Biopic About Gambling Influencer Vegas Matt in the Works From Filmmaker Mike Young (Exclusive)

Filmmaker Mike Young is betting on an indie film about the real-life gambler known as Vegas Matt.

Red Leaf Entertainment is developing The Chop, a rags-to-riches drama movie that has set Young to pen the script and produce. The feature is inspired by the true story of Stephen Matt Morrow, aka Vegas Matt, and his path to becoming an advantage slot player and gambling influencer with more than 1.6 million YouTube subscribers.

The Chop is eyeing a 2027 production start and has not yet announced a director. Additional financing, production and casting details are set to be shared at a later date.

This project centers on Morrow, a dedicated husband and father whose life changes when he embraces the high-stakes world of advantage gambling in Las Vegas. The story sees the lead character connect with a band of misfit gamblers, and as the collective soon rises to fame, Morrow grapples with the challenges inherent with his success.

Young is a writer, filmmaker and stand-up comedian. He wrote and directed Stealing Jokes, a feature starring Michael Rapaport that has landed theatrical distribution from Byron Allen’s Freestyle.

“Vegas Matt hired me to write his story, and I was immediately drawn to the human side of his journey,” Young says. “This isn’t just a story about Las Vegas or gambling. It is about trust, friendship and the American Dream he never predicted.”

Morrow adds, “Mike understands that the most compelling part of this story is not what happened at the tables or the lucky spins — it is this invisible economy that no one knows exists and the subculture that goes with it. There were real risks, real relationships and a lot of moments that changed my life. I’m excited to work with Mike to bring our story to the screen.”