Michigan bill would allow lottery winners to remain anonymous

A Michigan lawmaker has introduced a bill which would extend winner anonymity to multi-state lottery draws.

US.- A new bill has been introduced to the legislature of Michigan which would allow winners of multi-state games like Mega Millions and Powerball to remain anonymous when claiming a prize.

At present, winners of state lottery games are allowed to stay anonymous, but lawmakers want to extend that to national draws to protect players.

Representative Pat Outman, the legislator who introduced the bill, said: “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 raised concerns that social media left players more vulnerable to scams because winners’ personal information was readily available.

He said: “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.”

Meanwhile, Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill designed to allow interstate online poker, making it legal for online poker operators to create liquidity pools with players from other states.