Jonathan Rendall – “The Gambler”

This is a  MUST WATCH docu-series that will resonate with all punters.
 

To many, betting is black and white.

There are winners, and there are losers. With nothing in-between.

And all too often, when betting is portrayed in films or on television, we see this very stylised or over-simplified take on the subject.

Punters are either portrayed as fag-in-hand losers, stumbling from one loss to another…

Or high-flyers who clean out casinos, drive flash cars, and seemingly always to end up puffing on a fat Cuban cigar.

It’s a rather simplistic take on what is a far more nuanced subject than winning and losing. But this viewpoint often makes for a more compelling end product, whether on the big or small screen.

One such illustration of this is a 3-part documentary shown on Channel 4 some 20+ years ago.

Called “The Gambler” it centres around Jonathan Rendall. A writer and gambler… a more successful writer than gambler it must be said.

His task is to gamble £12,000 (the money put up by Channel 4) in a variety of locations, in a range of markets, and on a number of sports – the kicker being he gets to keep what he wins.

And it is a great watch.

Here are the opening credits…

 

 
Now I won’t spoil the story, because you can still watch the three parts of this programme “on demand” on Channel 4.

Here’s the link >>

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-gambler?cntsrc=social_share_android_the_gambler

I would urge you to give it a view, and follow the ups and downs of Rendall as he travels the world in search of winners.

He’s an engaging character and story-teller. Something of a loveable rogue, it’s fair to say – the type we’ve all met before in this wonderful world of betting that we inhabit.

And whilst the show highlights many of the practices which I wouldn’t endorse (should you want to be a long-term winning gambler), if nothing else it acts as an endorsement of a more structured and disciplined approach… although I grant this wouldn’t make for such good watching!!

The sad footnote to all this is that Rendall, something of a troubled soul it seems, died in 2013, aged just 48.

But for now enjoy him doing what we all spend our time trying to do… backing a winner.

And check “The Gambler” in full. It’s a must watch.

 

OPINION: If you have any gambling references – books, TV or film – by all means drop me a line with your recommendations. Often times the subject matter is treated with a lack of depth or understanding, but when it’s captured correctly it does make for both great entertainment as well as an education, or moral tale, in the pitfalls of unstructured or ill-disciplined wagering… or the success that can be had if you think and act sharp.