Thu Dec 25 04:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:
Summary:
The article discusses the varying state laws regarding lottery winner anonymity in the United States. Some states allow winners to remain completely anonymous (Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Wyoming). Others allow it only for prizes above a certain amount. States like California mandate disclosure, but some of those allow winners to claim through a trust or LLC for some level of anonymity. Some states, like Colorado and Florida, have unique rules about what information is released. Several states do not even have their own lottery.
News Article:
Winning the Lottery: Can You Stay Anonymous? State Laws Vary Widely
Across the United States, the dream of winning the lottery dances in the minds of millions. But what happens after the numbers match? For many, the allure of anonymity trumps the desire for public celebration. However, whether or not you can stay hidden after winning a life-changing jackpot depends entirely on where you live.
While some states prioritize the winner’s privacy, others believe in transparency. A lucky few states, including Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Wyoming, allow winners to remain completely anonymous, regardless of the prize amount.
Other states offer anonymity, but with a price tag – it’s only available for winnings above a certain threshold. For instance, in Arizona, only prizes over $100,000 qualify for anonymity, while in Texas, the threshold is $1 million.
However, in states like California, Connecticut, New York, and many others, the winner’s identity is generally made public. But some of these states may allow winners to establish a trust or Limited Liability Company (LLC) to claim the prize, providing a layer of separation between the winner and the public.
Colorado publishes the winner’s first name, first initial of their last name, hometown, prize amount, and game played on their lottery website. In Florida, winners can claim prizes anonymously through a trust, though the trustee’s name is publicly released.
It’s crucial for potential lottery players to understand the specific laws in their state before playing. A quick online search of “[State Name] lottery winner anonymity” can provide valuable insights.
And for those living in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah, the question is moot – these states do not have lotteries of their own.
First Piper 