Winners of big lottery jackpots often crave anonymity amid challenges to do so

Apr 11, 2012, 10:20 am (52 comments)

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RED BUD, Ill. — The tiny Illinois farm town of Red Bud is the kind of place with few strangers and few secrets. Yet the community of 3,700 has a lingering mystery on its hands: Who bought the winning Mega Millions lottery ticket, and why hasn't the winner of the world-record $656 million jackpot come forward?

Though secrecy surrounds the ticket sold at the MotoMart convenience store, lottery officials note it's not unusual for winners to lay low — and those who advise them say it's just plain smart.

It's exactly what the Kansas winner of the March 30 Mega Millions drawing decided to do. Kansas Lottery Director Dennis Wilson said the person came to the agency's Topeka headquarters Friday morning with an attorney and some financial advisers. Wilson said the person does not want to be identified, even by gender — something Kansas law allows.  (See Kansas Mega Millions winner claims jackpot anonymously, Lottery Post, Apr. 6 2012.)

"They obviously don't need the publicity," Wilson said. "They're not used to the publicity of where they're from, where they live."

A third winning ticket was sold in Maryland, and the winners — three public school empoyees — have likewise chosen to remain anonymous.    (See Maryland Mega Millions winners claim prize anonymously, Lottery Post, Apr. 10, 2012.)

For all of its promise, instant riches come with a price, starting with the immediate barrage of calls from relatives and distant friends eager for a handout. Never mind the need to hire specialists to address tax implications and craft a disciplined investment strategy that could avoid the fate of past lottery winners who've spectacularly burned through vast fortunes or found they were better off before they struck it rich.

"I'm so happy I'm seeing this. This is exactly what they should do," said Susan Bradley, a Florida certified financial planner and founder of the Sudden Money Institute, a resource center for new money recipients such as lottery winners. "Some people are really afraid — scared of blowing it, losing who they are and being taken advantage of. Hopefully they're getting their ducks in a row and starting to settle into the magnitude of the experience.

"If you understood how unbelievably complicated this is, you might not play," she added. "That's not to say that winning is a bad thing. (But with a jackpot), all your old problems are over and all your new ones are just starting."

Some states, such as Kansas and Maryland, don't require winners to reveal their identities. Even in those that do, winners can find ways to stay out of the public eye.

In Rhode Island, Kathleen Last took nearly a month before claiming a $60 million Powerball prize last Tuesday, then had her attorney, Edmund Alves, pose alongside the oversized lottery check during the official announcement.  (See 2nd Powerball winner from Rhode Island announced, Lottery Post, Apr. 5 2012.)

While her name and hometown were required to be revealed, Last was under no obligation to speak publicly about the lump-sum payout she chose — $25.6 million after taxes, with some of that windfall intended to help a disabled niece requiring expensive care.

"It's a natural human wish to maintain privacy when you have a lightning bolt strike you and you have a life-changing event," Alves told The Associated Press on Friday. "There are a lot of people approaching you from all sides for donations, gifts and whatever, and you want to just stay under the radar. She's been trying to maintain some normalcy and stay out of the limelight as much as possible."

In Illinois, big jackpot winners are compelled to make themselves public to prove the lottery is paying out its prizes — something that wasn't done decades ago when such games of chance were scams, Illinois Lottery Superintendent Michael Jones said. Though the lottery could insist winners do a news conference, Jones said officials offer some wiggle room to those who want privacy.

"We will work with whoever the prize-winner is," he said. "But we would publicize as much as we can about the winner as is needed," and "ultimately an enterprising reporter can find out who that person is."

Maryland Lottery spokeswoman Carole Everett said of eight Mega Millions winners there since 2002, only a man named Ellwood "Bunky" Bartlett made his identity public. One couple and a woman who won initially came out but later asked that officials remove their names from publicity materials, Everett said.

Bartlett and about a half dozen other recent U.S. lottery winners did not return telephone messages seeking comment for this story.

"It's so hard for a lottery winner not to go out and shout it to the world," said Bradley, the Florida financial planner.

Some winners, for whatever reason, don't ever claim their prize.

For example, a winning Powerball ticket worth $77 million sold last summer in Georgia ended up expiring in December after no one came forward within the required 180 days, making it the state's largest unclaimed ticket since the lottery began in 1993.  (See $77M Powerball lottery ticket to expire Monday, Lottery Post, Dec. 22 2011.)

