The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

THE GAMBLER follows Alexei Ivanovich, a tutor working for a Russian family living in a suite at a German hotel. The story revolves around the game of roulette, which serves as both a blessing and curse for the various characters of the story. Invanovich's employer, The General, is heavily indebted to French gambler, De Grieux, and hopes to soon inherit his aunt's property to set his finances in order. Ivanovich and his love interest, Polina, also have a series of impressive wins and losses at the gaming table, but their winnings quickly impact their relationship.