A Michigan State Representative has proposed new legislation that would allow the state’s winners of multi-state games to remain anonymous when claiming a prize.
Currently, only winners of local in-state Michigan games are allowed to remain anonymous.
The bill, introduced by Representative Pat Outman, would also allow winners of multi-state games to choose to remain anonymous. Its remit is to protect players whose security is at risk after winning large prizes from Mega Millions, Powerball, and Lucky for Life.
Outman stated, via the Lottery Post: “This is all about providing safety and ensuring winners of these types of games do not receive unwanted, possibly dangerous attention. The bill would allow those who win the lottery to have the choice to keep their identities anonymous.
“Allowing a privacy option gives people a more secure feeling and does not leave them open to harassment or a flood of requests for funds, loans or donations.”
Outman went on to raise concerns about social media leaving players more vulnerable to scams because winners’ personal information was readily available.
He added: “Everyone who plays these types of lottery games hopes to win big and if it happens it should be a time of celebration, not distress. Several other states allow winners to remain anonymous and, in my opinion, it’s time Michigan allow this option as well.”
