Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and his wife, M.K. Pritzker, reported a substantial taxable income of nearly $10.7 million for the past year, a significant increase driven in large part by substantial gambling winnings from Las Vegas. This financial disclosure offers a snapshot of the personal wealth of one of the nation’s wealthiest governors, highlighting the complex intersection of public office and private fortune.
The Pritzkers’ 2024 income tax returns, released by the governor’s campaign, indicate earnings more than triple their previous year’s income. Key components of their reported income include $4.2 million in capital gains, approximately $3.9 million from dividends, and over $800,000 in taxable interest. The reported $1.43 million in gambling winnings from Las Vegas stands out as a significant contributor to their elevated financial performance. A spokesperson for the governor acknowledged casino “winnings and losses” but offered no further specifics on the nature of the games or locations within Las Vegas.
Governor Pritzker, whose net worth is estimated by Forbes to be around $3.9 billion, has presided over a notable expansion of gambling within Illinois since taking office in 2019. His administration has been instrumental in legalizing sports betting and authorizing the development of six new casinos across the state. This legislative agenda aligns with the Pritzker family’s long-standing involvement in the casino industry. Prior to his governorship, JB Pritzker held a 1% stake in Elgin’s Grand Victoria Casino, an investment now managed within a blind trust to mitigate potential conflicts of interest during his tenure. The family’s fortune is primarily rooted in the Hyatt Hotels Corp chain.
The recent tax filings reveal a considerable tax liability for the Pritzkers. In 2024, they collectively paid approximately $3.7 million in federal taxes and $869,000 in state taxes. Additionally, the couple contributed $3.3 million to charitable causes. Broader financial structures, specifically trusts benefiting Governor Pritzker, incurred separate tax obligations, amounting to $30.2 million in federal taxes and $4.5 million in Illinois taxes.
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