Lay the Favorite

Beth's life in Florida falls into a monotonous cycle of stripping and lap dancing. She grapples with feelings of stagnation and yearns for a change that aligns with her dreams.

Her father, Jerry, sees her struggles and encourages her to break free from her current life. He urges her to pursue her long-time aspiration of moving to Las Vegas for a new beginning.

Beth arrives in the dazzling city of Las Vegas with high hopes of finding honest work as a cocktail waitress. The city's allure captivates her as she begins to envision a different future.

At her motel, Beth meets Holly, a fellow resident who introduces her to the world of gambling. This chance encounter sets the stage for Beth's new adventures in Las Vegas.

Holly introduces Beth to Dink Heimowitz, a cunning professional gambler who recognizes her talent for numbers. Dink is impressed and affectionately begins to refer to her as his 'lucky charm'.

As Beth grows closer to Dink, his sharp-tongued wife, Tulip, makes it clear that she disapproves of their relationship. Tulip's interference forces Dink to consider distancing himself from Beth.

A young journalist named Jeremy from New York meets Beth at the casino, and they form a meaningful connection. Together, they begin planning for a future where Beth would join him on the East Coast.

Enticed by the opportunities of city life, Beth ultimately declines Dink's request for assistance during his losing streak. This decision signals her growing ambition and desire for independence.

After Dink’s breakdown and layoffs at his firm, Beth decides to seize the opportunity and joins Jeremy in New York. This marks a significant shift in her life as she embraces a new path.

Dink approaches Beth with a potential return to his team, compelling her to consider her loyalty to him against her ambition for a fresh start. This moment of indecision highlights her internal conflict.

Ultimately, Beth makes the choice to work with Rosie, a rival bookie. This decision comes with its own challenges as she becomes entrenched in New York's dubious betting operations.

As Beth immerses herself in Rosie’s operations, she uncovers a troubling truth involving drugs and prostitution. This revelation motivates her to seek a way out of this dangerous lifestyle.

In her search for escape, Beth meets Dave Greenberg, a gambler burdened with debt. Their connection presents a potential opportunity for her to liberate herself from her perilous situation.

Tulip and Dink travel to New York with the intention of aiding their friends, Beth and Jeremy. Unbeknownst to them, they stumble upon a valuable opportunity involving Greenberg.

Thanks to Greenberg's insights, they ally with a New Jersey basketball team poised for a comeback. The exhilarating game culminates in a last-minute victory, filling everyone with a sense of breathless joy.