The unclaimed money was returned to each of the nearly three dozen participating Powerball states.

AP, Lottery Post Staff

Comments

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

I'm going to lay low after I claim my Jackpot .......... you cannot claim via blind trust in Pennsylvania, so I will form the RLT after I get the money!

The lottery will not get a press conference from me ......... I will only comply with the minimum requirements ...............

I will be in the very nice hiding place until the frenzy dies down.

Patriot

Cletu$2's avatarCletu$2

I'll have my lawyer claim the money for me.Iowa insists that your name and town be made public but doesn't require that you attend a press conference,although they will try to convince you that you'll be better off doing the press conference and get it over with.They want all the publicity that they get because its free advertisement for THEM.They really don't care if you get mugged or murdered after they get their free publicity.

brees2012's avatarbrees2012

    I feel bad for the Illinois winner , he/she doesn't have many option to be anonymous .

    Unless his / her lawyer turns in the ticket .  What is the best choice for this person(s)???

maximumfun's avatarmaximumfun

Quote: Originally posted by brees2012 on Apr 11, 2012

    I feel bad for the Illinois winner , he/she doesn't have many option to be anonymous .

    Unless his / her lawyer turns in the ticket .  What is the best choice for this person(s)???

The Illinois winner had options... purchase their tickets NOT in IL (WI?  IN?); NOT buy tickets, or; not redeem this ticket if they decide the trouble that will come with the win is more costly than the win $$$.

The best choice, to me, will be to claim it and then get outa dodge.

Seattlejohn

I suspect some enterprising lawyer is crafting a lawsuit about this as we speak.  Why should someone in Mass be able to avoid the insanity of lottery madness while someone in another state cannot?  Knowing how disasterous the public attention can be, I'd prefer that lottery winners from all states have the option of remaining annonymous (the public isn't served by forcing a lottery winner to be subjected to the levels of scrutiny & attention the lottery thrusts upon them).  That way, if the lottery winner is an attention whore like 'ol bunky bartlett & happily tells the world they won, then they'll have no one to blame but themselves for the problems that come their way.

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by Seattlejohn on Apr 11, 2012

I suspect some enterprising lawyer is crafting a lawsuit about this as we speak.  Why should someone in Mass be able to avoid the insanity of lottery madness while someone in another state cannot?  Knowing how disasterous the public attention can be, I'd prefer that lottery winners from all states have the option of remaining annonymous (the public isn't served by forcing a lottery winner to be subjected to the levels of scrutiny & attention the lottery thrusts upon them).  That way, if the lottery winner is an attention whore like 'ol bunky bartlett & happily tells the world they won, then they'll have no one to blame but themselves for the problems that come their way.

I Agree!

CDanaT's avatarCDanaT

Quote: Originally posted by Cletu$2 on Apr 11, 2012

I'll have my lawyer claim the money for me.Iowa insists that your name and town be made public but doesn't require that you attend a press conference,although they will try to convince you that you'll be better off doing the press conference and get it over with.They want all the publicity that they get because its free advertisement for THEM.They really don't care if you get mugged or murdered after they get their free publicity.

There is a way to get a jumpstart on the bothersome folks who will try and locate you...........Keep your current mailing address for a year or two. Move to a completely new rental location several miles away or out of state. Or have a trusted friend rent a place  in his/her name. Or rent a place FROM a trusted friend.... Already be set up in your new place before the big day you claim. Course if you have younger children that will give you an added issue with schools. Having the Atty as a spokeperson is an option, but the less info stated is more of a challenge for others.

OldSchoolPa's avatarOldSchoolPa

When I win, I will claim the prize and have a big press conference.  All will see my face, hear my voice and know my name and where I live.  But you see, I would take at least a couple of weeks before I come forward to claim the prize.  During that time, I would meet with my attorney and accountant, set up necessary wealth management accounts, located a rental house (apartment would not be good since I would plan to purchase either a Mazerati or Bentley with my "blow some money" limit and who lives in an apartment that can afford such a car?), and rehearsed my standard response to anyone asking for a handout (why didn't you ask me what you are asking me the day before the drawing?  Then I guess your best bet is to go to the bank you do business with.  Good bye!). 

