Investigation Into Robbi Jade Lew Cheating Accusations Reveals ‘No Conclusive Evidence of Wrongdoing’

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor 

Palisadian Robbi Jade Lew found herself in a poker community scandal after being invited to play at Hustler Casino in Gardena on September 29, 2022.

Lew spoke with the Palisadian-Post in November 2022 about cheating accusations made against her by poker veteran Garrett Adelstein. After an investigation nearly three months long, “Hustler Casino Live” reported “no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing related to the September 29 hand was found.”

The game was livestreamed on “Hustler Casino Live,” a YouTube poker show that streams regularly throughout the week at different stake levels. The game featured a “super high-stakes” table, Lew said to the Post for a story that published November 3, 2022.

The table included Adelstein, a regular on “Hustler Casino Live,” often referred to as one of Los Angeles’ best professional poker players.

The dissension began when Adelstein and Lew played a hand heads-up.

“Lew … min-raised his $10,000 bet to $20,000 to get to the river card,” according to an explanation by Sports Geek. “Adelstein then went all-in with a semi-bluff, which meant that although his hand was not yet made, there were enough good cards still on the deck for him to complete it. This would have forced Lew to commit her entire stack if she wanted the showdown.”

And Lew did, calling Adelstein’s bet to increase the pot to $269,000. Adelstein was left with eight high, while Lew shocked everyone with her jack high.

After an off-camera conversation between Lew, Adelstein and a producer, Lew decided to give Adelstein back half the pot—raising Adelstein’s suspicions that Lew cheated the game.

Lew said she was in “complete shock” when the accusations were released, which prompted an investigation by “Hustler Casino Live.”

“When the integrity and security of its livestream poker game was called into question on September 29, High Stakes Poker Productions went to great lengths to determine if any evidence of wrongdoing could be found,” according to a report released December 14, 2022.

HSPP hired cybersecurity, private investigation and law firms to assist with the investigation, spending over $100,000, according to the report, which thoroughly detailed HSPP’s methodology and findings.

The cybersecurity and technology audit did not find evidence of “tampering [or] remote access,” and although cheating “was possible,” no direct evidence was found.

As part of the investigation, players, employees and third-party witnesses were interviewed, including Lew and Adelstein, according to the report. The interviews did not provide evidence of wrongdoing.

“Based on the findings of cybersecurity experts, interviews with players, employees and third parties, a review of video of hands played on the show, and surveillance video inside the casino and parking lot, no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing related to the September 29 hand was found,” the report concluded. “That does not mean that no wrongdoing occurred; it means that the investigation failed to find credible evidence.”

In addition to its findings, HSPP is implementing changes, including putting personal items in “signal-blocking” bags, and signing a waiver that ensures players have no financial investment in any other players in the game.

The changes are said to “increase the safety and security” of Hustler Casino Live’s stream and ensure “safe, secure and entertaining poker.”

Lew was not available by press-time for an updated comment on the finalized report.