The story is told in the first person; the narrator is Alexei Ivanovich, a tutor for the family of a Russian general. ย They are staying at a resort in Germany. ย Alexei is in love with the generals stepdaughter, Polina. ย After he swears his undying love for her, and offers to do anything she wishes, Polina asks him to go to a casino and place a bet for her.
Unbeknownst to Alexei, Polina's stepfather is in dire financial straits. ย He finally agrees and ends up winning at the roulette table. ย This was Alexei's first experience with gambling. ย ย