California Split

In Los Angeles, a strong friendship blossoms between Bill Denny and Charlie Waters. Both men bond over their shared passion for gambling, which serves as the foundation of their relationship.

The pair experiences a frightening event when a card player they had beaten violently assaults them. This incident not only tests their friendship but also ignites a desire for vengeance within Charlie.

Charlie, a seasoned gambler with a sharp wit, lives a wild life surrounded by constant gambling opportunities. His interactions with two prostitutes and his insatiable appetite for betting lead him on various gambling adventures.

Bill Denny initially hesitates to embrace the gambling lifestyle, preferring to keep a stable job at a magazine. However, he soon finds himself drawn deeper into the world of risk and chance as he grapples with growing debts.

As Bill dips deeper into the gambling scene, he faces the alarming reality of a burgeoning gambling addiction. Despite attempts to control his urges, he increasingly finds himself pawning belongings and borrowing from his bookie, Sparkie.

In a bid to escape his mounting debt, Bill and Charlie decide to head to Reno. Bill pawns his car to fund their bus ticket, signifying the extent of his addiction and desperation for redemption.

During their time in Reno, Charlie spots the thug who had assaulted them early on. Seizing the opportunity for revenge, he orchestrates a plan to rob the assailant, reinforcing their bond through shared adversities.

Bill and Charlie decide to pool their funds to enter Bill into a high-stakes poker game. The game features legendary champion Amarillo Slim, who plays himself, and it tests Bill's skills and luck in a nerve-racking environment.

Bill hits the jackpot when he wins $18,000 in poker, boosting his confidence immensely. This significant win marks a turning point in his gambling journey, encouraging him to dive deeper into other games.

Emboldened by his poker victory, Bill shifts his focus to other games such as blackjack and roulette. He experiences a series of wins, which further entices him into the world of chance.

The exhilaration of gambling takes a dark turn when Bill suffers a catastrophic loss at the craps table. This loss leaves him emotionally shattered and questioning the thrilling lifestyle they have pursued.

After the loss, Bill decides he wants to leave the gambling world behind. Despite Charlie's eagerness to continue, Bill chooses to return home, illustrating his battle against addiction and the clarity he has found.

Bill and Charlie amicably part ways after splitting their winnings of $82,000. Although Charlie is puzzled by Bill's decision to quit, he respects his friend's choice, highlighting the growth of their relationship.