Illinois Governor JB Pritzker reported a significant gambling win of $1.4 million while vacationing in Las Vegas, as revealed in a recent tax filing. This windfall occurred during a blackjack game with his wife and friends. Pritzker, a Democrat serving his second term, has an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion, largely stemming from his family’s Hyatt Hotel inheritance.
A spokesperson for Pritzker stated that he intends to donate the gambling winnings to charity, although the specific timing of this donation has not been clarified. At a recent press conference, Pritzker commented on his good fortune, expressing that one must be “incredibly lucky” to leave a casino with winnings. He founded the Chicago Poker Challenge, which has raised significant funds for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
In 2024, Pritzker and his wife reported combined income of $10.6 million, primarily from dividends and capital gains, paying approximately $1.6 million in taxes on a taxable income of $5.87 million. He referred to his Las Vegas winnings as a “net number” from the trip but did not disclose details about his winning hand.
Pritzker has recently been vocal in opposing federal actions led by President Donald Trump concerning national troop deployments in Chicago, which he described as authoritarian. In response, Trump has criticized Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for perceived inaction regarding the safety of federal immigration officers.
Looking ahead, Pritzker plans to run for a third term as governor in 2026, while remaining noncommittal about any aspirations beyond that role.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y0gr4y4r2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss