Lottery officials say identifying winners a must

Comment #59

sirbrad — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 22:21:13 GMT

Give out your SS number?? Who the hell told you that? No one gives that out because someone could steal your identity. It is common knowledge that is kept hidden for a reason, at least I thought it was. People just make up crap on here and try and make it all much worse than it actually is. Probably because they don't want you playing it so they have better chances of winning.

Comment #58

hearsetrax — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 20:20:13 GMT

sounds like a bright idea

Comment #57

Candy-Lane — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 19:51:49 GMT

I propose that all lottery games make it official that they must wait 180 days after the jackpot has been claimed before publicizing the winner's name and address.

By doing so, this would allow the winners time to sell their homes and move. Most lottery winners would need access to their jackpot winnings before they would be able to move. I mean, even if you know where you would move if you won, you would still need to travel to your new location for home viewings. There are many things to co... [ More ]

Comment #56

Illinoisdreamer — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 00:02:35 GMT

Wouldn't it be enough for states to simply state your 1st name + last initial and county you live in + place purchased

Of instance

Matt , S - Cook purchased at (Insert business here)

Offer winners a chance to take part in a picture/press conference no matter size of pot. Some smaller winners will gladly interview

Or lotto's could release name/info of winners 3 months after prize has been paid out ,, Thus allowed person plenty of time to get affairs in order such as moving/etc... [ More ]

Comment #55

cashcollector — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 22:17:09 GMT

Truth be told the lotteries do not need to identify the winners for the games to sell and draw players to spend their money. People are playing lotteries everyday trying too win something not just the big ones and not all winners are required to show themselves unless they want too on smaller prizes in some states. I think that anyone in any state that wins millions should stay anonymous for their own privacy for whatever reasons but when someone that knows the winners use such excuses as long l... [ More ]

Comment #54

KY Floyd — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 20:38:16 GMT

No state gives out your SS#. You should know better than to pay attention to somebody who's so incredibly stupid.

Comment #53

Brcebrce — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 14:49:32 GMT

I saw that online a few weeks ago. Looks apealing but seems kinda high. a 100 million jackpot, yeah but the base payout of powerball or megamillions, nah not worth it. If it passes in Ga, I think there are gonna be bills in the rest if the states when they do some number crunching.

Comment #52

haymaker — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 14:35:58 GMT

Could you let me know which states give out your SS#

Just want to make sure I don't play there.

Thanks in advance.

Comment #51

jjtheprince — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 13:54:10 GMT

Most states have different policies on the amount of info they release on a winner. A few will only release first and last name, so if you are a John Smith or something like that you can remain perfectly anonymous. However, some states will require a photo of you with a check release your full name, street address, date of birth, and possibly even social security number. States like that leave winners open not only to physical danger, but also identity theft

Comment #50

mike1yogi — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:57:20 GMT

Hey it's cool, you have your lotto dream. I do think winning a big JP might be a good thing--financial security, not having to slave away, and for me, scramble all the time to make ends meet. But pretty sure there is a downside too....but I'm with you, I think I'd do alright--I am pretty sure I wouldn't go buy one of those mansions like Tom Brady or other NFL guys I saw online...but

You might think you wouldn't go into hiding, but maybe you would afterwards. You just don't know - money does s... [ More ]

Comment #49

AbsolutelyFun — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:39:29 GMT

I like this idea. Thanks.

Comment #48

AbsolutelyFun — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:37:28 GMT

This idea is the next best thing besides receiving anonymity. I like it.

Comment #47

AbsolutelyFun — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:36:11 GMT

just Google Georgia Lottery anonymous and some of the links that appear talk about the GA 25% of your jackpot to stay anonymous. Not much details though.

Comment #46

AbsolutelyFun — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:31:19 GMT

Does anyone know where I can go on the internet and read about trusts within trusts

Comment #45

sirbrad — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:04:14 GMT

I just tell it like it is, and no I never used Stafford as an example. I used her, Jack, and David as BAD examples. I assume the Wests are doing great because we have not heard any major news saying otherwise. I don't see any bankrupt shows or lottery horror stories and we know the the news is quick to post them when they do happen. But the reality is most have no major issues or we would hear about it. Location and who you know plays huge factors also. I live in a great area and stay secluded w... [ More ]

Comment #44

mike1yogi — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 04:43:04 GMT

Lol, yeah, easy to say (Stack47), but with big $$'s comes problems....just the way it is....mo money, mo problems :)

It might be a good thing, but it won't be problem free - might be fun and it would be nice to have (I think) but you're kidding yourself to think you could just do what you wanted without people hounding you.

