At the End of “The Gambler,” When Jim Says “I am not a gambler,” What Does He Mean?
The Gambler (2014) is a film about a man who is not truly a gambler, he is someone who merely uses gambling as a tool for self-destructive behavior. Jim (Mark Wahlberg) does not try to win when he gambles; in fact, his primary goal is to lose everything. Nobody who wants to win doubles up on every single hand - it’s a surefire way to lose everything very fast, a suicide bet if you will. A true gambler would at least have some aptitude for playing cards, and would want to win. Gamblers are addicted to the rush and excitement of the win. Jim was seeking the loss.