The Gambler

The Gambler centres on Jim Bennett, a literature professor from a wealthy background who leads a double life as a high-stakes gambler. His compulsion drives him deep into debt, and he owes money to figures who are far more dangerous than his disapproving family. Rather than settle what he owes, Bennett keeps raising the stakes, eventually putting his own life up as collateral and trying to play his creditors against one another. At the same time, his involvement with one of his students grows more personal, adding another complication to a life already out of control.

The film was directed by Rupert Wyatt, arriving between his earlier features, The Escapist and Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and his later work including Captive State and two films released in 2026, Desert Warrior and The Sunrise File. William Monahan wrote the screenplay, and the cast is led by Mark Wahlberg as Bennett, alongside John Goodman, Brie Larson, Michael Kenneth Williams, George Kennedy and Jessica Lange.

Produced for about 25 million dollars, it took roughly 39 million dollars worldwide. On IMDb it scores 6 out of 10 across 78,000 votes, while on TMDB it holds 6 out of 10 from a much smaller base of 1,608 votes. A critics' rating of 5.5 out of 10 from 142 reviews places it close to the audience scores. The production involved 31 credited cast members and 59 credited crew.