Comment #43

mike1yogi — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 04:29:14 GMT

Your posts may be the most entertaining on here...but you do spend a lot of time talking about 1 how well-prepared you are and not scared of anything, 2 how big lottery winners have nothing to fear unless they already have problems because all that moola will make them very happy :)

You do make some good points, but then you kinda say one thing, then another...but I can relate lol :)

IMHO, it's good to admit to yourself that maybe you may have problems if you win mega $$'s, and it may be... [ More ]

Comment #42

Romancandle — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 02:01:44 GMT

Ouch Stack47

I disagree, even more so with that analogy, money earned vs. money won- the psychology behind that is well documented, but anyway.

So, let's do a dry run here... for your future press conference

What's your real name Stack47 (First and Last) and where do you live (city and state)???

Your got nothing to hide right

Comment #41

deborahl — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:59:33 GMT

LOTTERY SCANDLE

They are real tight lipped on the news about Tipton. This scandle happens to be in the midst of the biggest lottery win in the world's history. They did not announce his or his accomplices evil doings in any way that I saw. I only read about it here. Big wigs are not working anymore over it and they still don't see it fit to speak much about it on the new. I'm not thinking they are too much into the integrity of the games. It is more important to hush the news then to updat... [ More ]

Comment #40

savagegoose — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 21:57:52 GMT

so winners arn't paying enough taxes already

Comment #39

KY Floyd — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 21:49:36 GMT

I'm all for anonymous claiming of jackpots but not state funded extortion like that.

It's not extortion. They're simply letting you voluntarily pay them for their loss of marketing opportunity if they can't use your identity to promote the lottery. I think they're charging more than the loss justifies, but there's a logical argument for the concept.

Comment #38

crazyjaney — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 21:18:19 GMT

Interestingly enough, a republican in the GA state legislature proposed a bill that would allow lotto winners in GA to remain anonymous BUT they would have to forK over an additional 25% of their win to the state for this privledge. I heard this on the radio and don't have a link. I'm all for anonymous claiming of jackpots but not state funded extortion like that.

Comment #37

Think — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 20:48:48 GMT

Traverso said. If people don't see people winning the lottery, then they won't buy tickets. ...

Would you please back your baseless assertions with facts Mr Traverso ?

Only six states allow lottery winners to remain anonymous Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio and South Carolina

Mr Traverso where is the Data on how far ticket sales have plummeted in the six states in this article that allow privacy?

Surely you must have it and be able to back your assertion wi... [ More ]

Comment #36

sirbrad — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 19:08:51 GMT

Well that is because they are jealous that common folks won it and did not earn it and actually mad because it was not them. So that is why they say that. I would not say they are as protected as an NBA athlete but they are more open to regular people. But I also doubt they will be in any real danger just because they won the lottery. People are confusing these and the extreme bad cases, and thinking that is what happens when everyone wins the lottery. No...it doesn't. Most are those had issues... [ More ]

Comment #35

sirbrad — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 19:01:35 GMT

If they are that worried they should not be playing the lottery. That is part of what comes with it. But the reality is that most do not have any major issues if they are smart. As a player who is spending money I want proof that there are real winners. If I won and could be anonymous I would probably do so but if I can't I don't care. I am well prepared and I am not afraid of anyone. I would say that anyone who has a problem come and get you some, I will have presents waiting for you. But in my... [ More ]

Comment #34

Redd55 — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 17:27:35 GMT

In this day and age, there is no anonymity. A simple google search will reveal all. There are those who can afford high end security and those that cant. Eventually, someone will get kidnapped and/or killed and they will change the laws.

Comment #33

hlamb — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 17:00:55 GMT

First and foremost there is a huge difference between the average working person or persons whom most of America does not know and well known high paid athletes, actors/actresses or celebrity figures. Most of them have security for one reason only that is for the safety of their families as well as themselves from droves of admiring fans, crazies and people who may want to kidnap a family member for ransom not, because they may be robbed at gunpoint for all this money that most probably don't ca... [ More ]

Comment #32

GoogilyMoogily — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:40:39 GMT

my state will find a formidable opponent in showing my face or getting my information. contracting over the ticket to a law firm has that effect. it is a bearer instrument and there is nothing any state can do about that.

