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Richie Furst finds himself at a crossroads when his past actions jeopardize his chance for tuition assistance at Princeton. Faced with financial challenges, he resorts to a questionable scheme of referring students to online gambling sites, earning money from their losses.

Richie's gambling referral activities draw the ire of the dean of Princeton, who threatens him with expulsion. This confrontation propels Richie to take desperate measures to fund his education.

In an attempt to resolve his financial dilemma, Richie tests his poker skills in the online gambling arena but suffers a catastrophic loss to a skilled cheat. His meticulous analysis later proves that the software was rigged against him.

Determined to confront the source of his misfortunes, Richie travels to Costa Rica to confront Ivan Block, the powerful figure behind the online gambling empire. This journey marks a pivotal turn in Richie's life as he seeks justice.

Upon reviewing Richie's evidence, Ivan recognizes the rigging as a flaw caused by his coders' mistakes. Impressed by Richie's analytical skills, Ivan offers him a lucrative position within the gambling operation, promising immense wealth.

As Richie integrates into Ivan’s world, his relationship with Rebecca Shafran, Ivan's former lover, begins to flourish. Their connection deepens, providing Richie with an emotional anchor amid growing tension.

Richie is unexpectedly apprehended by FBI agent Shavers, who coerces him into cooperating with an investigation against Ivan. Although Shavers lacks jurisdiction in Costa Rica, his aggressive tactics leave Richie vulnerable.

Under Ivan's influence, Richie is manipulated into blackmailing Shecky, a business associate entangled in a scandal. This maneuver solidifies Ivan's control over Richie, entrenching him deeper in a web of deceit.

Richie's discomfort grows when he is sent by Ivan to bribe the local gaming director with an insultingly low amount. The failed bribery leads to a violent backlash, leaving Richie shaken and questioning his loyalty to Ivan.

Richie's friend Andrew discovers a Ponzi scheme threatening the players’ funds, revealing Ivan’s nefarious practices. However, Andrew mysteriously vanishes after the revelation, intensifying Richie's fears about Ivan’s grip on their lives.

In a shocking twist, Ivan takes Richie’s father hostage to ensure Richie's loyalty as they navigate the treacherous waters of their operation. This dire situation forces Richie to comply with Ivan's increasingly dangerous demands.

As Richie attempts to escape, he becomes ensnared in a trap when drugs are planted in his luggage. Shavers presents him with an ultimatum: either assist in the case against Ivan or face severe consequences.

With Rebecca turning against Ivan, Richie uncovers a troubling truth about his situation. It becomes clear that his involvement was all part of Ivan's elaborate scheme to frame him for the upcoming arrests.

In a daring move, Richie gives substantial bribes to local officials to secure a pathway for himself and Rebecca. This act of resistance is crucial for their plans to escape Ivan’s clutches.

As Ivan's plans unravel, he receives a mocking call about his impending arrest, not knowing the pilot he bribed has turned on him. In a dramatic escape, Richie and Rebecca flee in a private jet, taking essential evidence that seals Ivan's fate.