Poker Player Robbed and Assaulted at Houston Hotel After Big Win

Houston police are investigating a violent robbery that occurred in the early morning hours of August 1, when two suspects attacked a poker player at a hotel just miles from a local card room.

The incident took place at the DoubleTree Hotel in Houston’s Galleria area, a busy shopping and business hub. According to investigators, the victim had recently secured a large poker win at a nearby card room before heading back to the hotel around 5:40 a.m.

Surveillance footage reviewed by police shows two suspects following the player into the lobby. The individuals are believed to have exited a white sedan before approaching the victim near the elevators.

The video shows the poker player waiting for the elevator while using his phone. One suspect suddenly struck him in the head, knocking him to the ground, before the second assailant joined in. The attackers then stole the victim’s wallet and quickly fled the hotel.

Both suspects re-entered the waiting sedan, which sped away from the scene with a third individual behind the wheel. Police believe the group followed the player from the poker room—located just two miles from the hotel—after his win.

The victim, whose identity has not been released, suffered injuries during the assault but survived the attack. Authorities confirmed that the stolen funds came from poker winnings, though the exact amount remains undisclosed.

Houston police are seeking help from the public in identifying the suspects. Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crime-stoppers.org.

The robbery has sparked renewed conversations about player safety after major wins, particularly for those who leave card rooms late at night carrying cash. While poker tournaments and cash games often involve large sums, incidents like this highlight the risks of being followed by opportunistic criminals.