© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Michigan lawmaker wants to let big lottery winners claim prizes anonymously

Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio

Last month, a Mega Millions ticket sold in Novi won a billion dollar prize.We don’t know the name of who bought the ticket. And we may never know.

Michigan is one of a small number of states that require the names of winners of multi-state lotteries to be made public. 

But one state lawmaker wants to change that.Rep. Pat Outman (R-Six Lakes) is starting his first term in the Legislature. His first billwould allow winners of multi-state lotteries, like Powerball or Mega Millions, to claim their winnings anonymously. 

“There’s some real safety concerns...and not only that but it’s just plain nobody’s business what you win,” says Outman.

Outman’s bill isn’t the first time state lawmakers have discussed the issue.  But the Legislature has failed to pass similar billsgoing back to 2012. 

Want to support reporting like this? Consider making a gift to Michigan Radio today.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.