Can You Stay Anonymous After Winning the Lottery in 2025?State-by-State Guide

Introduction

Winning the lottery is a dream comes true for every lottery player, but for many players, the first question after the excitement is: "Can I stay anonymous if I win?" In 2025, lottery privacy laws vary widely across the United States. Some states allow full anonymity, others allow partial privacy, and a few require your name and prize details to be made public.

This guide explains state-by-state rules on lottery anonymity in 2025, why it matters, and how you can protect your identity as a winner.

Why Anonymity Matters for Lottery Winners

Most people who win big want to protect themselves from unwanted attention. Staying anonymous can help:

• Protect against scams and fraud
• Avoid requests for money from strangers or distant relatives
• Keep your personal and financial life private
• Ensure safety for you and your family

States that allow full anonymity in 2025

As of 2025, these states let jackpot winners remain 100% anonymous:

• Delaware
• Kansas
• Maryland
• North Dakota
• New Jersey
• Texas
• South Carolina
• Arizona (for wins of $100,000 and above)
• Georgia (for wins of $250,000 and above)
• Virginia (for wins of $10 million and above)

If you win here, you can legally keep your name out of public records.

States that offer Partial Anonymity

Some states let you protect your privacy, but not completely. Instead, you can use legal options like trusts or LLC (Limited Liability Company) to claim your prize.

• Ohio - Winners can claim their prize through a trust. This means the ticket is claimed under the trust's name instead of your personal name, keeping you more private.
• Colorado, Connecticut, and Vermont ? These states allow winners to claim using a trust or an LLC (Limited Liability Company). An LLC is a business structure that can legally hold assets (like your lottery winnings). By using one, your personal name doesn't appear publicly (only the company's name does).
• Florida ? Winners of $250,000 or more can stay anonymous for 90 days after winning. After that, their names may be made public.

States That Require Public Disclosure

Some states have strict transparency laws. If you win here, your name, city of residence, and prize amount are made public. This is meant to show fairness in the lottery system and prevent fraud.

As of 2025, the states that require public disclosure are:

• Arizona (Prizes under $100,000)
• California
• Delaware (for prizes below certain thresholds, otherwise anonymous)
• Florida (after 90 days for prizes $250,000+)
• Idaho
• Illinois (unless prize is $250,000 or more-then anonymity allowed)
• Iowa
• Kansas (smaller prizes, though large jackpots allow anonymity)
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas (for prizes below $1 million)
• Virginia (for prizes under $10 million)
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

How to Protect Your Identity if You Win

Even if your state doesn't allow full anonymity, here are smart steps:

• Sign your ticket immediately - This proves ownership.
• Hire an attorney - They can set up a trust or LLC to claim the prize.
• Change your contact info - Create a new phone number or P.O. Box.
• Keep quiet - Don't share the news on Social media platforms and share with only a few trusted people.

Conclusion

In 2025, can I stay anonymous after winning the lottery depends entirely on your state. Some of the states protect your privacy fully, some allow partial anonymity, and others require full disclosure.

Whether you play Powerball, Mega Millions, or any lotteries, check your numbers safely and securely at Lottery Corner so you never miss a win.