If you win big in the Michigan lottery, but don’t want the fame to go along with your fortune, you may be out of luck, but a state representative wants to change that.
In Michigan, whether lottery winners can choose to remain anonymous or are required to go public with their identity depends on the type of lottery game they win, and the cash value of their winnings.
However, a current legislative proposal by State Rep. Pat Outman, R-Six Lakes, could allow all lottery winners in the state to remain anonymous if it becomes law.
Here’s what to know.
What is being proposed in the Michigan legislature?
Outman introduced a bill on Jan. 14 that would allow winners of more than $10,000 from the Michigan Lottery, and winners of games played under joint enterprises to keep their names, addresses and other personal information private.
“HB 4004 is about protecting people’s right to privacy in an era where personal information is more accessible than ever. Eleven other states already allow lottery winners to remain anonymous, and it’s time for Michigan to follow suit,” Outman said in an emailed statement. “This isn’t a partisan issue — every time it’s been introduced, it’s had broad bipartisan support. Ensuring the safety and privacy of our citizens should be a priority, and HB 4004 is a commonsense step in that direction.”
Outman proposed the bill in past legislative sessions and it was approved by the Michigan House of Representatives. However, the bill never made it to a vote in the Michigan Senate.
“When Michigan introduced the lottery in the 1970s, the world was a much different place — there was no internet, no social media, and far fewer concerns about privacy and personal safety,” Outman said. “Today, a lottery winner’s name becoming public can lead to real dangers, including scams, harassment, and even violence. Tragically, there have been cases in other states where lottery winners were targeted and harmed simply because their identity was made public.”
Similar bills were introduced in 2021 and 2024.
What is the Michigan Lottery saying about the bill?
The Michigan Lottery is studying the bill, but has not yet taken a formal position on the proposal, Michigan Lottery spokesperson Jake Harris said.
What does current law require in Michigan?
Michigan in-state lottery winners of cash prizes of $10,000 or below must disclose their identity publicly, Michigan Lottery Numbers said.
Winners of multi-state lotteries are subject to the rules of the games under Michigan law, according to the Michigan Lottery.
More: How can you contact your elected officials in Michigan? Here’s what to know
If I win a big prize, can I stay anonymous in Michigan?
If you win a Michigan state lottery game with a cash prize of more than $10,000, you may remain anonymous unless you waive the right, according to the Michigan Lottery.
Where winners can claim the Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots anonymously
There are 17 states where winners do not have to reveal their identities.
Are there ways around public disclosure for Michigan winners?
While many multi-state lottery games publicly disclose the identity of winners, there is a way around that. By playing as a group, most individuals may be able to stay anonymous, but one member of the group must claim the prize publicly.
In 2024, a Michigan trio won an $842.4 million Powerball jackpot, the group remained anonymous as their attorney accepted the prize.
More: Stuck in the winter doldrums? See what there is to do in February in Michigan
What lotteries are conducted in Michigan?
The Michigan Lottery offers a variety of options for gambling, including scratch-off tickets. Other major in-state games include:
USA Today contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan House bill seeks to provide anonymity to lottery winners
