An unemployed father from Norwood, New York, won $5 million from a lottery scratch off ticket he bought April 24 — and he wants to keep the details of his windfall quiet.
But the New York State Lottery requires winners of $1 million and more to participate in a press conference where they receive a giant ceremonial check for their winnings. That obligation is written on the back of each ducat.
Now, the Bronx man plans to sue the state's Gaming Commission, arguing he should be allowed to remain anonymous due to safety concerns.
He's worried that his friends and family members will aggressively try to get some of the bonanza for themselves, his lawyer said.
"It's like a Frank Capra movie. Hopefully it doesn't become a John Carpenter film," said his lawyer, Andrew Plasse.
His client bought the $20 ticket at his local liquor store. He realized he had a winning "$5 Million Fortune" ticket as he sat scratching the numbers off while on the toilet in his home.
The anonymous winner plans to use the money to buy a house and pay for expenses tied to his 4-year-old daughter.
As for the legal case, Plasse intends to file it in the next few days in Bronx Supreme Court, asking the state to make an exemption for his clients and others in a similar situation.
"He's been living in the neighborhood his whole life," he said. "People are going to come out of the wood work. Nobody wants that."
The case is not without precedent.
In March, a judge ruled that a New Hampshire woman who won a Powerball kitty of close to $560 million was allowed to remain anonymous.
Still, the legal case in New York is facing an uphill battle, according to one attorney who represents lottery winners throughout the country.
"I think it is a heavy lift," said lottery lawyer Jason Kurland. "But sometimes the lottery commission will work with you. If they determine his life is in jeopardy they have the flexibility to revise their regulations. But it is very difficult."
Exciting news! The New Hampshire case, with a different fact pattern, started it all.
waste of time. he won't win the case. now even more people are going to find out about his good fortune. he should have cashed it in on a friday afternoon and it would have been forgotten by most by monday. why play if you are worried about that nonsense. not enough of a hit anyway to bring out the vultures. just move somewhere else if he is so worried. we should all have this alleged problem.
Back on March 12th of this year DELotteryPlyr said," Pandora's box has been opened - watch who sues next to get the state to change the rules after the fact".
His point was made under the article where the Judge ruled that the $560 Million Powerball winner could remain anonymous.
Not even 90 days... Nice call DELotteryPlyr
Lol Several lp members said the same thing about the NH case. I am grateful for lives that may be saved in these cases.
It would never happen but the surest way to get states that don't allow winners to remain anonymous would be a boycott..........
No anonymous winners, no ticket sales.
Thanks, this one should be interesting to see what happens. I say NO he should not be allowed to be anonymous. The rules at the time he played were - he HAD to give his name. IF him or anyone else does not want their name given - DONT PLAY THE GAME. Wait for your state to change to allowing you to be anonymous.
Todd,
There's already a follow-up to this story from the NY lottery on the NY Post website. They seem to want to hold their ground.
Next thing you know there will be a disclaimer printed on the back of all lottery tickets in non-anonymous states saying basically you agree to our terms or nt moola.
OK so in the end the lawyer will make 5 million and the "winner" will receive nothing. Problem solved.
Listen I bought the Post today ‘cause of this story. Right on the cover the guy is with his face blurred out. If he was really so concerned about anonymity, he wouldn’t have had his picture, albeit with his face blurred, but still if people know him and where he’s from...come on how many guesses would it take. It talks about his family the fact that he has one kid and that he used to work in a Little Caesar’s Pizza, shout out to the owner of Little Caesar’s for helping Rosa Park’s out so many years ago BTW R.I.P., I mean seriously by now I’m sure people know it’s him. But Yes, NY it is almost impossible to remain anonymous on any win over $1,000,000. It says it right on the back of the tickets.
Lol ain’t that the truth.
"That obligation is written on the back of each ducat." A different name for a lottery ticket.
I hope that the winner wins in Court. Why endanger a man and his family?
Easy solution, hire a financial advisor. Create a trust. Claim the ticket in the name of the trust. Attend the press conference,wearing a ski mask and sunglasses. Answer the questions with a yes or a no. Then leave
I agree with Lottery Lawyer Jason Kurland. "But sometimes the lottery commission will work with you. If they determine his life is in jeopardy they have the flexibility to revise their regulations."
Yolanda Vega, New York Lottery personality, wants to proclaim loudly this winner.