Bill to allow lottery winners to remain anonymous passes Virginia Senate

Comment #57

KY Floyd — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 19:34:40 GMT

They need to release the winners names because the State or their own workers might start crooking the system.

It's theoretically possible, but conspiracies of that sort rarely happen outside of the movies. Even with lousy security protocols of the sort that let Eddie Tipton scam the lottery pretending there was a winner when there really wasn't would have to involve several people. Besides everybody keeping the secret, simply sharing the money would create a risk of exposure. Somebody has t... [ More ]

Comment #56

Tucker Black — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 22:36:39 GMT

One time I won $5,000 at a slot machine at a tribal casino in New Mexico, and after the paperwork was completed for the W-2G, they wanted to take my picture. They gave me the option of a full face photo, or I could hold up a smiley face sign in front of my face. Five thousand bucks is not much, so I went for the full face picture.

Comment #55

Tucker Black — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 22:34:31 GMT

An indepdent audit eliminates this possibility. There is no need to publicize winners and subject them to harassment for marketing purposes.

If I won a huge amount, I would do a media interview if they give me 30% more in winnings to compensate. Of course they don't do that, so screw them.

Comment #54

hearsetrax — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 20:06:51 GMT

those who demand the release of names and etc etc,

I'm sure would feel very much different if they were subjected to the harsh spotlight of a media blitz

Comment #53

brees2012 — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 17:55:20 GMT

Any states that sells lottery tickets , should be ALL Anonymous ................

What happen to Safety First

Comment #52

Artist77 — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 23:35:51 GMT

Transparency needs to be balanced against the rights of a winner. A jackpot win can be a death sentence so the state needs to come up with options. They have an obligation to do so. Audits, etc. can raise the confidence level with attempts to crook the system.

Comment #51

bobsleigh — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 21:23:39 GMT

They need to release the winners names because the State or their own workers might start crooking the system. The public needs to see if the Stores are puffing through the lottery tickets for the winning tickets, such as in scratch-offs.

Comment #50

LotteryInOK — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 21:13:54 GMT

Oklahoma needs to start doing that including all states

Comment #49

KY Floyd — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 19:02:53 GMT

creating a trust is more work than just informing the MD lottery office that I wish to claim anonymously.

Anonymity is just the side benefit of forming a trust. If you win enough that anonymity really matters you'd be an idiot to not form a trust simply because it's a trust.

Comment #48

Bleudog101 — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:59:58 GMT

paymentplan-man, can always count on you for a good laugh. Winning on your ex's BD...how wonderful would that be--and she wouldn't be entitled to know, let alone any of the $$$.

Comment #47

paymentplan-man — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 00:25:31 GMT

Ah sweet. I did't know that....although I guess in my situation it's irrelevant information since I don't work in DC nor do I want to be stuck down there. Plus creating a trust is more work than just informing the MD lottery office that I wish to claim anonymously.

Comment #46

Artist77 — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 23:58:46 GMT

Because many VA people work in DC and I certainly don't have the time for a long metro trip to MD and then metro and a bus home to VA. Some of us work long hours. I cannot think of any person I know of who works in DC who would have that much free time.

DC allows a trust option since a claimant is not defined as a person. So DC is the much better option for now.

Comment #45

music* — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 22:46:47 GMT

and I think there is the story on LP Search box.

The young man from Georgia was Craigory Burch Jr. a 20-year-old Fantasy 5 winner. He won $434,272.00 on 11/30/2015. Seven of the murderers have been caught.

Some say that he should have been more discreet about gifting charities.

I believe that anonymity would have saved his life. Lessons for all of us to learn.

Comment #44

paymentplan-man — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 22:21:47 GMT

But why would someone go to DC to buy tickets (those who live in VA) when you can claim anonymously in Maryland?

This will be right on time for me to win with my future ticket I bought for March 5th. It would be the perfect break-up gift to myself. *Laughs in Mojo-jojo*

P.S this is my ex's B-Day so to win on her birthday AND be allowed to keep it a secret is like having your gray-hound ticket upgraded to a private jet with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders

Comment #43

Coin Toss — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 16:53:08 GMT

In the article in the link i first posted that disappeared it stated that Australia changed their policy to allow winners to remain anonymous after one had been killed.

