X accusations
The professional poker sphere of social media is a fascinating one, where it seems we see a new scandal unfold every month. This time around, the spotlight is resting on Nick Vertucci, the Producer of popular poker tournament show Hustler Casino Live.
the producer used his control of the show “to harass women”
A professional poker player known as Julia ‘Queen of Palmdale’ has accused Vertucci, who also founded Down Swing Poker, of making unwanted advances towards her via text message. She shared some screenshots of the messages on X, claiming the producer used his control of the show “to harass women and keep witnesses from speaking up:”
Julia has appeared on Hustler Casino Live multiple times, including most recently in June.
The messages shared by Julia come from September 21, 2023. It was on this day that she appeared on Hustler Casino Live’s Thirsty Thursday show alongside Vertucci. Notably, when sharing the promotion for that show on X, she provided the caption: “You say you want cleavage? Omw poker fans!!”
Further claims
Julia didn’t stop at the one post either, she published a series of follow up posts in which she made further accusations.
In one, she claimed that Vertucci was trying to get the address where she plays home games and dig up dirt on her in retaliation. She claimed he was blaming his actions on her “because of how I dress.” Tagging Hustler Casino, she asked if this was “a show runner” they wanted to be associated with.
FAR WORSE harassment than the creepy texts.”
In another post, she made reference to a dealer on the Hustler Casino Live show who she names as Lauren. According to Julia, Lauren lost her job after reporting “FAR WORSE harassment than the creepy texts” from Vertucci. Julia claims the casino sided with Vertucci, meaning that Lauren had to go.
Julia’s most recent post urges Hustler to “Bring Lauren back!” She goes on to plead with Hustler Casino staff to report any abuse they have witnessed through HR, where they can report anything without fear or retaliation. “Your job will be protected under whistleblower statutes,” she explains:
Julia gets support
Some big names in the world of poker have come out in support of Julia’s message.
Well-known American poker pro Garrett Adelstein commented to express his lack of shock regarding the allegations. “It’s about time people stop protecting HCL and Vertucci in particular out of financial self-interest,” he wrote.
cheating in 2022. Vertucci, who has been outspoken in his criticism of Adelstein, has repeatedly affirmed that he won’t be returning to the show any time soon, although the producer claims it is a “business decision” rather than a ban.
Meanwhile, another poker pro Peter “The Saurus” Morris responded to Julia, describing Vertucci as an “absolute scumbag.” In a separate post, he claimed that he “tried telling you guys 2 WSOPs ago that Nick Vertucci was a lowlife.”
So far, Vertucci has made no public repsonse to the accusations.