New Legislation Could Keep Michigan Lottery Winners Anonymous

Even though they always say you have this 900,000,000 to 1 chance to win (or whatever the odds), I still believe that I may BE that 1 person and win a huge jackpot with the lotto.  Problem is, once I win, I don't necessarily want my family and everyone else I've ever known to know that I just won a gabillion dollars.  Yes, I have very high hopes over here.

Well, if one Michigan lawmaker can convince both the Michigan House and Senate to pass the bill he's drafted and sponsored, my "big win" fears may not be a thing anymore. Fox 2 Detroit says Representative Pat Outman, (R-Six Lakes) is hoping to change that rule, which will let winners stay anonymous rather than having to have their identity blasted everywhere. The reason he's hoping to change the rule is for privacy/safety concerns for the newly wealthy, especially when you consider that just last month, someone in Michigan won the $1 Billion Mega Millions jackpot. As Fox 2 reports, that winner, who purchased the winning ticket at a Kroger in Novi, still hasn't claimed their winnings.  Probably because they're trying to get their new life in order before their name is released.

As Outman said in a statement on Fox 2,

"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."

 

"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," Outman said. "Several other states allow winners to remain anonymous, and, in my opinion, it’s time Michigan allow this option as well."

The rule change, which is known as HB 4218, is currently being looked at by the Committee on Regulatory Reform, according to Fox 2.