A Texoma entrepreneur is pursuing municipal authorization to establish a poker lounge in downtown 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 leadership.
Hollomon described the proposed venue, named the Showdown Social Club, as a western-themed establishment with a modern-old-fashioned aesthetic. The facility would feature between 20 and 30 tables, accommodating several hundred players. Operating hours would run from noon until 2:00 a.m. Hollomon characterized the design as upscale yet rustic, aiming to complement the high-energy atmosphere of the downtown square.
While gambling and casino-style operations remain illegal under current Texas statutes, Hollomon argued that specific exemptions exist for poker lounges. He outlined three conditions required to maintain legal status: ensuring equal winning odds for all participants, maintaining private club designation, and prohibiting the house from taking a rake. He emphasized that all funds wagered would return to the players rather than the business.
Hollomon, a longtime poker enthusiast, asserted that the lounge addresses a local need in Grayson County. He noted that the area is a growing tech community and expressed hope that the venue would contribute to its development. He reported that support for the project has been nearly unanimous among those he has consulted.
The entrepreneur is currently awaiting final authorization from city leaders before proceeding with the project. His objective is to open the Showdown Social Club by the end of the year. Sherman is located approximately 9 miles north of Howe.
