Hustler Casino Live’s Nick Vertucci Accused of Sexual Harassment

Poker is not immune to scandals and in the digital and social media age such can erupt in a matter of seconds. In one such case, a popular poker player and social media influencer alleged that she was subject to unwanted advances by the producer of a famous poker tournament show. The case involves Hustler Casino Live’s producer, Nick Vertucci, who was accused of unsolicited advances by the professional poker player, Julia “Queen of Palmdale.”

Sexual Harassment Allegations Emerge

The professional poker player spilled the beans after going on X, formerly Twitter, and submitting text messages she claims were an exchange between herself and Vertucci. Julia alleged that the “time to break the silence” has come, claiming that the producer of the popular poker tournament show harasses women and abuses his position to “keep witnesses from speaking up.”

While the text messages accusing Vertucci were released on Sunday, the communication dates to more than a year ago. In the messages exchanged on September 21, 2023, Vertucci allegedly made sexual remarks and unwanted advances toward Julia. Hustler Casino Live’s producer allegedly wrote: “R u playing tonight,” and after Julia responded that she would, he replied with: “You’re bringing the cleavage huh? Lol you have the best (orange emoji) (orange emoji) ever! Respectfully of course…”

The aforementioned communication was from the day Julia participated in Hustler Casino Live’s Thirsty Thursday show. Vertucci was also present on the show. Strangely enough on the same day, she shared a post from the show on X, adding the message: “You say you want cleavage? Omw poker fans!!”

The Professional Poker Player Posted Further Allegations

Later on Sunday, Julia released an update, mentioning a dealer named Lauren. The poker pro claimed that Lauren isn’t dealing on the Hustler Casino Live show. Moreover, Julia claimed that the dealer reported “far worse harassment,” than what was seen in the text messages between herself and Vertucci. “Every witness refused to come forward, the casino sided with Vertucci, and now Lauren has lost her job,” Julia wrote.

Julia posted another update on the topic on Monday, asking for the dealer named Lauren to be rehired. “Bring Lauren back! After communications on 10/6/24, I have good reason to believe that the management and ownership of Hustler Casino Live support, care about, and want to do right by their employees and patrons,” she wrote. What’s more, Julia encouraged other employees who may have fallen victim to harassment to share their stories with HR, citing protection under the whistleblower status.