US governor wins $1.4m playing blackjack in Las Vegas

October 17, 2025

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a two-term Democrat and Hyatt Hotel fortune heir with a $3. 9 billion net worth, won $1. 4 million playing blackjack at a Las Vegas casino last year according to his tax filings.

Who is affected

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
Pritzker's wife, Mary Kathryn
Potential charity recipients who would benefit from his planned donation
Illinois residents as constituents of the governor

What action is being taken

Pritzker is planning to donate his gambling winnings to charity
Pritzker is criticizing and clashing with President Trump over federal troop deployments to Chicago
Trump is calling for Pritzker's jailing, accusing him of not ensuring safety for federal immigration officers
Pritzker is declining to provide details about his winning hand

Why it matters

The significant gambling win of $1.4 million comes from a governor who is already extremely wealthy with a $3.9 billion net worth
The governor's promise to donate the money to charity raises questions about follow-through since he hasn't yet done so
The story highlights the ongoing political conflict between Pritzker and Trump regarding federal actions in Chicago
As a prominent Democratic governor with significant personal wealth, Pritzker's financial activities attract public interest

What's next

Pritzker intends to seek a third term as governor in 2026

Read full article from source: BBC