Gambling is not legal in Texas, but the Aces Social Club, which recently opened in north Houston, offers legal winner-take-all Omaha and Texas Hold ‘Em poker. Unlike casinos, at Aces Social Club the house does not hold the advantage; every player has the same chance to, explained Membership Director Tricia Helford. “All of the money that is won here is given back to the player. If there’s ,000 in the pot, the player wins the ,000,” she said.
In addition, the club is private, which also makes it legal. Helford said Aces Social Club makes its money from seat rentals, which start at $10 a week, membership fees which start at $120 a year and amenities. Alcohol is not served but members may bring in their own. Helford said a food menu will be offered in the future.
At full capacity, the club will offer 20 tables and make available more than 40 card dealers, Helford said Aces also is planning to allow members to play mahjong, Dungeons and Dragons and other games, she added. Poker-playing classes also will be offered.
She explained the club uses its own custom card decks to prevent cheating. And she noted the card games involve skill–not luck. “There’s more reading the player than there is in luck. More of the pots in these games are won prior to the last card being dealt,” she said.
Aces Social Club management chose its location near Bush Intercontinental Airport to attract travelers, Helford said, and to offer an alternative to other Houston-area card rooms including the Post Oak Poker Club in the Galleria and Mint Poker in Webster.