Call me a hard ass but I wouldn't have to deal with it for too long since I would be looking to relocate somewhere where the community is gated and hundreds of miles away from Illinois.  I will gladly pay my lump sum tax to Illinois and then head south to a state that is more favorable toward wealthy folks...and warmer.  Anyone want a snowblower for $10? (that is WHEN I win...not now!!!).

OldSchoolPa's avatarOldSchoolPa

Quote: Originally posted by Seattlejohn on Apr 11, 2012

I suspect some enterprising lawyer is crafting a lawsuit about this as we speak.  Why should someone in Mass be able to avoid the insanity of lottery madness while someone in another state cannot?  Knowing how disasterous the public attention can be, I'd prefer that lottery winners from all states have the option of remaining annonymous (the public isn't served by forcing a lottery winner to be subjected to the levels of scrutiny & attention the lottery thrusts upon them).  That way, if the lottery winner is an attention whore like 'ol bunky bartlett & happily tells the world they won, then they'll have no one to blame but themselves for the problems that come their way.

You obviously did not read the part about Illinois where people thought they were playing a legitimate lottery, only to find it was a scam.  I am sure the good folks of Tennessee will agree with that since they had an issue with the RNG being rigged in their pick 3 and pick 4 games.  Corruption reigns supreme in Illinois and I am all for at least seeing the face and reading the name of that winner even if they do claim it in a LLC or trust.  Given the way corruption works in Illinois, if Illinois allowed its winners to remain anonymous like MD and KS, I would not be surprised if Gov. Pat Quinns relatives started getting "lucky"!  So show your face and state your name...then take some of that jackpot and move to a different location.  Besides, who really wants to keep working at the same job and living in the same house that their too small for luxuries paycheck could barely afford them?  I don't see any harm in the winners being made public.  It seems the biggest problem with some winners is THEMSELVES.  Drugs, uncontrolled gambling, and the inability to say NO will ruin anybody, not just lottery jackpot winners.

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Anonymity for me, there are a lot of crazy people out there I remember reading about the lady in Florida years back that won the Florida lottery and people were threatening to kidnap her children from school & daycare. I have two boys I would not want to put there lives in jeopardy.

brees2012's avatarbrees2012

   Give the winner an option if he/she wants to put there face in the camera ,

  that's fine .

   For those who doesn't want to face the cameras at all , then that's there

   choice .     Everyone situation is different . 

 

haymaker's avatarhaymaker

Quote: Originally posted by Seattlejohn on Apr 11, 2012

I suspect some enterprising lawyer is crafting a lawsuit about this as we speak.  Why should someone in Mass be able to avoid the insanity of lottery madness while someone in another state cannot?  Knowing how disasterous the public attention can be, I'd prefer that lottery winners from all states have the option of remaining annonymous (the public isn't served by forcing a lottery winner to be subjected to the levels of scrutiny & attention the lottery thrusts upon them).  That way, if the lottery winner is an attention whore like 'ol bunky bartlett & happily tells the world they won, then they'll have no one to blame but themselves for the problems that come their way.

the states will claim its a state"s rights issue and no one can force one state to do what another state does or does not do.

sandia's avatarsandia

Quote: Originally posted by brees2012 on Apr 11, 2012

    I feel bad for the Illinois winner , he/she doesn't have many option to be anonymous .

    Unless his / her lawyer turns in the ticket .  What is the best choice for this person(s)???

 The whole drama, surrounding the colossal jackpot, brought a very interesting conversation between my colleagues and me. You see, our discussion over lunch went into the territory of anonymity. We reasoned that there is no way, the media would leave the winner/winners of this jackpot to enjoy their respite. Surprisingly, 2 out of the 3 winning states, allowed for such a condition to remain anonymous, being present at the conference but in disguise just like the three lucky amigos from Maryland.

  Like the headline reads, a large majority would love to collect their loot anonymously and go about their normal lives (how easy getting back to your normal life might be after such a win, is a different scenario). Anyway, some states do not allow anonymity and some, do not even allow you to collect via blind trust.

  Now the question goes, in light of the events, don't you all agree that a panel discussion has to be established to allow winners from ANY state to remain anonymous, should they wish? I believe that legal proceedings might gear towards such a goal. I do not understand why such an option is not allowed. Yes,  MUSL is somewhat a government agency but, the jackpot increases due to purchase from private purses i.e., the money that we spend on the lottery is already taxed and we get taxed before collecting any winnings. In my opinion, that is where a public interference stops. Once a winner is declared, his.her information should be kept private should they request such. Now, if that request is not honored then, taxes on lotto wins should be abolished. They cannot have it both ways, tax the lotto income, do not ask me to reveal my identity if I do not please to do so. On the other hand, if the tax is abolished, then well......

   Just my opinion.

Coin Toss's avatarCoin Toss

A few years ago a female pharmacist in Illinois wonn a Mega Millions jackpot.

She said that if people knew who she was she would get sued for malpractice by people she never even provided drugs for. Having said that, she hired professional movie make-up people to create a disguise for her and that's the way she went to the press conference.

I think it was discussed here on LP.

Cletu$2's avatarCletu$2

Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on Apr 11, 2012

A few years ago a female pharmacist in Illinois wonn a Mega Millions jackpot.

She said that if people knew who she was she would get sued for malpractice by people she never even provided drugs for. Having said that, she hired professional movie make-up people to create a disguise for her and that's the way she went to the press conference.

I think it was discussed here on LP.

I remember that.As far as I know she has retained her anonymity.At least she hasn't been on any of those Lottery Ruined My Life shows.I wouldn't have told them what I did for a living,though.

haymaker's avatarhaymaker

Quote: Originally posted by Cletu$2 on Apr 11, 2012

I remember that.As far as I know she has retained her anonymity.At least she hasn't been on any of those Lottery Ruined My Life shows.I wouldn't have told them what I did for a living,though.

Yea, i would tell em i did't have a job, a lie of course, but it'll be truth soon after i collect. LOL

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by OldSchoolPa on Apr 11, 2012

You obviously did not read the part about Illinois where people thought they were playing a legitimate lottery, only to find it was a scam.  I am sure the good folks of Tennessee will agree with that since they had an issue with the RNG being rigged in their pick 3 and pick 4 games.  Corruption reigns supreme in Illinois and I am all for at least seeing the face and reading the name of that winner even if they do claim it in a LLC or trust.  Given the way corruption works in Illinois, if Illinois allowed its winners to remain anonymous like MD and KS, I would not be surprised if Gov. Pat Quinns relatives started getting "lucky"!  So show your face and state your name...then take some of that jackpot and move to a different location.  Besides, who really wants to keep working at the same job and living in the same house that their too small for luxuries paycheck could barely afford them?  I don't see any harm in the winners being made public.  It seems the biggest problem with some winners is THEMSELVES.  Drugs, uncontrolled gambling, and the inability to say NO will ruin anybody, not just lottery jackpot winners.

Following your line of thinking, if corruption reins supreme in Illinois, who's to say that showing the faces and names aren't a scam as well?   Conehead

If that is the case, how will this reassure you that the lottery still isn't a scam?  Roll Eyes

Coin Toss's avatarCoin Toss

Here's the story on the pharmacist:

https://www.lotterypost.com/thread/172325

Lucky SOB

if more lottery winners get killed, kidnaped or hurt do you think more states will allow anonymity?

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on Apr 11, 2012

Here's the story on the pharmacist:

https://www.lotterypost.com/thread/172325

Thanks CTThumbs Up

maximumfun's avatarmaximumfun

Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on Apr 11, 2012

Here's the story on the pharmacist:

https://www.lotterypost.com/thread/172325

Thanks CoinToss - that thread made good reading and I made it through most of the one that is linked to within it.  Then I had to go and turn the meat before dinner burned.  :(

Simba774

Since I live in Illinois.  We're moving the hell out of our neighborhood before we claim. I never read anything that said you cannot wear on mask or have your lawyer claim. We're still moving no matter what.

Cletu$2's avatarCletu$2

Quote: Originally posted by Lucky SOB on Apr 11, 2012

if more lottery winners get killed, kidnaped or hurt do you think more states will allow anonymity?

No.

They're convinced that they are doing the right thing.

brees2012's avatarbrees2012

    The lady who won 4 years ago , she had her "plans together" .  You've to give this lady some credit .

     Gives you something to think about . Don't rush , get your "finances / paperwork " in order , however

      long it takes .  Use a cellphone instead of landline , Don't tell a sole until you're ready , use a postoffice

      box or move to another state . There's much to do when you , win the lottery .....

GGStarlings's avatarGGStarlings

Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on Apr 11, 2012

A few years ago a female pharmacist in Illinois wonn a Mega Millions jackpot.

She said that if people knew who she was she would get sued for malpractice by people she never even provided drugs for. Having said that, she hired professional movie make-up people to create a disguise for her and that's the way she went to the press conference.

I think it was discussed here on LP.

Disguise is something I have considered should a huge winning occur.  I don't think we have the option of being anonymous in Idaho.

meetoo's avatarmeetoo

 Appreciate the link regarding the story on the pharmacist, CT. In the very near future this subject may be thing of the past. When we consider the fact that Illinois is offering lottery sales online, it's only a matter of time for other states to

 

follow along. Online sales in any state of our choice means we can choose to purchase tickets in a state that favors anonymity with the very best tax ramifications or no tax at all. I suppose they had not considered this when approving online

 

sales.

Uff Da!'s avatarUff Da!

Quote: Originally posted by meetoo on Apr 11, 2012

 Appreciate the link regarding the story on the pharmacist, CT. In the very near future this subject may be thing of the past. When we consider the fact that Illinois is offering lottery sales online, it's only a matter of time for other states to

 

follow along. Online sales in any state of our choice means we can choose to purchase tickets in a state that favors anonymity with the very best tax ramifications or no tax at all. I suppose they had not considered this when approving online

 

sales.

"Online sales in any state of our choice means we can choose to purchase tickets in a state that favors anonymity with the very best tax ramifications or no tax at all."

 

That is incorrect.  In Illinois only Illinois residents may purchase tickets online.  I strongly suspect that as other states add online sales, they will do the same.

Uff Da!'s avatarUff Da!

Quote: Originally posted by Lucky SOB on Apr 11, 2012

if more lottery winners get killed, kidnaped or hurt do you think more states will allow anonymity?

I personally think things won't change much until someone's child get kidnapped.  Even then I suspect change might come only in the state where the kidnapping takes place and perhaps a few more.  Most still won't change.

meetoo's avatarmeetoo

"That is incorrect.  In Illinois only Illinois residents may purchase tickets online.  "

I appreciate you bringing that to my attention Uff Da! I stand corrected.

rad242

The Powerball Jackpot now stands at $113 million!

Simba774

Quote: Originally posted by rad242 on Apr 12, 2012

The Powerball Jackpot now stands at $113 million!

I'll take it!

rad242

Quote: Originally posted by Simba774 on Apr 12, 2012

I'll take it!

Didn't you just win? lol! Trying to throw us off your scent aye? Good one!

BuyLow's avatarBuyLow

Not sure the disguise idea would fly. Pretty sure you need to look like the picture on your photo ID.

CDanaT's avatarCDanaT

Okay....now that its up over 100 mil, time to start playing again...............was just remaining anonymous for the first 5-6 draws.....my strategy worked well  !!!

rad242

Quote: Originally posted by CDanaT on Apr 12, 2012

Okay....now that its up over 100 mil, time to start playing again...............was just remaining anonymous for the first 5-6 draws.....my strategy worked well  !!!

Worked well? Is that what you're going to say when Mickey Mouse is asking for MY AUTOGRAPH?

CDanaT's avatarCDanaT

Quote: Originally posted by rad242 on Apr 12, 2012

Worked well? Is that what you're going to say when Mickey Mouse is asking for MY AUTOGRAPH?

Oh brother, RAD,  I see you are STILL in Disneyland over that you-first-before-me....I know you prefer "its a small world" but I think you have had a few too many trips on "Space Mountain" and are slightly "goofy".......take deep breaths and repeat after me...CDanaT first and Rad is second".  You will feel better....I know I do  Yes Nod

rad242

Quote: Originally posted by CDanaT on Apr 12, 2012

Oh brother, RAD,  I see you are STILL in Disneyland over that you-first-before-me....I know you prefer "its a small world" but I think you have had a few too many trips on "Space Mountain" and are slightly "goofy".......take deep breaths and repeat after me...CDanaT first and Rad is second".  You will feel better....I know I do  Yes Nod

Per your instructions:

CdanaT is first and Rad is the EXAMPLE

 

Clearly you want to lay the burden on me of blazing the trails and I humbly accept.

