Alleged Poker Cheater Passes Lie Detector Test, Presses ChargesRobbi Jade Lew Maintains Innocence In Hustler Casino Live Stream Mystery |
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It’s been nearly three weeks since Robbi Jade Lew set the poker world ablaze with her jack-high hero call against Garrett Adelstein on Hustler Casino Live.
Despite scooping the six-figure pot, Lew gave the money back to Adelstein, who accused her of cheating the game.
The poker community has subsequently spent nearly every moment since dissecting the hand and players in question, trying to answer the question: Did she cheat? And if so, how?
Many sided with Adelstein, who until this incident held a stellar reputation among other players. They believed that Lew giving him $135,000 back was a sign of guilt, and couldn’t believe that she could make such a call without knowing something about the cards in play.
Others say that Lew made a questionable play that happened to work out in her favor, and that refunding Adelstein was only done to keep the game running and diffuse a tense situation. They believe that Lew either misread her hand, or just failed to justify an amateur decision.
The initial consensus online leaned guilty, especially when weighted with Adelstein’s reaction. But the more Lew defended herself, frequently appearing on webstreams devoted to the controversy, the more she appeared to win over those who were on the fence.
How many glasses of wine are appropriate before I go on the @Joeingram1 Podcast tonight? All guesses welcome! #thatPokerChick pic.twitter.com/JFE1zk23Bx
— Robbi Jade Lew (@RobbiJadeLew) October 12, 2022
Then, Hustler Casino Live announced that they had fired an employee, Bryan Sagbigsal, for stealing $15,000 from Lew’s stack after the live stream had ended.
Lew opted not to press charges, which immediately sent up red flags for some who suggested that it was a sign Sagbigsal and Lew were working together. Was Sagbigsal stealing, or was he taking his cut as the inside man in a bigger cheating operation?
Lew stated that she didn’t press charges because of Sagbigsal’s previously clean record, however, internet sleuths quickly discovered that Sagbigsal had an extensive criminal history.
HCL owner Nick Vertucci, who formerly worked in law enforcement, then later admitted in a podcast that he did not perform background checks on his employees, despite the sensitive nature of working in a casino with millions of dollars in circulation.
Lew reiterated her innocence, and said that after learning of Sagbigsal’s priors, she would now be pressing charges against him, turning over evidence of communication to a Gardena Police detective. She also said that she learned Sagbigsal had stolen on previous occasions, a claim that was not corroborated by HCL.
Committed to clearing her name, Lew underwent a polygraph test while in Las Vegas. The test results indicated that she was telling the truth when she said that she was not cheating, using any devices, or conspiring with anyone else during the game. She also offered to turn her phone over to the media to prove that she had no previous ties to Sagbigsal.
Lew’s transparency greatly improved the number of people in her corner, but it wasn’t free from criticism. Many pointed out that polygraph tests are notoriously unreliable, and wondered why she would choose to take the test in Las Vegas instead of taking up casino owner Eric Persson’s offer to be tested with his security team. The documents also reveal that Lew has enlisted the help of a public relations firm based in New York.
Those who find the report credible are calling for Adelstein to return the money to Lew, even though he has already donated the entirety of it to the Big Brother, Big Sister program of Los Angeles. Lew has stated that she is fine with the money having been donated, however she wishes she could have chosen a charity of her own for half the amount.
Both players spoke with the L.A. Times, with Adelstein telling them he doesn’t “know when [he’ll] choose to play poker again.”
Another day in the office??? Depends who you ask! 4 UPDATES to report:
1) Spent afternoon @ Hustler Casino. Met w/ Lead Detective H.G. to submit concrete evidence to finalize arrest for B.S. (Twitter Messages from me, Employee info from Nick). Photos from LA Times coming soon pic.twitter.com/vrZ0U7sdEJ— Robbi Jade Lew (@RobbiJadeLew) October 14, 2022
The moment I was very likely cheated in the J4 hand, my professional life was always going to be forever altered. I’ll live w/ some peace at least knowing the $135K will be in the hands of a great cause. I don’t know when I’ll choose to play poker again.https://t.co/XRoqKlch26
— Garrett Adelstein (@GmanPoker) October 14, 2022
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