Comment #42

sweetie7398 — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 05:35:16 GMT

My mind went to the young man from Georgia who was murdered a few years ago after a win.

Comment #41

Coin Toss — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 04:37:10 GMT

Here you go, Artist, hope this one doesn't disappear;

The great thing about playing lotto in Australia is that winners can choose to remain anonymous and keep their privacy, unlike in the United States where winners don t have such a choice, and are often thrown into a media circus.

https://www.ozlotteries.com/blog/how-to-remain-anonymous-when-you-win-lotto

Comment #40

Artist77 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 23:56:02 GMT

I wish it was $1 million or more.

Comment #39

Artist77 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 21:51:31 GMT

Very useful info. So maybe it will have bipartisan support and not become a D or R issue. My hopes are high here.

Comment #38

Artist77 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 20:53:58 GMT

Dead link Cointoss.

Comment #37

Coin Toss — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 20:41:39 GMT

Found something, Artist;

https:///help/

Can I claim jackpot prizes anonymously? is the first of the five top questions.

Comment #36

Artist77 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 20:26:56 GMT

Depends on how publicity is defined.

Comment #35

Coin Toss — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 20:24:06 GMT

Not sure, Artist, but if they offer a NP box on the play slip why would they release the names

Comment #34

KY Floyd — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 19:13:53 GMT

I am wondering if that NH lawsuit is having other broader benefits

A while back PA allowed a winner to claim with a trust and only released the name of the trust and (probably, but I'm not positive) the name of the trustee. A lottery rep referenced the NH case in explaining their decision. I haven't gone digging for the specific rules in PA, but that may indicate that PA's requirement to release winners' identities is also covered under a right to know law rather than a specific lottery rule... [ More ]

Comment #33

Artist77 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 17:33:44 GMT

Ok. Thanks Coin Toss. But does Australia still release the names or other info? I can put that under other.

Comment #32

Coin Toss — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 17:25:36 GMT

Artist77,

Along with the no tax I think it was savagegoose who once posted that the Australian lottery has a NP on the play slips, No Publicity.

That's a very quick and neat way to handle it.

Comment #31

Artist77 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:31:14 GMT

I moved this to the jackpot forum thread.

Comment #30

Bleudog101 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 14:54:02 GMT

I transposed the states you mentioned and switched it around a taste. I put ALABAMA in there and said they'd have to get a lottery since they're sandwiched between lottery playing states. Maybe walking 2 miles in 8 degree weather with the dog affected my silly cells in my brain

Comment #29

Artist77 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 13:52:42 GMT

Categories of claimant options: Feel free to add. Let's develop a list.

1.) 100% automatically anonymous. See MD.

2.) 100% not anonymous. Claimant must be an individual only based on lottery rules. See VIRGINIA

3.) Claimant or anonymity issue not addressed in lottery rules. So trusts, etc. are an option for claiming. See DC and NH.

4.) Limited anonymity based on time and /or winning amount. Winner may remain anonymous for a specific period of time and/or above a specific $ amoun... [ More ]

Comment #28

Artist77 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 13:34:28 GMT

I am wondering if that NH lawsuit is having other broader benefits by having another state like Virginia even consider claiming anonymously. Winners want that option for their safety and it would certainly bring in more dollars.

Comment #27

KY Floyd — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 08:26:15 GMT

even though NH rules state you can't be anonymous.

Turns out there's not actually a rule that says lottery winners can't be anonymous. NH has an open records law that makes information about most government business available to the public. The lottery believed that complying with that law required them to treat the identities of winners as information that was public under the state law because what the lottery does is government business.

I read the ruling but don't remember much detail... [ More ]

Comment #26

oate — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 07:16:58 GMT

If it passes the lower house the pressure is on for North Carolina and DC to change their lottery rules too, as both will be sandwiched between anony-states.

