In a surprising turn of events, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently struck a $1.4 million jackpot while playing blackjack in Las Vegas. A copy of his tax filings revealed this substantial gambling windfall, which occurred during a holiday trip with his wife and friends.
Pritzker, a two-term Democrat with an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion from his family's Hyatt Hotel fortune, expressed his intention to donate the winnings to charity. However, he has not yet disclosed when this charitable contribution will occur.
During a press conference, Governor Pritzker described himself as 'incredibly lucky,' acknowledging the unpredictability of gambling. He emphasized the odds stating, 'You must be fortunate to leave a casino with a gain.'
In past endeavors, the governor has actively championed charitable causes, previously establishing the Chicago Poker Challenge, which has reportedly raised millions for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
His total reported income for 2024 is around $10.6 million, primarily from dividends and capital gains, while he and his wife paid $1.6 million in taxes on a taxable income of $5.87 million.
Pritzker characterized his Chicago gaming experience as a 'net number' for the trip, refraining from revealing the specifics of his winning hand. 'Anyone who's played cards in a casino knows, you often play for too long and lose whatever it is you won,' he remarked, adding that he was fortunate to quit while ahead.
Aside from his gambling luck, Pritzker has emerged as a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, particularly against the deployment of federal troops in Chicago, which he openly denounced as 'authoritarian.' Amid growing tensions, Trump accused Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson of failing to ensure the safety of federal immigration officers during recent government operations.
Aiming for re-election in 2026, Pritzker has brushed aside questions about aspirations beyond the governor's office, focusing on his current position and its associated responsibilities.
