The original cast included Nicholas Day, Nigel Lindsay, Phil Daniels, Tom Georgeson, David Bark-Jones and Ray Winstone.

Stephen owns a small restaurant which employs Sweeney (the cook), Mugsy and Frankie (waiters).

Every Sunday after closing, the staff and Stephen's son, Carl, play a poker game in the basement.

At the start of the play, we learn Mugsy is attempting to buy a public toilet in Mile End and convert it into a restaurant.

Carl, having again lost the money he had saved, convinces Ash to join the poker game under cover of being a former schoolteacher.

The staff, believing Ash's story, accept his inclusion; the absence of Tony has left a seat available.

Carl threatens to expose Stephen's deception because he believes his own father has treated Mugsby better than himself.

As the tension rises, the two men argue over which of them is truly addicted to gambling – Stephen, who plays poker every Sunday with his son and employees or Ash who owes £10,000 to other gamblers.

The men argue again until at the very peak of the argument Ash asks Stephen to toss a coin to decide which of them should get the money.

An American production ran from 16 April to 31 May 1998 at the Mark Taper Forum with Adam Scott as Carl.

Dealer's Choice transferred to the Trafalgar Studios in London's West End, with previews from 6–10 December 2007.