Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | April 10, 2025 | Personal Injury
Winning the lottery is a dream for many New Yorkers. But what happens when you actually win? One of the biggest questions lottery winners have is whether they must publicly reveal their identities. While some winners enjoy sharing their good news, many prefer privacy. In New York City, winners may have limited choices about keeping their identities hidden.
Here’s what you should know about identity disclosure laws for lottery winners in NYC and what options exist if you’d rather keep your good fortune private.
Does New York Require Lottery Winners to Be Publicly Identified?
In New York State—including NYC—lottery winners are typically required to reveal their identities publicly. According to state lottery rules, a winner’s name, hometown, prize amount, and the location where the ticket was purchased can become public record. This means anyone could potentially find out if you’ve won a major lottery prize.
The main reason New York requires disclosure is transparency. The state wants to assure the public that the lottery is fair and that real winners exist. Without transparency, the lottery’s integrity could be questioned, affecting public trust.
However, revealing your identity after winning a large jackpot may bring unwanted attention, which is why winners often seek privacy.
Keep in mind that the law on this issue is changing, and as of this writing (early April 2025), there is a bill pending in the New York Senate that might change the state’s stance on this issue.
Can Lottery Winners Claim Prizes Anonymously in NYC?
In most cases, New York lottery winners cannot remain completely anonymous. Your name and basic details will usually be disclosed once you claim your prize. But there are limited ways to protect your privacy.
One option is claiming your winnings through a trust or an LLC (limited liability company). Instead of claiming the prize in your personal name, you establish a trust or LLC first, then claim the winnings in the name of the trust or LLC. This can offer some privacy, as the official winner listed publicly is the trust or LLC—not your personal name.
However, even using a trust or LLC won’t guarantee complete anonymity in New York. Check with a qualified attorney to learn about whether this option can work for you.
The Benefits of Using a Trust or LLC
Establishing a trust or LLC before claiming a lottery prize can have important benefits, even beyond privacy. It allows you greater control over your winnings, financial planning, and estate management.
A trust or LLC can:
- Provide some privacy by not immediately putting your personal name in the spotlight
- Help you manage your winnings and protect your assets
- Make it easier to distribute funds to family or charities
- Potentially limit your personal liability or protect against financial risks
Even though New York lottery laws require transparency, these legal tools give winners more control and can reduce unwanted attention.
Contact a Lawyer in NYC for Legal Help After Winning the Lottery
If you’ve won the lottery in New York City and have concerns about privacy or managing your winnings, speaking with a lawyer is the best step you can take. An experienced attorney can explain your legal options and protect your privacy as much as possible.
Contact a knowledgeable NYC lawyer today to discuss your situation. You can receive legal guidance and ensure your lottery winnings are handled safely, securely, and privately.
Contact the New York City Slip and Fall Law Firm of Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our slip and fall accident lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We also serve in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in NYC
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.7051415,-74.0067386
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(929) 447-2347
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in the Bronx
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.8468944,-73.8483118
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 550-3601
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Brooklyn
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.692948,-73.991038
