A Texoma entrepreneur is pursuing municipal permission to establish a poker lounge in the heart of Sherman. Bill Hollomon, a career salesman and co-owner of The Railyard Taproom, recently outlined his proposal to city officials. He stated that the concept has garnered strong backing from local leaders.
Hollomon, who has played poker for many years, argued that the venue would address a gap in the market for Grayson County. He described the proposed establishment, named the Showdown Social Club, as a western-themed space with a modern yet rustic aesthetic. The facility would feature between 20 and 30 tables, capable of hosting several hundred players simultaneously.
The business would operate from noon until 2:00 a.m. Hollomon characterized the design as upscale but rustic, aiming to complement the energy of the downtown square. He noted that the area is a growing tech community and expressed hope that the club would contribute to that vitality.
While gambling and casino-style operations are generally prohibited under current Texas statutes, Hollomon pointed to specific state exceptions that allow poker lounges to function legally. He emphasized that the venue would adhere to three strict conditions to remain compliant.
First, the setup must ensure that every participant has an equal opportunity to win. Second, the location must function as a private club. Third, the house cannot take a rake or commission from the pots. Hollomon clarified that all funds wagered by players would be returned to them, with none retained by the business.
