Illinois’ favorite billionaire, Democrat Gov. JB Pritzker, hit the jackpot in 2024, releasing partial tax records on Wednesday that revealed a stunning financial surge, including a hefty $1.4 million in gambling winnings.
The governor’s adjusted gross income nearly tripled to a massive $10.7 million, up from roughly $3.2 million the prior year.
The significant gambling haul, confirmed by his campaign to have come from a Las Vegas casino, contributed to Pritzker and his wife reporting their highest income since 2021.
The $1.4 million casino windfall wasn’t the only factor driving the increase.
Pritzker’s 2024 income, reported in the partial filings, was substantially boosted by:
- $4.2 million in capital gains.
- Nearly $3.9 million in ordinary dividends.
- More than $800,000 in taxable interest.
This contrasts with the years since Pritzker took office in 2019, when the couple’s income generally hovered between $2 million and $5 million annually. His income in 2017, prior to becoming governor, was a reported $55 million.
The Pritzker campaign attributed the spike to “certain trusts make[ing] distributions each year,” with the taxable income changing based on the performance of trust assets, according to reports. Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune, has an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion, much of which is tied up in domestic and offshore trusts.
The governor’s massive winnings come as gambling in Illinois has expanded under his watch. Since Pritzker took office, he signed legislation in 2019 that legalized sports betting, added six new casinos, and allowed tens of thousands of slot machines in bars and restaurants—all to help fund his infrastructure plan.
READ: VP Vance: Illinois Gov. Pritzker ‘Should Suffer Some Consequences’ Amid ‘Jail’ Calls
Pritzker, who has spent over $150 million of his own money to win elections, is currently seeking a third term as governor next year and has been the subject of rumors regarding a potential 2028 presidential run.
The release of the income boost also highlights a period of increasing financial pressure for many Illinois residents and businesses. Since Pritzker took office in 2019, the state has seen nearly 50 tax hikes, with business departures from the state reportedly accelerating.
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