Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, won more than $1.4 million playing blackjack during a 2024 vacation in Las Vegas. The earnings were reported on his 2024 federal tax return, which became public on Wednesday, according to reports.
Pritzker told reporters he was in Las Vegas with his wife, MK Pritzker, and friends when he won the money.
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“I was incredibly lucky. You have to be, to end up ahead, frankly, going to a casino anywhere,” Pritzker said. “I like to play cards, and so you know that I founded a charitable poker match here in Chicago called the Chicago Poker Challenge that raises millions, has raised millions of dollars for the Holocaust Museum here.”
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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is worth nearly $4 billion and is the heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune.
Pritzker didn’t give any further details on his hot-handed trip to Sin City, including whether he was playing at a high-stakes table or whether the money was won all at once or over multiple sessions.
A spokesperson for the governor said Pritzker plans to donate the winnings to charity, though specifics have not yet been disclosed.
Governor’s income, net worth and tax history
Pritzker and his wife reported more than $10 million in total income on their 2024 tax returns. According to Forbes, Pritzker is worth nearly $4 billion and comes from one of the wealthiest families in the U.S. He’s the second-wealthiest politician in America behind President Donald Trump, who recently surpassed the governor after a cryptocurrency windfall and is estimated by Forbes to be worth around $7.3 billion.
In 2021, Pritzker and his wife reported $18.5 million in adjusted gross income. That was down from $34.5 million in 2017, two years before he became governor. Since taking office, the couple’s annual income has generally ranged between $2 million and $5 million, with the exception of that one higher year, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Gambling expansion under Pritzker’s leadership
Gambling has expanded significantly in Illinois under Pritzker’s administration. In 2019, he signed legislation that legalized sports betting and approved construction of six new casinos to help fund a $45 billion infrastructure plan, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Pritzker is currently seeking a third term as governor, and in previous media interviews said he wouldn’t rule out running in the 2028 presidential election.
