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Eastern Time (GMT-5:00) | Arizona Lottery winners could soon remain anonymous Arizona Lottery: Arizona Lottery winners could soon remain anonymous53 Rating:PHOENIX, Ariz. — Those who hit the jackpot in Arizona pay a heavy price when it comes to their privacy, because their names are a matter of public record. That's no different than a vast majority of states in the U.S. But if House Bill 2082 makes it through the Arizona Senate, jackpot winners would be able to remain anonymous. Sen. Steve Gallardo, D-Phoenix, is one of a minority of senators opposed to the measure. "It is a state agency. They're dealing with public dollars, and the public has the right to know," Gallardo said. He said just like any other government agency, the lottery is subject to public disclosure laws and said the issue comes down to transparency. "When you start adding this level of secrecy, you start putting the doubts in taxpayers' minds," Gallardo said. "You start putting the doubts in those that really want to play the lottery that, is it truly an honest system? Is there really a winner?" The legislation was authored by Rep. John Kavanaugh, R-Fountain Hills, and prompted by a resident of the 8th District he represents. Matthew Goode of Fountain Hills struck it rich last November when he took home nearly $200 million as half of the largest Powerball jackpot in lottery history. Goode wanted to remain anonymous at the time, but as it stands now, lottery winners in Arizona are a matter of public record and his name was soon released. Gallardo said he believes that is a small price to pay for hitting it big. "If you don't want to be in the public eye and you don't want to be scrutinized, don't play the lottery," Gallardo said. But arguments over personal safety issues that come with sudden wealth are winning among state lawmakers. The measure has already passed the Arizona House of Representatives, and will undergo a final vote in the Senate before it lands on Gov. Jan Brewer's desk for her signature. KPHO We'd love to see your comments here! Register for a FREE membership — it takes just a few moments — and you'll be able to post comments here and on any of our forums. If you're already a member, you can Log In to post a comment. 95 comments. Last comment 3 months ago by . Housekeeper MICHIGAN United States Member #82269 October 28, 2009 13308 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 10:48 am - IP Logged | |
I see this is a trend today, It's a good thing. | | |
5+1 Winner Arizona United States Member #116287 September 7, 2011 16198 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 10:53 am - IP Logged | |
It works in Kansas.......... 
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Housekeeper MICHIGAN United States Member #82269 October 28, 2009 13308 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 10:55 am - IP Logged | |
It works in Kansas..........
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Keokuk,Iowa United States Member #116524 September 12, 2011 166 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 10:56 am - IP Logged | |
I see this is a trend today, It's a good thing. 
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Oklahoma United States Member #82920 November 12, 2009 3628 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 11:32 am - IP Logged | |
I see this is a trend today, It's a good thing.
Win BIG everyone..... I Love Pink & Green....1908 | | |
Oklahoma United States Member #82920 November 12, 2009 3628 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 11:33 am - IP Logged | |
It works in Kansas..........
Win BIG everyone..... I Love Pink & Green....1908 | | |
5+1 Winner Arizona United States Member #116287 September 7, 2011 16198 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 11:44 am - IP Logged | |
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Bay Area/ California United States Member #136486 December 12, 2012 665 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 12:30 pm - IP Logged | |
There is absolutely no reason to give your name to the press unless you as a winner want to.
All the lottery has to say is " A winning ticket purchased at ..... in ....city/ Town"
End of story- if people want to confirm, call the store.
Remember Shakespeare, that unfortunate Soul who ended up under a concrete slab in that wicked woman's backyard? Screw coming forward.
THOSE WHO SAY IT CANNOT BE DONE SHOULD NOT INTERRUPT THOSE WHO ARE DOING IT.
GBS. | | |
Oklahoma United States Member #82920 November 12, 2009 3628 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 12:58 pm - IP Logged | |
There is absolutely no reason to give your name to the press unless you as a winner want to.
All the lottery has to say is " A winning ticket purchased at ..... in ....city/ Town"
End of story- if people want to confirm, call the store.
Remember Shakespeare, that unfortunate Soul who ended up under a concrete slab in that wicked woman's backyard? Screw coming forward.
THOSE WHO SAY IT CANNOT BE DONE SHOULD NOT INTERRUPT THOSE WHO ARE DOING IT.
GBS.
Win BIG everyone..... I Love Pink & Green....1908 | | |
westboro, ma United States Member #108407 March 25, 2011 255 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 1:27 pm - IP Logged | |
of course you agree. you are one of the sheep. we've had this discussion many times before. i agree with steve gallardo who should run for governor of AZ. you only agree because you think if you win you don't want to be harrassed. (legitimate point) however, interest in the lottery will wane if no winners are announced. that's half the fun, if you don't win, seeing the winners and how they handle it and watching them mismanage some of it of course. or if they actually help out their community it is difficult to remain anonymous anyway. someone wil find out and spill the beans. this wanting people to win the money and run and hide forever doesn't seem like much fun to me. for the winner and the losers. | | |
U$A United States Member #106693 February 22, 2011 8887 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 2:14 pm - IP Logged | |
whatever you want to do. | | |
Oklahoma United States Member #82920 November 12, 2009 3628 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 3:17 pm - IP Logged | |
of course you agree. you are one of the sheep. we've had this discussion many times before. i agree with steve gallardo who should run for governor of AZ. you only agree because you think if you win you don't want to be harrassed. (legitimate point) however, interest in the lottery will wane if no winners are announced. that's half the fun, if you don't win, seeing the winners and how they handle it and watching them mismanage some of it of course. or if they actually help out their community it is difficult to remain anonymous anyway. someone wil find out and spill the beans. this wanting people to win the money and run and hide forever doesn't seem like much fun to me. for the winner and the losers. First of all I am not a sheep, secondly I have never had a discussion with you. Last time I checked I am entitle to my opinion and I think a jackpot winner should have that right to remain anonymous if he/she or they choose. Now the reason I want to remain anonymous is because I have two teenage boys that I want to protect. There have been to many stories of nutjobs threatening to kidnap children of jackpot winners. Win BIG everyone..... I Love Pink & Green....1908 | | |
Boise, ID United States Member #94311 July 17, 2010 1098 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 3:20 pm - IP Logged | |
of course you agree. you are one of the sheep. we've had this discussion many times before. i agree with steve gallardo who should run for governor of AZ. you only agree because you think if you win you don't want to be harrassed. (legitimate point) however, interest in the lottery will wane if no winners are announced. that's half the fun, if you don't win, seeing the winners and how they handle it and watching them mismanage some of it of course. or if they actually help out their community it is difficult to remain anonymous anyway. someone wil find out and spill the beans. this wanting people to win the money and run and hide forever doesn't seem like much fun to me. for the winner and the losers. Sounds to me like you're the sheep who thinks we should all go along with whatever the government wants without question. Players are the ones paying the "stupid tax" every time we buy a ticket, and then paying more taxes when we win. We help fund state education and other public services entirely voluntarily. So if we want a change, we have the right to ask for it. The lotteries will still announce winners, just not as many names will be mentioned. I think there will still be plenty of people who will want to do the press conferences to satisfy the curiosity of some. And personally, if I won and was able to keep my name out of it, I would probably allow the release of some of my personal details that people love to know. If my name is released, they won't be getting one single other tidbit. | | |
United States Member #52818 May 21, 2007 1394 Posts Offline | | Posted: March 20, 2013, 3:25 pm - IP Logged | |
I see this is a trend today, It's a good thing.  now if VA would follow suit I'd be all set 
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