It figures {that a} billionaire would win large in Las Vegas.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker reported a playing windfall of $1.4 million on his federal tax return this week.
The 2-term Democrat, usually talked about as a 2028 presidential candidate, advised reporters in Chicago on Thursday that he drew charmed arms in blackjack throughout a trip with first woman MK Pritzker and mates in Sin Metropolis.
“I was incredibly lucky,” he mentioned. “You have to be to end up ahead, frankly, going to a casino anywhere.”
Pritzker, who intends to search a 3rd time period in 2026, was into account as a vice presidential operating mate to Kamala Harris final yr. He has deflected questions on any ambition past the Illinois governor’s mansion. However he has used his private wealth to fund different Democrats and associated efforts, together with a marketing campaign to shield entry to abortion.
His profile has gotten an extra bump this fall as he condemns President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement within the Chicago space and the president’s try to deploy Nationwide Guard troops there.
The Pritzkers reported revenue of $10.66 million in 2024, principally from dividends and capital beneficial properties. They paid $1.6 million in taxes on taxable revenue of $5.87 million.
Pritzker is an avid card participant whose charitable Chicago Poker Problem has raised thousands and thousands of {dollars} for the Holocaust Museum and Schooling Middle. The Vegas windfall was a “net number” given wins and losses on one journey, he mentioned. He declined to say what his profitable hand was.
“Anybody who’s played cards in a casino, you often play for too long and lose whatever it is you won,” Pritzker mentioned. “I was fortunate enough to have to leave before that happened.”
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Related Press author Sophia Tareen contributed from Chicago.
