Powerball and Mega Millions have no privacy rule of their own. A jackpot claimed in a state with an anonymity law can stay private, while the same jackpot claimed in a state that publishes names will be announced. If you've won a large prize, the first practical question is which state's law applies, and the answer is the state that sold the ticket.
Which states keep every lottery winner's name private?
These states' laws or official lottery policies keep winners' identities out of public view at every prize level, unless the winner consents:
- Virginia. Code of Virginia § 58.1-4029, as amended in 2026, says the Virginia Lottery "shall not disclose information about the identity of an individual lottery winner unless the winner consents in writing". The Lottery's claim page says the change took effect on July 1, 2026. Earlier versions of the law covered only larger prizes.
- Oregon. Under House Bill 3115, in force since late September 2025, the Oregon Lottery may not publicly disclose a winner's name and address without written authorization, according to the Oregon Lottery. Before that, winners' names were public records in Oregon.
- North Dakota. N.D. Cent. Code § 53-12.1-11 makes personal information on a prize winner confidential unless the player authorizes its release in writing.
- Montana. The Montana Lottery says that under state law a winner's name is not public information and that it doesn't release names without the winner's permission.
Which states protect only larger prizes?
In these states the protection depends on the size of the prize, and in some cases it expires:
- Texas: winners of $1 million or more may choose anonymity when they claim, under Texas Government Code § 466.411. The protection also covers beneficial owners of an entity that wins. If you take the prize as periodic annuity payments, your identity can be released from the 30th day after the claim. The state may still release your city or county.
- Minnesota: the name of a winner of a prize that includes a cash payment over $10,000 is private data, under Minnesota Statutes § 349A.08 (amended in 2021). The Lottery can publish it only with written consent.
- Florida: the name of a winner of $250,000 or more is confidential for 90 days from the date the prize is claimed, under Florida Statutes § 24.1051. After 90 days it becomes public. The law is due for legislative review and is set to expire on October 2, 2027 unless the Legislature renews it.
Which states make winners' names public?
Where no privacy law applies, a winner's name is usually a public record that the lottery can release, along with the prize and often the hometown. New Hampshire is an example: its claim page says it is the Lottery Commission's practice to release winners' names and hometowns, while keeping street addresses, phone numbers and Social Security numbers confidential.
Several other states have passed partial protections in recent years, and bills are introduced often, so a list from even a year ago may be wrong. Before you claim, read the prize-claim page of the lottery that sold the ticket, or ask its claims office directly. We have state-specific guides for California and New York.
Can a trust or LLC keep your name private?
In some states that don't offer anonymity, winners claim through a trust or limited liability company, so the lottery announces the entity's name rather than a person's. Whether this works depends on state rules. Some lotteries don't accept claims from entities, some still release the name of the person who signs for the entity, and the entity normally has to exist before the claim is made. Texas's law, by contrast, gives the beneficial owners of a winning entity the same anonymity option as individuals.
Because the name on the back of the ticket can determine who is entitled to claim it, talk to a lawyer before you sign a large winning ticket if you're considering a trust or company.
What to do before you claim a large prize
- Keep the win to yourself and off social media. Photograph both sides of the ticket and store the original somewhere secure.
- Find out the claim deadline. Powerball and Mega Millions say claim periods range from 90 days to one year depending on the state, so there's normally time to get advice first. See how long you have to claim.
- Hire a lawyer who has handled lottery claims, and a tax adviser. The decisions about privacy, a trust and lump sum versus annuity are easier to make before you claim than after. Note that in Texas, the payout choice affects your anonymity.
- Claim through the process on the lottery's official site. Our guide to the first steps after a win and how to claim a lottery prize cover the rest.
Lottery anonymity FAQ
Can you stay anonymous if you win Powerball or Mega Millions?
Only if the state that sold the ticket allows it. The national games have no anonymity rule of their own. A jackpot claimed in Virginia, Oregon, Montana or North Dakota can stay private, and in Texas a winner of $1 million or more can choose anonymity, but in states that publish names it will be announced.
Can Virginia lottery winners remain anonymous?
Yes. Under Code of Virginia § 58.1-4029, as amended in 2026, the Virginia Lottery may not disclose an individual winner's identity without written consent. The Lottery says the change applies to prizes claimed from July 1, 2026.
How long does Florida keep a lottery winner's name secret?
Ninety days from the date the prize is claimed, and only for prizes of $250,000 or more. After that the name is public record. Smaller prizes get no delay.
Can you stay anonymous if you win the lottery in Texas?
Yes, if the prize is $1 million or more and you choose anonymity when you claim. If you take the annuity, your identity can be released from the 30th day after the claim. Your city or county can still be released.
Does claiming through a trust or LLC keep your name private?
Sometimes. It depends on whether the state lottery accepts entity claims and what it releases about the people behind them. Speak to a lawyer before signing the ticket if you plan to use one.
Sources: Code of Virginia § 58.1-4029; Oregon Lottery announcement of HB 3115 (September 2025); N.D. Cent. Code § 53-12.1-11; Montana Lottery FAQ; Texas Government Code § 466.411; Minnesota Statutes § 349A.08; Florida Statutes § 24.1051; New Hampshire Lottery claim page. This is general information, not legal advice.
