Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a billionaire and prominent Democratic figure, revealed a substantial gambling gain of $1.4 million from a blackjack session in Las Vegas, as noted in his 2024 federal tax filings. The earnings stemmed from a vacation he took with his wife, MK Pritzker, and close friends.

Speaking to reporters in Chicago, Pritzker described the experience as a stroke of fortune. “Luck was definitely on my side,” he remarked, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of casino games. He emphasized that most gamblers tend to overplay and lose their winnings, but he managed to walk away before that happened.

Who Is JB Pritzker?

Pritzker, whose wealth is rooted in the Hyatt hotel empire, ranks among the wealthiest Americans with an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion. His campaign stated that he intends to donate the gambling proceeds to charity, though specifics on the donation timeline were not provided.

The governor, currently serving his second term and eyeing a third in 2026, has been floated as a potential contender for national office in 2028. He has previously been considered for a vice-presidential role alongside Kamala Harris. Despite deflecting questions about future ambitions, Pritzker has actively supported Democratic causes, including reproductive rights initiatives.

Pritzker’s Net Income For 2024

In 2024, the Pritzkers reported a total income of $10.66 million, primarily from capital gains and dividends, and paid $1.6 million in federal taxes on $5.87 million of taxable income.

A passionate card enthusiast, Pritzker also organizes the Chicago Poker Challenge, a charitable event that has raised millions for the Holocaust Museum and Education Center. He clarified that the $1.4 million figure represented net winnings from a single trip, factoring in both gains and losses. However, he chose not to disclose the specific hand that secured the jackpot.

Do Online Blackjack Sites Offer Big Payouts?

Yes, online blackjack sites can offer substantial payouts, especially when you play on reputable platforms with favorable rules and high return-to-player (RTP) percentages.
Standard blackjack payout is 3:2, meaning $10 bet wins $15 if you hit blackjack. However, some top-rated sites like BetOnline and Cafe Casino offer blackjack games with RTPs up to 99%, especially when playing single-deck variants.

Some offshore casinos also offer blackjack games with progressive jackpots. Progressive blackjack jackpots are special side bets that contribute to a growing prize pool. Each time a player places the side bet, a portion goes into the jackpot. The jackpot continues to increase until someone hits the winning combination, often resulting in a massive payout.

Global music icon Bad Bunny has been selected to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation confirmed the announcement, marking a significant cultural milestone for Latin music on one of the world’s most prominent stages. Bad Bunny was a guest for Jennifer Lopez during her 2020 LIV Super Bowl performance alongside J. Balvin and Shakira.

The Puerto Rican superstar, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (also known as Bad Bunny), continues to dominate global charts and cultural conversations. Following a record-breaking residency in Puerto Rico and leading the Latin Grammy nominations with 12 nods, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance is expected to be a celebration of Latin heritage and artistic excellence.

His upcoming halftime appearance is expected to generate a multitude of NFL prop bets surrounding the musical performance.

Betting Markets React to Super Bowl Hype

Offshore sportsbooks have already begun offering prop bets tied to both the Super Bowl game and the halftime show. Bettors can find odds on:

Halftime Performance Props:

• First song performed
• Number of outfit changes
• Surprise guest appearances
• Whether Bad Bunny will speak in Spanish during the show

Game-Related Wagers:

• Point spread, moneyline, and totals
• MVP predictions
• First touchdown scorer
• Length of the national anthem

These markets are particularly active on offshore NFL sportsbooks, which often offer a broader range of entertainment betting options than domestic sportsbooks. While U.S.-regulated books may limit halftime-related wagers, offshore operators cater to global audiences with expanded novelty markets.

Industry Leaders Applaud the Selection

Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation, praised Bad Bunny’s impact: “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.” NFL executive Jon Barker added, “His electrifying performances and deep connection with fans promise an unforgettable halftime experience.”

The halftime show will be produced by Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins, with Hamish Hamilton serving as director. Apple Music’s Oliver Schusser emphasized the significance: “His music has elevated Latin culture to the center of pop, and we’re thrilled to deliver this historic performance to millions worldwide.”

Kansas’ four state-licensed commercial casinos reported a combined revenue of approximately $37.3 million for August 2025, based on preliminary figures released by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. The new revenue report marks a continued upward trajectory for the state’s gaming industry, reinforcing the momentum seen earlier in the year.

In March 2025, Kansas casinos experienced a record-breaking month, generating $39.1 million—the highest monthly total ever recorded. While these figures may appear modest compared to larger gaming markets, they represent significant progress for Kansas, which operates a relatively small but steadily growing casino sector.

A Dual Casino Landscape

Kansas stands out in the national gaming landscape due to its unique hybrid model, which combines tribal and commercial casinos. The four state-regulated facilities — Hollywood Casino, Kansas Star, Boot Hill, and Kansas Crossing — report their earnings through the state’s gaming commission. At the same time, tribal casinos operate independently and submit their revenue data separately. This dual structure adds complexity to the state’s gaming economy but also broadens its reach and appeal to different player demographics.

August 2025 Revenue Breakdown by Casino

• Hollywood Casino led the pack with $15.1 million in total revenue, reflecting a slight year-over-year increase. Slot machines were the primary driver, contributing $13.4 million, while table games generated an additional $1.6 million. From this, the state collected $3.3 million, local governments received $452,124, and $301,416 was allocated to programs addressing problem gambling.
• Kansas Star Casino followed closely with $14.6 million, up from $14.1 million in August 2024. Slot machines generated $12.9 million, and table games brought in $1.7 million. The state’s share totaled $3.22 million, with $439,078 allocated to local jurisdictions and $292,719 designated for addiction support services.
• Boot Hill Casino reported $4.1 million in revenue, slightly below its performance from the previous year. Of that, $3.7 million came from electronic gaming machines, and $456,506 from table games. The state received $990,000, while $123,852 was distributed to local governments and $82,568 to problem gambling initiatives.
• Kansas Crossing Casino reported earnings of $3.5 million, representing a growth of $0.3 million from $3.2 million in August 2024. Slot machines accounted for $3.2 million, and table games contributed $258,449. The state’s portion was $770,462, with $105,063 going to local entities and $70,042 supporting addiction recovery programs.

Slot Machines Continue to Dominate

All four of Kansas’ commercial casinos offer full Class III gaming, which includes slot machines, table games, poker, and sports betting. Despite the impressive $208.8 million sports betting handle recorded in April 2025, slot machines continue to be the most consistent and lucrative source of revenue across the board.

This trend mirrors global patterns, including offshore casino sites, where slots are often the most popular and widely available games. Their appeal lies in their accessibility—low entry costs, simple gameplay, and a variety of themes and bonus features that keep players engaged.

Though fundamentally games of chance, slots offer entertainment value that extends beyond the potential for winnings.