Documentary maker John Appel made a film about gambling, winning and losing, based on the the memories of his father. Appel relates anecdotes to characterize his father and shed light on the events that led to his downfall. In between, we visit the horse races, where we meet an extremely good-humored bookie named Harry. Appel delves artistically into the mysterious mind of his father, who was not just a gambler, but a player of life.