The Gambler (1972): cast, story & where to watch
1972 · Film

Released in 1972, The Gambler is a drama film directed by Aleksey Batalov, running about 99 minutes.
What it’s about. This lavish Soviet/Czech co-production is based on Fyodor Dostoyevsky's famous novel, The Gambler, which tells the story of a Russian living in Germany, in a gambling resort. This film is set at the turn of the century, and was filmed in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Czechoslovakia. Played by Nikolai Burlyayev, the gambler succumbs completely to his addiction, using up every resource he has (human, spiritual and financial) in his wagering, finally becoming a rootless drifter.
Who’s in it. The Gambler stars Tatyana Ivanova, Nikolay Burlyaev, Lyubov Dobrzhanskaya and Jitka Zelenohorská, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Gambler page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Gambler tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Gambler (1972)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Gambler change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in The Gambler?
- The Gambler stars Tatyana Ivanova, Nikolay Burlyaev, Lyubov Dobrzhanskaya, Jitka Zelenohorská and Vasiliy Livanov.
- When was The Gambler released?
- The Gambler was released in 1972, with a runtime of about 99 minutes.