The call for applications launched by the PMU (a large French gambling association with betting offices across the country) had special resonance with me because, for some years now, I’ve had the feeling that a photograph is like “playing card,” representing everyday life, or the exceptional, or emotions, a sort of permanent “bet” on what could be, what might be, like in any games of cards, dice or lottery.

I wanted to respond to this call for applications with photographs that would symbolize these emotions, this hope, this unique atmosphere of gambling. I wanted each photograph to be a gamble in itself: to be able to show and allow to feel the almost sacred bond between players and chance. They consider it, weigh it in their minds, and always—whether they win or lose—show it the deepest respect. This “game of life” gave my approach its structure and meaning.

My photographs tried to show this sensitive and uplifting interweaving of games into life. But what can I say? The odds were against me!

Isabelle Rozenbaum