Kenny Rogers stars as Brady Hawkes, as the titular casino player, embarks on a journey to fulfill a kid he never ever understood after the latter sends him a letter. Along the way, Brady meets Billy Montana (Bruce Boxleitner) and both become friends. Billy (while trying to aid Brady in his quest) fantasizes himself as a professional poker player on his very own. Although Billy makes errors along the way (a few of these include: trying to find a way to cheat or do some smooth talking), Brady ensures that he remains on etiquette throughout a train flight to Yuma, CA. The duo help prostitute Jennie Reed (Lee Purcell) that has difficulty with a train baron. At the end, Brady's child's stepfather (Clu Gulager) is faced.