The story provides a vivid description of his gambling life. "The Gambler" brilliantly captures the weird and powerful compulsion to bet that Dostoyevsky, himself knew well.

The hero rides an emotional roller coaster between exhilaration and despair, and secondary characters such as the rich but aging aunt, who throws much of her fortune away at the gaming tables, are unforgettable. Her death is eagerly anticipated, and she suddenly takes the train from Russia to "Roulettenburg" and stakes a whole fortune at the casino while her heirs face ruin and romantic catastrophe.

The first part of the story is full of dark humor, as characters appear ridiculous in their vanity and insecurity.

Fyodor Dostoevsky - The Gambler