Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wins blackjack pot of $1.4M in Las Vegas
Photo by: Nam Y. Huh/AP FILE – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker walks to River Point Park for a news conference, Aug. 25, 2025, in Chicago
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Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt hotel chain, has a net worth of $3.9 billion.
It seems only fitting that a billionaire would hit it big in Las Vegas.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker revealed on his federal tax return this week that he won $1.4 million gambling during a trip to Sin City.
The two-term Democrat, frequently mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential contender, told reporters in Chicago on Thursday that he enjoyed a string of lucky hands at blackjack while vacationing with First Lady MK Pritzker and friends.
“I was incredibly lucky,” Pritzker said. “You have to be to end up ahead, frankly, going to a casino anywhere.”
An heir to the Hyatt hotel chain, Pritzker’s net worth is estimated at $3.9 billion, placing him at No. 382 on the Forbes 400 list of the nation’s wealthiest individuals. A campaign spokesperson said the governor intends to donate the winnings to charity but did not clarify why the funds have not yet been distributed.
Pritzker, who plans to seek a third term in 2026, was considered as a potential vice presidential pick for Kamala Harris last year but has largely kept the focus on his role as Illinois governor. He has also used his personal wealth to support Democratic initiatives, including efforts to safeguard abortion access.
His national profile has grown recently as he criticized President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement actions in Chicago and the president’s plans to deploy National Guard troops to the area.
The Pritzkers reported $10.66 million in income in 2024, mostly from dividends and capital gains, and paid $1.6 million in taxes on $5.87 million of taxable income.
An avid card player, Pritzker has also hosted the Chicago Poker Challenge, which has raised millions for the Holocaust Museum and Education Center. He described the Vegas windfall as a “net number,” factoring in both wins and losses from the trip, but declined to reveal his winning hand.
“Anybody who’s played cards in a casino, you often play for too long and lose whatever it is you won,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to have to leave before that happened.”
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