Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has reported more than $1.4 million in gambling winnings in 2024, according to partial tax documents released by his campaign. The earnings, which came from casino activity, were part of more than $10.3 million in total taxable income reported by the Illinois governor and his wife, MK Pritzker.
Key Takeaways
- Gov. JB Pritzker reported over $1.4 million in gambling income for 2024.
- The governor's overall income rose sharply from $3.2 million in 2023.
- Pritzker's campaign continues to release only partial tax records, leaving details of his trust holdings undisclosed.
The figure marked their highest annual income in several years, more than tripling their 2023 total. The filings come as Pritzker, who does not take a gubernatorial salary, campaigns for a third term ahead of the March 2026 Democratic primary.
The Pritzkers paid approximately $1.6 million in federal taxes and $512,000 in state taxes for 2024, increases over the previous year. Campaign representatives attributed income fluctuations to variable trust distributions, which depend on investment performance.
Although the governor's returns disclosed gambling winnings, his campaign said losses were also recorded, though not detailed publicly. The family's trusts collectively paid more than $34 million in federal and state taxes last year, despite those filings remaining private.
In 2024, the Pritzkers donated $3.3 million to charitable causes, double the previous year's amount. His running mate, Christian Mitchell, reported earning over $583,000 in taxable income in 2024. Forbes' estimate of Pritzker's wealth also rose slightly from $3.7 billion last year.
Circa Sports enforces $10 minimum amid rising Illinois taxes
Elsewhere, in Illinois, Circa Sports joined other sportsbooks responding to Illinois's newly imposed per-wager tax by introducing a $10 minimum bet in August, the highest in the state. Circa founder Derek Stevens told the Missouri Gaming Commission that the average bet on his platform is $50.
Circa's average digital wager in Illinois was $350 in the first half of 2024, far above the industry norm.
While competitors rely heavily on parlays, Circa said they account for just 16.3% of its bets and 4% of its handle. Illinois's new per-wager tax, enacted in May, charges operators 25 cents per bet for the first 20 million wagers each fiscal year and 50 cents thereafter.
DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook have begun passing the surcharge to customers. Experts warn the Illinois Gaming Board's plan to also tax the surcharge itself could lead to effective double taxation, pushing operators' effective tax rates above 50%.
Chicago weighs video gambling expansion despite Mayor's opposition
In September, efforts to legalize video gambling terminals across Chicago also advanced after the City Council's License and Consumer Protection Committee approved a proposal by Alderman Anthony Beale. The narrow 8-6 vote revealed divisions among aldermen and set up a potential confrontation with Mayor Brandon Johnson, who remains opposed.
Critics argue the city's proposed 5% share of terminal revenue is far too small compared to the state's 30% portion and could undercut revenue from Bally's Chicago Casino. City officials estimate legalization could cost Chicago $74 million annually in casino revenue and eliminate Bally's $4 million yearly payment to the city.
Beale countered that the city's pension obligations and sluggish casino revenue justify the proposal, estimating the terminals could generate as much as $60 million annually.
