Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, known for his significant wealth and as an heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, recently enjoyed a remarkable stroke of luck during a vacation in Las Vegas. While enjoying a holiday with his wife and friends, Pritzker won $1.4 million (£1 million) playing blackjack.
This impressive win comes as Pritzker, a two-term Democrat, boasts a net worth of approximately $3.9 billion (£2.9 billion). A spokesperson for his campaign indicated that the governor intends to donate the winnings to charity, though they did not elaborate on why this had not yet occurred.
During a press conference, Pritzker described himself and the win as “incredibly lucky,” acknowledging the often unpredictable nature of casino visits. He noted that he was fortunate to leave the casino ahead before any potential losses could accumulate.
Pritzker, who has previously founded a charitable event that raised millions for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, reported a total income of $10.6 million (£7.8 million) in 2024, primarily from dividends and capital gains. It is understood that they paid $1.6 million (£1.1 million) in taxes on their taxable income.
The governor has also been a vocal critic of certain US federal actions, notably the deployment of national troops to Chicago, which he characterized as “authoritarian.” This stance has led to sharp exchanges with President Donald Trump.
Looking ahead, Pritzker is expected to seek a third term as governor in 2026. He has, however, largely refrained from discussing any political ambitions beyond his current role.