Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker reported earning $1.4 million in gambling winnings last year on his most recent financial disclosures, later acknowledging that he won the eyebrow-raising sum while playing blackjack on vacation in Las Vegas.
“I went on vacation with my wife, with some friends. I was incredibly lucky. You have to be to end up ahead, frankly, going to a casino anywhere — it was in Las Vegas — and I like to play cards,” Pritzker said at a Thursday press conference.
First reported by the Chicago Tribune, Pritzker’s recent tax filings reported more than $10.3 million in taxable income for him and his wife. The billionaire is also an heir to the Hyatt Hotel Corporation.
At Thursday’s press conference, Pritzker explained the $1.4 million didn’t come from one game, but rather “it all happened over one trip.” The governor didn’t share how much he lost but said his love for gambling is well-documented.
“I mean, I had fun doing it,” he said. “I encourage people to come to the state of Illinois and gamble in our casinos. We have some really lovely places to go.”
Pritzker’s campaign did not respond to NOTUS’ request for comment but told NBC News on Thursday that the governor will be donating the blackjack earnings.
The mayor of Illinois has publicly been at odds with the Trump administration for months as President Donald Trump has directed National Guard troops into the state against local authorities’ wishes. A temporary federal restraining order, which expires on Wednesday, restricts the troops from being mobilized to the Windy City.