Comment #25

Stack47 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 05:24:17 GMT

The NH verdict was based on her wanting to use a trust to claim the winners which the lottery denied her because she signed the back of the ticket. Just looking at the KY Lottery website there are players that want to have their pictures taken holding an over sized check.

Other countries with lotteries allow anonymity, but we have individual state lotteries that create their own laws, rules, and regulations. The argument that all states should allow anonymity is like saying because some state... [ More ]

Comment #24

Coin Toss — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 04:47:38 GMT

dannyct,

The US really needs to copy Australia.

We've had the same kind of incidents you mentioned here in the US but the states that don't allow winners to remain anonymous give a song and dance about wanting the public to know that winners are real people.

Comment #23

dannyct — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 04:24:51 GMT

Another disadvantage to begin publicly identified, than many people don't consider, is the media republishing, and photographs, whenever the lottery is in headlines.

Comment #22

dannyct — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 04:17:56 GMT

Australian states lotteries allow winners to remain anonymous, which the vast majority choose to do.

It dates back to the 1960s, when lottery winners had their kidnapped and killed. It became clear that publicly identifing lottery winners was very dangerous.

Comment #21

Artist77 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 02:04:00 GMT

Where does it say $10 million or more? The catch cited was releasing the hometown and amount of the win. Hardly a catch. I cannot imagine any winner being unhappy with that result.

Comment #20

Artist77 — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 01:59:11 GMT

NH is like DC and the rules do not define a claimant as an individual only, so claiming via a trust, etc. was on the table. I am glad she sued and won and did lottery players a huge favor. She had the right to claim in multiple ways.

VA is a different situation. VA defines a claimant as an individual only.

Comment #19

hearsetrax — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 01:27:06 GMT

Comment #18

Bleudog101 — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 23:57:08 GMT

I take to question your last sentence. Am thinking of that New Hampshire woman who fought for anonymity even though NH rules state you can't be anonymous. I think it was a huge Powerball win. She sued, she won...typical I think of this litigious society we live in.

So now you can be anonymous if this passes DE, MD, and VA---DelMarVa.

Comment #17

zephbe — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 23:55:15 GMT

Lottery winners in Virginia could soon be able to stay anonymous, but there s a catch.

If a bill before the General Assembly passes, identities could remain secret for lottery winners in the commonwealth who win $10 million or more.

Comment #16

Stack47 — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 23:36:45 GMT

It would be much worse for a state lottery if they refused to pay a jackpot winner because they wouldn't attend a media horse and pony show.

Your idea of publishing the initials is similar to KY Lottery scrolling the first name and home town of online winners. The site shows lots of regular game and scratch-off winners and shows where the tickets were purchased, but very few names and pictures.

The thing is some people are arguing that by granting anonymity to lottery winners, they gettin... [ More ]

Comment #15

oate — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 23:21:15 GMT

Nays: Chase, Dunnavant, Mason, Obenshain, Petersen, Suetterlein, Surovell

Party: R, R, D, R, D, R, D

Comment #14

TheGameGrl — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 22:17:11 GMT

LOL!! maybe the ones passing the joints are now passing the bills such as these. Gotta love those who fear for their recognition.

transparency in govt and ppl needs to be kept relevant.

Comment #13

Artist77 — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 21:29:05 GMT

Exactly why I very rarely play in VA and if I do, I try the $1 million bank a million game. At least DC does not define a claimant so I could claim with a trust like a big winner did around 2009.

Comment #12

music* — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 21:28:49 GMT

I am sure that Marvin Mae Acosta would love your idea and go by MA. Here in CA.

Another disrespect is not informing the winner of the accurate figures when you choose Lump Sum. The winners think that they will get the full annuity amount. When they do their taxes they are in for a surprise.

