The Den Poker Lounge: Women-Only Owned Poker Room

A new women-owned poker room is set to open in Texas, aiming to bring more women into poker while creating a welcoming environment for all players.

Grand opening details:

• Owners: Marjorie Bradford and Jamie Kempf

• Location: Rowlett, Texas, in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area

• Date: November 12

• Doors open: 3 p.m. local time

• Ribbon-cutting ceremony: 4 p.m. local time

The project has been in the making for more than two years. Both founders are passionate about poker and want to bring something different to the local poker community.

A Texas Poker Room With a Focus on Women

Texas has strict anti-gambling laws, but many poker rooms in the state operate legally through a membership-based model rather than taking a rake from the pots.

The Den Poker Lounge will use this approach by offering social club memberships to poker players.

What will make the club different?

• It will place a strong emphasis on encouraging women's participation in poker.

• It will offer amenities similar to those found at other Texas card rooms.

• It will welcome both women and men rather than limiting access to female players.

• It aims to provide a strong sense of community alongside poker games.

“Poker has always been a passion for myself and Marjorie, and we've spent a lot of time thinking about how we could bring something different to the poker community,” Kempf said.

She described poker as an industry traditionally dominated by men. The founders want to create a space where women feel welcome without making the venue exclusive.

“We wanted The Den to be more than just another poker room. We wanted a place with a great atmosphere, a strong sense of community, and somewhere people genuinely enjoy spending their time.” Kempf explained.

Kempf finished runner-up for a WSOP Circuit ring in 2024. She also said the new business venture had already received a lot of positive feedback from players.

“We're really proud of what we're building, and can't wait to share it with everyone,” she added.

Ladies-Only Poker Tournaments

Ladies-only poker tournaments are another way to encourage women's participation in the game. Events such as the WSOP Ladies Championship give women the opportunity to compete against other female players in a dedicated tournament.

While The Den Poker Lounge plans to welcome players of all genders, its focus on women reflects a broader interest in making poker more accessible and appealing to female players.

Previous Efforts to Support Women in Poker

The Den will be the first women-owned poker room in Texas, according to the article, but it will not be the first venue in the state to focus heavily on women in poker.

• The Den Poker Lounge: Set to open in Rowlett, with an emphasis on women's participation and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

• The Royal Card Club: An Austin card room that attempted a somewhat similar model in 2024.

Competition in the Dallas-Fort Worth Poker Market

The new Texas poker room will enter a market with several established competitors. Major poker rooms in the area include:

• Texas Card House: Operates two locations.

• Palace Poker: Another established venue attracting players in the region.

These venues bring in hundreds of players, but the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area has approximately 8.5 million residents. The region also has no shortage of poker players.

Poker Games and Stakes at The Den

Kempf plans to open the club with 15 poker tables and offer several game formats. The addition of Pot-Limit Omaha, mixed games, and bomb pot games will depend on demand from players.

With its planned game selection and emphasis on welcoming players, The Den Poker Lounge aims to establish itself in the Dallas–Fort Worth poker community.