IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Now if his team can play its cards right . . .

Tuesday, March 2, 2004

Sacramento Kings co-owner Joe Maloof won a $1 million blackjack tournament over the weekend.

Maloof, trailing by $16,000 entering the final hand, drew blackjack with a $25,000 bet to take the winner-take-all event at the Barona Valley Ranch & Casino near San Diego.

Maloof said his opponent in the final round offered to split the prize before the cards were dealt. "That's when I knew I had him," Maloof said.

Maloof was one of 41 entrants in the two-day, four-round event. After paying a $10,000 entrance fee, participants were given $50,000 in casino chips to be used each round.

Maloof owns the Kings with his brother, Gavin. The Maloof family owns the Palms Casino Hotel in Las Vegas.

While winning the tournament is gratifying, Maloof said he would rather have the NBA championship trophy.

"I'd rather have a ring," he said. "Maybe this is a prelude of what's coming."

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