The unexpected deaths of past winners should be taken into account. Do we really need more deaths

Comment #11

noise-gate — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 20:36:06 GMT

l think that lotteries across the country should treat players with more respect. By that l mean: provide the playing public with options. Would you like to meet the press, have a media shoot, or none at all? After all, they go to great lengths to lure players, asking, almost begging us to open our wallets and play their games. I think it prudent to be asked: When you win, can we use your initials hometown in promoting our games.l for one would agree. So if you are Jane Milly Ross, we going to s... [ More ]

Comment #10

music* — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 20:17:13 GMT

grwurston, You live in Maryland which grants anonymity to a jackpot winner. I do understand your position on larger or unusual prizes. Ask politely and the Lottery Officials may grant your wishes when you say, NO to the photo celebrity and NO to the Media Availability.

Comment #9

grwurston — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 19:47:24 GMT

People who win larger or unusual prizes have their photo taken when they accept their winnings. That photo is then released publicly on platforms including Facebook and Twitter.

I'm sure that could be a literal death sentence for some winners. If I had to have my photo taken, they can take one of my backside.

Comment #8

music* — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 19:41:18 GMT

CDanaT, I remember Joe Dennette and can find him on YouTube. He made the mistake of going beyond what is required. It is a shame that he is still being harassed.

Joe is enjoying his family that the Lottery helped create. Is he still the owner of a car racing team? That is his dream as well.

I can plan on moving after a major win.

My advice is to stay away from My Lottery Dream Home and The Lottery Changed My Life. The less publicity the better.

Comment #7

CDanaT — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 19:31:27 GMT

I would suggest for a bit more background on the bill and one of the big pushers, people need to look at Del. Lee Ware(R) Powhatan. There was a nice article done in a local paper called the Virginian Pilot in the politics section. It came out a month ago,12-20-18. Normally, I would post a link to the site but the last time I did that, it was deleted. The article also talks about the past winner Joe Dennette from 2009 and how he gets harassed to this day, along with referring to other winners fro... [ More ]

Comment #6

music* — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 19:30:55 GMT

Now it is up to the House of Delegates to pass this bill. Almost everyone knows that crazies abound in this World.

Would a regular rich person flash their cash in public? The risks are too high to the winner and his/her family.

Besides crazies there are JERKS. Jealous, Envious, Resentful, Kill Joys. It is almost human nature to demand money from a lottery winner. People are saddled with debt and they see another who is rich and say, That money could pay off a fair bit of debt . You did

Comment #5

Coin Toss — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 19:06:49 GMT

And here's to brave Virginia

the Old Dominion state....

with the other anonymous states

at length has made her stand

Comment #4

noise-gate — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 18:52:14 GMT

l would love to wake up one morning out here in CA to news like this. However, l seriously doubt that will happen. Our lottery thinks they have gone far enough. At present, they release the name, amount of the prize, city where the ticket was purchased- but not where the winner lives. Transparency, they call it, millions of players out here, call it Hopefully, one day it will change. I mean if pot is now lawfully sold in stores....

Comment #3

Artist77 — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 17:04:10 GMT

Omg. I had no clue this was ever going to be a possibility. It would certainly keep more ticket sales in VA for all the people who work and buy their tickets in DC but live in VA. I don't spend $10 a year in VA on tickets. VA promotes winner pics and info to the max.

Comment #2

hearsetrax — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 16:21:35 GMT

well this is sorta good news for me and my fellow Virginians,

but why do I suspect thars going to be a price tag attached for being able to make the choice

Comment #1

Raven62 — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 16:11:41 GMT

The States that don't allow their Lottery Winners to Claim their Prize Anonymously need to Join the Me To Movement

Bill to allow lottery winners to remain anonymous passes Virginia Senate

Lottery Post — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 15:27:38 GMT

A bill that would allow lottery winners in Virginia to remain anonymous has cleared one hurdle toward becoming a law.

The bill passed in the Senate Friday morning, but still has to be approved by the House of Delegates. It passed with a 33-7 vote.

Sen. Lionell Spruill, Sr. (D-Chesapeake) helped introduced the bill, which would let winners submit a notice to the Virginia Lottery that they do not wish to have their name or personal information disclosed.

The bill would not, however, preve... [ More ]