JB Pritzker won a surprising prize in Las Vegas

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A billionaire is supposed to make a lot in Las Vegas.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker reported a $1.4 million gambling windfall on his federal tax return this week.

The two-term Democrat, often mentioned as a 2028 presidential candidate, told reporters in Chicago on Thursday that he drew enchanted hands at blackjack while on vacation with first lady MK Pritzker and friends in Sin City.

“I was incredibly lucky,” he said. “You have to be to end up winning, frankly, going to a casino anywhere.”

Pritzker, heir to the Hyatt hotel chain, has a net worth of $3.9 billion, placing him at number 382 on the Forbes 400 list of the country’s richest people. A campaign spokesperson said via email that Pritzker planned to donate the money to charity, but did not respond when asked why he had not done so already.

Pritzker, who intends to seek a third term in 2026, was being considered as Kamala Harris’ vice presidential running mate last year. He has deflected questions about any ambitions beyond the Illinois governor’s mansion. But he has used his personal wealth to fund other Democrats and related efforts, including a campaign to protect abortion access.

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

The Pritzkers reported income of $10.66 million in 2024, primarily from dividends and capital gains. They paid $1.6 million in taxes on taxable income of $5.87 million.

Pritzker is an avid card player whose Chicago Poker Challenge charity has raised millions of dollars for the Holocaust Museum and Educational Center. The Las Vegas windfall was a “net figure” considering the wins and losses on a single trip, he said. He declined to say what his winning hand was.

“Anyone who has played cards in a casino often plays for too long and loses what they won,” Pritzker said. “I was lucky enough to have to leave before that happened.”

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News writer Sophia Tareen contributed from Chicago.