GGStarlings's avatarGGStarlings

Quote: Originally posted by BuyLow on Apr 12, 2012

Not sure the disguise idea would fly. Pretty sure you need to look like the picture on your photo ID.

Oh come on!  Do I have to go get a fake ID?!

CDanaT's avatarCDanaT

Quote: Originally posted by rad242 on Apr 12, 2012

Per your instructions:

CdanaT is first and Rad is the EXAMPLE

 

Clearly you want to lay the burden on me of blazing the trails and I humbly accept.

You can certainly have the 5 white balls first....no problem there..... Then I will accept the  5 white balls and pb ( all on one line of course) as a follow up. ..sounds reasonable to me..

Cletu$2's avatarCletu$2

Quote: Originally posted by BuyLow on Apr 12, 2012

Not sure the disguise idea would fly. Pretty sure you need to look like the picture on your photo ID.

Who looks like the picture on their ID,anyway?Picture ID's are notorious for not looking like the person getting their picture taken.

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

Quote: Originally posted by BuyLow on Apr 12, 2012

Not sure the disguise idea would fly. Pretty sure you need to look like the picture on your photo ID.

If you read the actual rules you'll probably find a clause that says something along the lines of "the winner agrees to allow the lottery to use their likeness for promotional purposes."

Any pictures taken while you're wearing a disguise won't represent your likeness. OTOH, you can wait to claim your prize until you've gained 100 pounds, grown a beard down to your chest, and hair down to your ass and that wil be what you really look like.

AmoWin

I'm in a state that has anonymity rights, and, if I ever won, I'd keep my anonymity.

But I'd want to go on camera and say a few words about how screwed up this world seems to me, and of course my intentions with my lotto winnings.

For one, I'd get as much spread-out land, as I could.  This is so when our over-populated planet eventually approaches standing-room only, I'd be set.

AmoWin

Quote: Originally posted by KY Floyd on Apr 12, 2012

If you read the actual rules you'll probably find a clause that says something along the lines of "the winner agrees to allow the lottery to use their likeness for promotional purposes."

Any pictures taken while you're wearing a disguise won't represent your likeness. OTOH, you can wait to claim your prize until you've gained 100 pounds, grown a beard down to your chest, and hair down to your ass and that wil be what you really look like.

Not even worried about taking the anonymity to that level.
You can always change your name, move to another country. I never wanted to leave this country, but after Japan helped contaminate our wonderful country. . .

Cletu$2's avatarCletu$2

Quote: Originally posted by AmoWin on Apr 12, 2012

I'm in a state that has anonymity rights, and, if I ever won, I'd keep my anonymity.

But I'd want to go on camera and say a few words about how screwed up this world seems to me, and of course my intentions with my lotto winnings.

For one, I'd get as much spread-out land, as I could.  This is so when our over-populated planet eventually approaches standing-room only, I'd be set.

Either you collect your winnings anonymously or you go on camera and say a few words about how screwed up the world is.You can't have it both ways.

haymaker's avatarhaymaker

Quote: Originally posted by AmoWin on Apr 12, 2012

I'm in a state that has anonymity rights, and, if I ever won, I'd keep my anonymity.

But I'd want to go on camera and say a few words about how screwed up this world seems to me, and of course my intentions with my lotto winnings.

For one, I'd get as much spread-out land, as I could.  This is so when our over-populated planet eventually approaches standing-room only, I'd be set.

  I agree w/Cletu$2 on this, going on camera to talk about how screwed up the world is will achieve ZERO.

unless you consider it an achievement when your audience says,

 " this guy just won a ton of money and he is talking about how bad things are "

OldSchoolPa's avatarOldSchoolPa

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Apr 11, 2012

Following your line of thinking, if corruption reins supreme in Illinois, who's to say that showing the faces and names aren't a scam as well?   Conehead

If that is the case, how will this reassure you that the lottery still isn't a scam?  Roll Eyes

Well, when you see the parade of winners are people like T. Ramirez, Willy Johnson, Leroy Wilson, Han Ko, Tom McIlroy, etc. it lets us Illinoisians know that the anonymous winners like folks like Rahman Emmanuel, Barack Obama, Pat Quinn, Rachel Quinn, Sasha Obama, Joe Biden, or any of the Daly or Blagoaviche family. Hardly a year can pass in Illinois without someone not being indicted for corruption. Just because something bad happened to one guy does not mean the ultimate winner against astronomical odds should be allowed to slink off in anonymity. Just deal with it since that 15 minutes of fame is part of the win the jackpot package.  Tell you what, if anyone wins here, I will gladly be your front man.  I will straight up try to get my Dave Chappelle impersonation on!

