SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — It assumes that a billionaire would win big in Las Vegas.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker reported a $1.4 million gambling claim 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 charmed hands in blackjack during a vacation with first lady MK Pritzker and friends in Sin City.
“I was incredibly lucky,” he said. “You have to be to get ahead, frankly, go to a casino anywhere.”
Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt hotel chain, has a net worth of $3.9 billion, tied for No. 382 on the Forbes 400 list of the nation’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 already done so.
Pritzker, who intends to seek a third term in 2026, was considered a running mate for Kamala Harris 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 access to abortion.
He has condemned President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement in Chicago and the president’s efforts to deploy National Guard troops there.
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 charity Chicago Poker Challenge has raised millions of dollars for the Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Vegas’ windfall was a “net total” considering wins and losses on a trip, he said. He declined to say what his winning hand was.
“Anyone who has played cards in a casino, you often play too long and lose whatever it is you won,” Pritzker said. “I was lucky enough to have to leave before that happened.”
Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen contributed from Chicago.
