PHOENIX (AP) – A growing number of states are moving to allow winners of big lottery jackpots to stay anonymous.
It comes as privacy concerns are increasingly trumping lottery groups’ wishes to publicize winners to boost sales and show that the games are fair.
Arizona could be the next state with a law that let winners keep their names secret under a proposal headed to Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. Current law shields winners’ names for 90 days.
Four years ago, just five states allowed anonymous winners, but the number has grown to at least nine. Others allow trusts to claim prizes.
At least eight state legislatures considered measures shielding winners’ names this year. Virginia’s governor signed such legislation, while New Mexico’s governor vetoed a winner secrecy measure.
