The first winner(s) of the new option on the Florida Lotto will definitely get the publicity! It will boost the new game options for sure. Speaking of anonymity, maybe states that do not allow can modify their stance. They can validate the state's need to make sure the person is legit by verifying the data needed and keep that information confidential. Just the fact that a verifying sysyem validated the winner should be enough. Completing an I-9 for work establishes that you are eligible to work in the USA. THe employer has the informaion and does not need to make it public (except to the government/IRS). Same kinda system for the Lotto; verify that thr person is legit or eligible for the prizes as I used to hear on game shows (By the way, I do not know what eligibility criteria was used for game show prizes, but the game shows did announce that contestants were/were not verified eligible for game prizes. ANyone know about this?
I saw in another post where someone mention that something drastic might have to happen before states banning annonymity will ease up. The Louisiana Lottery used to have a jackpot starting much higher than it does now. But someone sued them because they assumed/misunderstood something about the jackpot. They won and the end result was the Louisiana Lotto Jackpot no longer starts as a base minimum of $3,000,000.00. I think it is something like starting at $250,000.00 or $500,000.00.
Afterall, income from the lottery is reported to the IRS. And the SS#, age, DOB, etc is IRS knowledge. Does it have to be PUBLIC knowledge!???