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by OldSchoolPa on Apr 12, 2012

Well, when you see the parade of winners are people like T. Ramirez, Willy Johnson, Leroy Wilson, Han Ko, Tom McIlroy, etc. it lets us Illinoisians know that the anonymous winners like folks like Rahman Emmanuel, Barack Obama, Pat Quinn, Rachel Quinn, Sasha Obama, Joe Biden, or any of the Daly or Blagoaviche family. Hardly a year can pass in Illinois without someone not being indicted for corruption. Just because something bad happened to one guy does not mean the ultimate winner against astronomical odds should be allowed to slink off in anonymity. Just deal with it since that 15 minutes of fame is part of the win the jackpot package.  Tell you what, if anyone wins here, I will gladly be your front man.  I will straight up try to get my Dave Chappelle impersonation on!

Not looking for any "front man". I personally don't have any problem going public for a meet and greet session for a state that requires

this ritual. Getting back to my original question, if the state of Illinois reigns supreme in corruption (which I'm not in disagreement with), why

would you assume that by requiring a parade of faces and names of "winners" are legit, and not a continuation of the lottery scam you allude to?

Halle99's avatarHalle99

I am also gonna claim anonymously once I win the jackpot(PB/MM)

Party

rikubby's avatarrikubby

It's the only way to go!!!

CDanaT's avatarCDanaT

Got to vote for the anonymity over going public........I have no desire for the spotlight.....But for those who do, please enjoy the good, the bad and the ugly from those who feel its their right to pry and learn anything about your life....... As we have seen from all the publicity on how sensational journalists twist things. What sells more ??   Negative or positive stories ??  ........ You may want to ask yourself if there's any skeletons in your closet ??  If there are and you don't want them revealed ???  Do you want to role the dice  that they wont come out ??  just a humble opinion to consider

Simba774

The Illinois winner is going to be revealed on wednesday. Illinois does not allow one to remain anonymous, but I do think your lawyer can claim for you. I'm not sure. As much I dislike the state law, I still want to win!

fastball 9's avatarfastball 9

It's good that this subject is getting some honest press.  This is a very serious issue, especially in states where you are required to claim publicly.  It wouldn't be so bad if there were just, legit and honest reasons to do so.  But, in each state where you have no choice in the matter, no such case is made.  Most say they require public disclosure in order to prove 'there are winners and that the lottery is legit' (see Virginia state lottery website).  However, those states which allow you to remain anoymous manage to operate their lotteries with no problems.  Some, like Ohio, report increased sales (Maryland also, where many people from PA, West Virginia and Virginia go to buy their tickets). 

Trouble is that those states have lotteries run by lottery contractors who call the shots and pretty much tell state oversight managers and legislators what they will do.  Contractors love public disclosure because they generate considerable publicly for 'their' lotteries.  This bogus belief may have worked in the old days, but today there is considerable competition for lottery dollars, and, when given a choice, many players vote with their feet and purchase tickets in states where they have a choice in how they claim.

This whole situation could change if players get up in arms and demand their states change the rules.  In each state, governors have the authority to allow winners privacy, but there has not been one case where that has been done.  Many winners have asked, but not one has been allowed a benefit given to pardoned criminals and others.  And, of course, states could enact laws or administrative instructions which would allow a choice.  Right now there is a great deal of controversy in lottery boards nationwide about doing this.  But, for some reason, it is always dropped without action.  Virginia, for example, went in the opposite direction and formally changed what had been adminstrative instruction to state law when a major jackpot winner tried to claim by trust.  Yet, Virginia players have generally been mum on the topic, many believe lottery rules to be written in stone. 

Let's hope that all states will allow winners a choice eventually.  The sooner the better.  Maybe then more people will play it, and increase money raised from it.  As noted in the article, many don't play because they have no choice.  I think many of those are from demographics the lotteries want to attract.  As they say, the only way to find out is to try it.

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