The quartet previews upcoming PokerStars live events, including the European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris, where the Spin & Go Championship will take place.

There's also the PokerStars Open Philadelphia and the 2026 Irish Poker Open, which, according to Hartigan, is more than just a poker tournament; it's a whole experience. Find out information about all those events, as well as some fun stories in between, like when Hartigan participated in a lip-synch battle with Caitlin Comeskey while he was dressed up as a blue shark.

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 EPT Paris 06:50 Spin & Go Championship 14:30 PokerStars Open Philly 18:53 Irish Poker Open 22:30 Lip-synch battle with Caitlin Comeskey

Find Out How This Poker Dealer Was Caught Cheating! Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

In the 940th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back to break down the video of a poker dealer caught cheating in a Texas card room. See surveillance footage of what happened and how he was caught!

The trio then discusses Michael Mizrachi & Chino Rheem's $100K No Smoking/Drinking prop bet, Alex Foxen making his Hustler Casino Live (HCL) debut, and results from the PokerGO Tour (PGT) Mixed Games Series, which included big wins by Brian Rast, Qinghai Pan, and Yuri Dzivielevski.

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!

2026 WSOP Reveals Free Live Stream, New Events, & Big Changes Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

In the 939th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back for a special episode to discuss the release of the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) schedule!

Running from May 26 through July 15, the 2026 WSOP consists of 100 gold bracelet events and, for the first time ever, will be immediately followed by a WSOP Circuit stop. Find out what's new on the schedule, what is missing, and what changes are in store, including a new main stage set that'll be constructed in the Paris Ballroom. Jeff Platt even joined the show for a bit to talk about that and how to improve the live player experience.

Oh, and it seems there may be some big changes in store for the final table of the WSOP Main Event. If you're planning to play the 2026 WSOP, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

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!

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