Comment #31

myturn — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:23:30 GMT

In the UK, winners have the right to remain anonymous, the vast majority choose to remain anonymous. People who choose publicly, often regret it later.

Comment #30

myturn — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:16:55 GMT

When the time came to claim the largest jackpot ever on a Massachusetts scratch ticket, it wasn t the person who bought the ticket who showed up for the $15 million prize.

Instead, the two smiling men holding an oversized check and scratch ticket in the photo taken in July at Lottery headquarters in Braintree are a lawyer and an accountant. The actual winner s name was not disclosed to the public or even to Lottery officials.

That s because the winner, or winners, formed a legal trust to c... [ More ]

Comment #29

myturn — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 10:48:27 GMT

Six states Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio and South Carolina allow winners to remain anonymous.

nbcnews.com/news/us-news/can-you-spare-million-why-it-pays-stay-anonymous-after-n70071

Comment #28

AbsolutelyFun — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 08:25:29 GMT

I thought it was six? All those you mentioned accept for Wyoming. At least that's what I've heard for awhile. Wyoming's website says you can remain anonymous. Please check it out under the website's FAQ.

Comment #27

MaximumMillions — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 05:23:17 GMT

If you've nothing to hide , then come forth.

A quote commonly attributed to Joseph Goebbels. So there's that.

Comment #26

delS — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 05:17:26 GMT

I'm so glad that I live in a state where anonymity is the law. Especially with a huge Jackpot like we just witnessed. Thats not only for my safety, but for my loved one's safty and peace of mind. There is a difference between 15 minutes of fame and the constant harrassment and stalking that would take place. And yes security would be a major priority, with anonymity or 15 minutes of fame. I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and choices. Im down for anonymity

Comment #25

Stack47 — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 04:35:37 GMT

There are 30 NBA teams and every team has several players making over $1 million a year and several college coaches have 7 figure salaries too. Add to that other sports teams, golfers, team owners and business owners. Some of the people in this forum are gulible enough to believe lottery winners would be targeted more than any other group of millionaires by simple answering a bunch of stupid questions at press conference. I've always wondered what lottery winners have to hide.

IMO, the TN win... [ More ]

Comment #24

larry3100 — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 04:21:59 GMT

If I won a big jackpot in the lottery, the first thing I would do is get security protection for myself and family. After that, get out of Dodge City, where unscrupulous persons that want my money, come knocking on my door. Sure, I'll get my fifteen minutes of fame, like anyone else that wins in the lottery, that's it, said and done.

Comment #23

savagegoose — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 02:34:42 GMT

Ca cant guarantee that their workers wont corrupt and commit fraud to gain the winnings. so they need to keep track of who's claiming

Comment #22

Romancandle — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 02:13:30 GMT

I'm sure the last thing on every anonymous multi million $ winner's mind while on their deathbed is the deep regret for not having a huge press conference.

Comment #21

travelintrucker — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 02:07:06 GMT

I don't think most people are hiding anything. They want to protect their way of life. Or don't want everyone coming out of the woodwork to ask for cash.

Comment #20

travelintrucker — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 02:04:39 GMT

I'm VERY surprised that they don't tax lottery winnings.

Comment #19

travelintrucker — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 02:02:06 GMT

There's 7 anonymous states. Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Wyoming.

Comment #18

Romancandle — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 01:31:03 GMT

Thanks TheGameGrl- I will wonder no more

Comment #17

Coin Toss — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 01:30:12 GMT

What do these officials have to say to states and countries that allow winners to remain anonymous?

Kind of throws their whole argument right out the window.

Comment #16

TheGameGrl — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 00:56:14 GMT

well wonder no more. A person doesn't need to be a doctor to say they have a belly ache. So there goes that theory of only a jackpot winner can speak the truth or air an opinion on anonimity.

If you've nothing to hide , then come forth. I believe in showing your cards. Life is too short to be otherwise.

Comment #15

Romancandle — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 00:45:33 GMT

I wonder if any of the folks in this forum who vehmently oppose anomomity have actually won a multi million dollar jackpot?

