Jack Manfred (Clive Owen) is an aspiring writer going nowhere fast.
In order to earn money just to make ends meet, and against his better judgement, he takes a job as a croupier in a casino.
He soon finds himself drawn into the casino world and the job gradually takes over his life; his relationship with girlfriend Marion (Gina McKee) begins to deteriorate. One gambler in particular catches his attention: Jani de Villiers (Alex Kingston), whom he starts to see outside of working hours - a serious violation of casino rules.
However, Jani is way down on her luck, she is under serious pressure from her creditors so she approaches Jack, asking him to be the inside man for a planned heist at the casino.
Jack carefully considers the odds; it all looks so simple, but even a professional like Jack can't predict the cards he will be dealt.