Sydney (Philip Baker Hall) is an aging gambler and spends time in casinos. John (John C. Reilly) is totally broke. John is in a desert diner, where he meets Sydney, who gives him cigarettes and coffee and then takes him to Reno, Nevada. Sydney treats John like a son who needs his help. Sydney tries to show him the ropes and gamblers’ tricks and secrets, like how to get a free hotel room. John starts to do a lot better for himself with Sydney’s instruction until Clementine (Gwyneth Paltrow) comes along. She is a waitress but also a prostitute. Events then occur which will alter all of their lives.