A recent tax return revealed that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker won an impressive $1.4 million while playing blackjack in Las Vegas. This windfall came during a holiday with his wife and friends. Pritzker, who has a net worth of around $3.9 billion, inherited wealth from the Hyatt Hotels fortune.
Despite his winnings, there’s a charitable angle. His campaign stated he plans to donate the money but hasn’t done so yet. In a press conference, Pritzker described himself as “incredibly lucky.” He added, “You have to be to end up ahead going to a casino.”
Interestingly, Pritzker’s income for 2024 totaled $10.6 million, primarily from dividends and capital gains. He paid $1.6 million in taxes on about $5.87 million of taxable income. When asked about his winning hand at blackjack, he remained tight-lipped, only sharing that he left the casino without losing what he had won.
Pritzker, known for his philanthropic efforts, once organized the Chicago Poker Challenge, raising substantial funds for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
On the political front, Pritzker has been a vocal critic of former President Trump, especially regarding Trump’s military tactics in Chicago. Pritzker labeled these actions as “authoritarian,” further igniting tension between them. Trump has gone so far as to call for Pritzker’s removal, accusing him of failing to protect citizens amid federal immigration operations.
Looking ahead, Pritzker aims for a third term as governor in 2026, but he has been coy about his future political ambitions.
This story highlights not just a significant gambling win but also reflects the intersection of wealth, politics, and philanthropy in today’s climate.
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