LANSING, MI -- When a lucky lottery player from Michigan won a $1.05 billion Mega Millions prize last month, one of the first questions asked was “who do you think won the prize?” And while we still don’t know exactly who won the jackpot, at some point, we’ll find out as state law requires that person’s identity to be public record.
However, a bill introduced last week by Rep. Pat Outman, R-Six Lakes, would allow multi-state jackpot winners in Michigan to remain anonymous.
Related story: How state of Michigan will hit tax jackpot after $1B lottery winner sold here
“This is all about providing safety and ensuring winners of these types of games do not receive unwanted, possibly dangerous attention,” Outman said in a statement. “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.”
In his statement, Outman went on to say that being publicly identified can lead to winners being bombarded by people asking for money and can possibly put the winner’s safety at risk.
Related story: 10 quick facts about the $1 billion winning Mega Millions ticket sold in Michigan
Michigan is one of several states that requires players who win multi-state jackpots, such as the Mega Millions and Powerball to be publicly identified. However, other states allow the prize winner’s identity to stay secret or for trusts to claim the prize in an effort to keep the identity private.
“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.”
House Bill 4218, was referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform for further consideration, according to a release from Outman.
For the latest on Michigan Lottery, check out the official Michigan Lottery site, which also offers more information on instant tickets, raffles and other lottery games.
The last player from Michigan to win a Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot was Cristy Davis of Waterford who won $70 million playing Powerball in February. With her winnings, Davis said she planned to buy a new house and car.
And while she was a lucky winner, it’s smart for players to check their tickets immediately as a winner worth $1 million sold in Hartland in 2019 went unclaimed. The ticket was purchased at the Speedway in Hartland, but the winner never came forward to claim the prize. The money instead went to the state’s School Aid Fund.
If you’d like to be the next player from Michigan to win a huge lottery prize, take a look at these tips from lottery expert Richard Lustig. The author of “Learn How To Increase Your Chances Of Winning The Lottery” has won more than $1 million in Florida by winning top jackpot prizes in smaller games.
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