Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Reports $1.4 Million Gambling Win

Sun Oct 19 2025 11:03:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker reveals a staggering $1.4 million in gambling winnings from Las Vegas, planning to donate the amount to charity. Pritzker's wealth and political aspirations come under scrutiny as he eyes a third term in 2026.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker disclosed a substantial gambling windfall of $1.4 million on his federal tax return, attributing his luck to blackjack during a vacation to Las Vegas with his wife MK and friends. The billionaire plans to donate the winnings to charity, although he has yet to do so. Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt hotel chain and a potential 2028 presidential candidate, intends to seek a third term in 2026 while maintaining a focus on supporting Democratic causes.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has made headlines after reporting a whopping $1.4 million gambling win from Las Vegas, marking a significant windfall on his federal tax return. The two-term Democratic governor, often speculated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, shared his good fortune during a press conference held in Chicago.

I was incredibly lucky, he remarked, referencing a successful blackjack experience during a trip to Sin City with his wife, MK Pritzker, and friends. Pritzker, who holds a net worth of approximately $3.9 billion, confirmed that the gambling profits will be donated to charity, though he did not specify why this donation hadn't already taken place.

As an heir to the Hyatt hotel chain, Pritzker's financial status enhances his profile in the political arena, especially as he prepares to run for a third gubernatorial term in 2026. His ascendance in the Democratic party is notable, with earlier considerations for a vice-presidential role alongside Kamala Harris.

In recent developments, Pritzker's political stature has increased as he critiques President Donald Trump's immigration policies and the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago.

His reported income for 2024 totaled $10.66 million, with major sources stemming from dividends and capital gains. Pritzker emphasized the need for charity by mentioning his long-standing involvement in philanthropic efforts, including a Chicago Poker Challenge that supports the Holocaust Museum and Education Center.

You often play for too long and lose whatever it is you won, he articulated about casino gambling. I was fortunate enough to have to leave before that happened.