Out of Luck, the first film to examine government-sanctioned gambling in America, premieres today nationwide on Amazon Prime, iTunes and Google Play. 

We urge you to watch it and then PLEASE RATE THE FILM. Rating takes only a second but it’s vitally important on these digital platforms that they have ratings for better placement.  Please encourage others in your social networks to join you. 

The film is available at these links:

Google Play: Out Of Luck on Google Play!
iTunes: Out of Luck on iTunes

While it investigates lotteries, Out of Luck is significant to those of you who got involved in this movement because you believe government should not bring casinos into your community. Regional casinos are another form of government-sanctioned gambling, as is the current lobbying campaign for online gambling.

The lobbying push for regional casinos and online gambling has happened in a big way because of the practices of state lotteries. They’re the largest predatory gambling operators in the country and have made extreme forms of gambling like electronic gambling machines and $30 scratch tickets seem like a normal activity for government to be marketing to citizens.

How to Hold a Film Screening

1) Who Is Coming?

Ask yourself how many people may attend this screening, as this will help you choose an appropriate venue.

2) What’s the Venue?

Once you have an idea of how many people may come, you can start picking out a venue. If it’s a small number of folks, then a living room or small community room could be fine. If you have a larger group, then start looking at some venues in your community. Churches, community rooms, schools, libraries and meeting rooms within your city or town hall are all great venues for a screening.

Most of these venues will allow you to use their space for free if you let them know the educational purpose of the film, and the audience it is intended for. Make sure to invite their staff/group/congregation to be a part of the screening as well.

3) How Will You View It?

Once you’ve chosen the venue, you’ll have to find out what equipment they have and how they will show the film. Most, if not all, will have a DVD player and projector while some will prefer to connect and play the film via computer. Once the venue has let you know what they prefer, you can purchase the film from the Out of Luck movie website.

4) Which Version of the Film?

You can purchase the film on DVD and/or purchase a digital download from the links on Out of Luck’s website. Please note, the film does have a very few instances of foul language that may not be appropriate for all audiences. In that case, there is an “Education Edition” that is appropriate for all audiences and venues. You can buy the Education Edition DVD here. The Education Edition is only available on DVD for now, but will soon be available for digital download via Amazon. Please check back.

5) Get The Word Out!

Once your venue is set and a date is chosen, it’s time to let people know! Contact your friends and family as well as local churches, recovery/addiction professionals and groups, your local politicians – both for your town and your state legislative district, and your local newspaper. Make sure to reach out via social media and link to the film @outofluckmovie.

6) Enjoy The Film and Hold A Discussion

After the screening, it’s a great idea to have a discussion about the film with those in attendance. The experience of the gamblers, the relationship of government and gambling, the advertising and marketing, and the expansion of lotteries in your state are all great topics for a group to discuss.

7) Share The Event

It’s important to spread the word. This film does not have Hollywood blockbuster budgets and relies on you! Take pictures at your event and share them on social media and with friends, family and your community. Let us know about your event by posting to our Twitter and Facebook pages @outofluckmovie.

If you have any questions, please contact the Out of Luck production team via their website!

*Director Bert Klasey and certain people who are featured in the film are available to attend select screenings and lead or participate in Q&A sessions. If you are interested in bringing them to your event, please contact them above and they will provide the details.