Illinois Governor JB Pritzker had a lucrative 2024, earning more than $10 million — with a notable $1.4 million coming from a lucky streak at a Las Vegas casino.
According to tax filings released by his campaign on Oct. 14, Pritzker and his wife, MK, reported roughly $10.7 million in adjusted gross income for the year, as noted by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and NBC News.
The filings indicated that a significant portion — $1.4 million — came from blackjack winnings. “The Governor had winnings and losses from a casino during the year and those amounts are reported on his tax return,” a campaign spokesperson said, according to the Tribune.
At a press conference on Oct. 16, Pritzker confirmed the gambling windfall. “I went on vacation with my wife, with some friends,” he said. “I was incredibly lucky. You have to be to end up ahead, frankly, going to a casino anywhere — it was in Las Vegas — and I like to play cards.”
Pritzker’s campaign added that he plans to donate his casino winnings to charity.
The Sun-Times reported that Pritzker, who forgoes a state salary, has an estimated net worth of about $3.9 billion. The couple’s 2024 income — $10.7 million — was more than triple the $2.8 million they reported in 2023.
Pritzker, first elected governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022, announced in June that he will seek a third term. He has frequently criticized former President Donald Trump’s calls to deploy the National Guard in Chicago to address crime and immigration enforcement.
On Oct. 9, a judge blocked the deployment of troops in the city for at least two weeks, the Associated Press reported. “The court confirmed what we all know: There is no credible evidence of a rebellion in the state of Illinois. And no place for the National Guard in the streets of American cities like Chicago,” Pritzker said, according to the outlet.
The following day, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson “should be in jail for failing to protect ICE officers.”
During an appearance on ABC News’ This Week on Oct. 12, Pritzker responded: “Come and get me.” He added, “They’re making things up to go after people. I’m going to stand up for the people of my state. And we’ve got to all stand together because there are truly unconstitutional actions coming out of this administration. All of us — Democrats and Republicans — need to speak out about it.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or visit gamtalk.org.
