States That Allow Lottery Winners To Remain Anonymous

anonymous lottery claim states

In the USA there are currently 17 states that allow lottery winners to claim the jackpot anonymously.

In a further 11 states it’s possible to claim using a trust or company on your behalf.

All other states you cannot remain anonymous.

But you do have some options to limit the amount of information released.

What States Allow Anonymous Lottery Winners?

First up, these are the 17 states that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous:-

  • Arizona
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Jersey
  • North Dakota
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming

Some of these anonymous lottery winner states come with strings attached however.

Arizona allows anonymity for prizes of $100,000+.

Georgia restricts this to winnings of $250,000+.

Michigan and Minnesota say prizes of $10,000+ only.

Texas and West Virginia state you can only remain anonymous if the prize is $1 Million or more.

Virginia only allow anonymous winners for prizes of $10 Million and above.

Which States Allow Claiming With an Anonymous Trust or Company

There are 11 states that allow winners to claim using an anonymous trust (or company/LLC):-

  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Louisiana
  • Massachusetts
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Tennessee
  • Vermont

When claiming as a trust or company, the lottery will release some details. This would normally be the legal name of the trust or company. It may also include the name of the trustee or attorney.

Obviously you should get proper legal advice on this before you make your claim.

Why Can’t Lottery Winners Remain Anonymous

You would think it was an automatic right to be anonymous when you win. With the option to go public if that’s what you want.

But in most US states this is not the case.

There are 2 main reasons why lottery winners can’t remain anonymous. The one given by the PR departments of the lottery companies. And the real reason. 😉

Lottery companies cite fairness and transparency as the reason why winners details should be published. They say that players need to see who the winners are. To know that they are running a fair and ethical draw.

Unfortunately this doesn’t stand up to scrutiny too well. There are now plenty of examples in the US alone where states allow anonymity and players have no trouble trusting those games.

It does however greatly help with marketing and promotion of the games to be able to have big winners ceremonies broadcast across news channels. To have photos of winners holding big checks published in newspapers and the windows of stores selling tickets.

This seems to be the real reason why some states are very reluctant to change their rules to let players choose to be anonymous.

Should Lottery Winners Remain Anonymous?

Lottery winners should remain anonymous if they value their privacy.

This is very much a personal choice though – if you have the option.

If you relish the thought of lots of media attention, and plan to tell everyone you know, then feel free.

But bear in mind there can be a negative side. The extent of this depends on how much publicity your win generates. Lots of people win large prizes on the lottery every week. So it tends to only be the really big multi-state winners that generate national (or even international) interest.

People do try to contact lottery winners for various reasons. If you go public you will get ‘begging letters’, some well deserving, some not so much. You may get interest from people wanting to sell you expensive things. You may get interest from criminals.

It’s really a decision to make before you are put on the spot. Be clear what you want before putting in your claim, and stick to your decision.

How Can I Limit The Information Released?

Lottery winners can attempt to improve their privacy even where anonymity is not permitted.

There is no guarantee any of these measures will be allowed. All you can do is ask and try.

Limit The Name Released

Ask for just your initial and surname to be released, rather than your full name. This is much more effective if you have a very common surname.

Hide Your Face

Cover your face by wearing a comical mask during publicity photos and presentation of your winners check. Your choice, Spiderman to Bart Simpson. The PR people may not allow it, or you might just get away with it. Don’t wear highly distinctive clothing either.

Be Boring

The more interesting your story, the more publicity you will get. If you don’t want the world to know your business, don’t share it. When asked what you plan to do with the winnings, say you haven’t decided yet.

What Do You Think?

Should winners have the right to choose to be anonymous?

Or should all big winners be a matter of public record that anyone can see?

Did you choose to go public and enjoy the ride, or regret the decision?

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Can Florida Lottery Winners Remain Anonymous?

Florida lottery winners can remain anonymous, but only if they claim their winnings as a trust. Winners should consult proper legal advice before approaching the lottery company to make their claim.

Can Washington State Lottery Winners Remain Anonymous?

Washington State lottery winners cannot remain anonymous. There is no rule that allows for this. All you can do is attempt to minize the information released.

References

www.azleg.gov/ars/5/00573.htm
www.delottery.com/FAQs
codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-50-state-government/ga-code-sect-50-27-25.html
www.kslottery.com/faqs
www.mdlottery.com/about-us/faqs/
www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=SF151&version=latest&session=ls92&session_year=2021&session_number=0
billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/20181E/html/SB/2001-2099/SB2001SG.htm
www.lottery.nd.gov/public/winners
texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=16&pt=9&ch=401&rl=324
lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?191+sum+SB1060&191+sum+SB1060
code.wvlegislature.gov/29-22-15a/
wyolotto.com/lottery/faq/

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