As far as I'm concerned, only those folks that have won such jackpots would know what it's like.

The rest are just opinions.

Comment #14

dpoly1 — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 00:34:12 GMT

100

Comment #13

pickone4me — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 23:00:51 GMT

Winners need to be public so the public has faith in the lottery, Ting said. Beneficiary anonymity cannot overshadow governmental accountability to the public.

The same states, and other places winning doesn't create faith in the lottery either. Play your state lottery, stop giving communist california your money.

Comment #12

Suzy-Dittlenose — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 21:10:10 GMT

Good point!

I read an article a few days ago about a Trust within a Trust to protect winners identities.

Comment #11

sirbrad — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 21:00:16 GMT

What about corrupt auditors who were paid off? That is what people would be thinking. Far more likely than thousands of winners being paid off and eventually would blow the whistle if their money ran out and they did not get more.

Comment #10

MaximumMillions — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 20:08:44 GMT

It's especially idiotic seeing how 5 states allow for anonymity and other states let winner claim by trust.

Comment #9

bigbuckswede — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 19:58:09 GMT

Anonymity works with Lotteries played in Europe, why does US authorities belive they are so different from Europe? There is no argument that people would stop buying tickets if they don't see who wins in the US.

Comment #8

Enigmas — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 19:53:52 GMT

governmental accountability Oxymoron especially coming from California...

Comment #7

cbr$ — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 19:11:25 GMT

I can't see why, your name , the state you live in- Not the City! Where you purchase the winning ticket. Couldn't be enough accountability for releasing to the public. There are service here on the site / it a ad. that pop up you get can any phone you want. Sure, totally complete the form requirement. By not giving the city where the person lives. Any one who want to be annoying has to search a entire state to try to find you. I have yet to see any branch of our government be this accountable.... [ More ]

Comment #6

ArizonaDream — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 19:02:55 GMT

I can see both sides of the argument. The best way to go may be a 90 day delay on releasing the info, at least give the winner some time to move, hire security, whatever they need to do.

Comment #5

JWBlue — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 18:58:33 GMT

I couldn't disagree more with the stance of these lottery commissions.

Auditor's can verify there is a winner.

There are a lot of solutions for a winner.

Moving to another part of the country.

Legally changing one's name.

Winner's should not have to do these things but that is the way it is.

If I win, I am not telling anyone including friends. Only trusted family members would find out.

Comment #4

sirbrad — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 18:37:44 GMT

The lottery cares more about making money and the integrity of the game than it does about the winner's welfare. But most of those who had problems were already shady to begin with and from all those normal people and families I have seen win they have not had any problems from what I have heard. Most who did were already ex cons, drug addicts, etc so the lottery only compounded their problems. The West family won $340 million in 2007 and were all over the media for a long time.

Now today mos... [ More ]

Comment #3

One2win — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 18:11:08 GMT

Beneficiary anonymity cannot overshadow governmental accountability to the public

What a farce, governmental accountability, bull snip e! When they are accountable for the things that are really important, like informing the public that each and everyone of us can be surveilled, tracked and watched through our phones, t.v.'s and other electronic equipment designed for that purpose - then I'll believe in governmental accountability to the pubic Bunch of peeping Toms who just want to dig up in... [ More ]

Comment #2

TheGameGrl — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 17:34:34 GMT

No different then when a person has criminal charges, names are published. No different when awards are authenticated thru Drawings by business's (McD's, Publishers Clearinghouse), so why not the lottery. Refrain from playing if you are that concerned about your welfare. No amount of money can heal one from paranoia or the likes. Being sensible is one thing as its natural to protect ones environment. I have zero desire to hound or even meet a person who won such allotment. Its not my business. W... [ More ]

Comment #1

JADELottery — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 17:29:29 GMT

You want big bucks, you get big problems, you buy big security, you can afford it.

Lottery officials say identifying winners a must

Lottery Post — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 17:24:07 GMT

States wrestle with winners' privacy vs. integrity of games

In the California lottery handbook for winners, officials offer a few suggestions to newly minted millionaires. Change your number. Stop answering your phone. And find a reputable financial adviser.

That's because along with the money comes 15 minutes of fame as the names of winners are required to be made public in California and many other states.

All eyes are on the Los Angeles suburb of Chino Hills, where one of three ticke... [ More ]