Going for Broke

The Bancroft family relocates to Reno, Nevada, starting a new life. They visit a restaurant that doubles as a casino, where Laura is encouraged to gamble and she plays the slot machines. After a modest win of five hundred dollars, Laura becomes hooked on the casino environment and begins spending most of her free time there.

Laura is hired as director for a large medical charity, raising her profile and attracting donor Brad Bradford. She starts juggling demanding charity work with her growing gambling habit, spending more time at the casino and away from her family. Her professional life begins to pull her further from home.

Laura's gambling escalation causes her to miss Jennifer's school mother-daughter tea party and to pawn Tommy's bicycle. She neglects Jim, leading to frequent arguments as he accuses her of a gambling problem. The family's routines crumble under pressure.

Jennifer rebels by adopting a goth look, taking up smoking, and spending time with an older boyfriend. Laura remains absorbed elsewhere, and Jennifer eventually returns home to help look after Tommy. The dynamic at home grows even more strained as the children seek attention.

Laura hits the video poker jackpot, winning $50,000 and a free hotel weekend. Jim is displeased, pointing out that Laura has pawned family heirlooms and electronics belonging to the children. Laura responds with hostility, separating from Jim and threatening to sue for custody if he pursues it.

Jim returns to collect his belongings and shares a tearful farewell with Jennifer and Tommy. He takes the children to their grandparents' house for safety as Laura's world begins to unravel. The family unit fractures while Laura remains within the troubled casino environment.

Laura squanders her remaining jackpot on gambling and begins stealing large sums from the charity by writing fraudulent checks. She gambles the money away without informing Brad Bradford or colleague Martine, who notice odd behavior but remain unaware of the theft.

Bella advises Laura to seek help, telling her the only way to double money in Reno is to fold it over and put it back in her pocket. Laura begs for an informal loan as her situation spirals, signaling deeper desperation.

Jennifer's grandmother Lois expresses concern, urging her granddaughter to break up with her boyfriend and stay in school. Lois is shocked by Laura's indifference when Jennifer disappears for a night at a rave and vodka. The family dynamics highlight the neglect at home.

Tax auditor Ken Dowling arrives to audit the charity and discovers Laura's theft. Laura has a panic attack in her office as Dowling and Martine search for her, accelerating the crisis and signaling the collapse of her life.

Laura is charged with fraud and faces bankruptcy. She returns to her empty house to confront her mother, who lashes out but ultimately hugs Laura as they cry together, a moment of attempted forgiveness amid ruin.

Laura is sentenced to prison for fraud. Her family and colleagues react bitterly to her pleas for forgiveness, underscoring the deep damage caused by her addiction and deception.

The epilogue reveals that the real Laura Bancroft (Garcia) was responsible for enacting legislation addressing gambling addiction in Nevada during the time she was incarcerated. The film ties her story to actual policy changes stemming from those events, presenting her as a catalyst for reform.