Can You Remain Anonymous When Winning the New Jersey Lottery? Complete Privacy Guide

Written by Jackpot Staff

July 14, 2025

Imagine checking your lottery ticket and discovering you've won millions. As the initial euphoria settles, a sobering question emerges: "Can I keep this life-changing news private?" For New Jersey lottery winners, the answer is a resounding "yes."

In March 2024, someone in Neptune, New Jersey claimed a staggering $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot without revealing their identity. This wasn't a special exception - it was their legal right. Since 2020, New Jersey has allowed lottery winners to remain completely anonymous, regardless of the prize amount.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about maintaining privacy when winning the lottery in New Jersey, from the legal framework to practical steps for claiming your prize anonymously.

The 2020 New Jersey Lottery Anonymity Law: What Changed From Public Disclosure to Complete Privacy

Prior to 2020, winning the lottery in New Jersey meant your name, hometown, and sometimes even your photo would become public information. This exposure often led to unwanted attention, harassment, and in some cases, safety concerns for winners and their families.

Everything changed in January 2020 when Governor Phil Murphy signed bill S2267 into law. This landmark legislation amended the New Jersey Lottery Code to grant winners the right to remain anonymous indefinitely.

Key Provisions of the Anonymity Law

• Default Privacy Protection: Your identity is automatically protected unless you explicitly choose to go public
• Exemption from Public Records: Winner information is exempt from Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests
• Limited Disclosure: Only your county of residence, the retailer location, game details, and prize amount can be published
• No Minimum Threshold: Unlike some states, New Jersey allows anonymity regardless of prize size

How to Claim Your New Jersey Lottery Prize Anonymously: Step-by-Step Guide

Winning a substantial lottery prize requires careful planning to protect both your privacy and financial interests. Here's exactly how to claim your winnings while maintaining anonymity:

1. Secure Your Winning Ticket

• Sign the back immediately to establish ownership
• Make multiple copies of both sides of the ticket
• Store the original in a secure location (safe deposit box recommended)
• Consider taking a photo of yourself holding the ticket as proof of possession

2. Assemble Your Professional Team

Before claiming your prize, consult with:

• Financial advisor specializing in sudden wealth management
• Tax attorney familiar with lottery winnings
• Estate planning attorney to establish trusts or other privacy structures
• Certified public accountant to manage tax implications

3. Consider Creating a Legal Entity

While not required for anonymity in New Jersey, some winners choose to:

• Establish a trust or LLC to claim the prize
• Use a legal entity to further separate their personal identity from the winnings
• Create additional layers of privacy protection beyond state law provisions

4. Complete the Claim Process

• Download and complete the New Jersey Lottery claim form
• Check the anonymity box on the form to opt out of public disclosure
• Present government-issued ID to the Lottery Commission (required for verification)
• Choose payment option: lump sum or annuity payments

5. Prepare for Tax Obligations

Anonymity doesn't exempt you from taxes. Be ready for:

• New Jersey state tax: 5% withholding on prizes over $10,000
• Federal tax: 24% federal withholding (potentially up to 37% depending on total income)
• Mandatory reporting: The Lottery Commission shares winner information with tax authorities

New Jersey vs. Other States: How Anonymity Laws Compare

New Jersey's approach to lottery winner privacy is among the most progressive in the nation, but policies vary significantly across states:

States with Full Anonymity (Like New Jersey)

As of 2024, 18 states allow lottery winners to remain completely anonymous:

• Delaware
• Kansas
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Jersey
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Wyoming
• And others

States with Conditional Anonymity

Some states offer privacy protection with limitations:

• Georgia
• Virginia
• Arizona
• Illinois

States Requiring Public Disclosure

Several states still mandate full transparency:

• California: State law requires winner disclosure to "prove the legitimacy of payouts"
• Wisconsin: Winner information is considered public record
• New York: Limited anonymity options through trusts, but name disclosure is generally required

The Benefits and Challenges of Remaining Anonymous

Advantages of Anonymity

• Personal Safety: Reduces risk of theft, scams, and targeted harassment
  "The safety and security of our players is our top priority," said New Jersey Lottery officials when implementing the anonymity law.
• Privacy Protection: Shields you from unwanted media attention and solicitations
  A 2019 survey found that 87% of lottery winners reported receiving unwanted contact from strangers after their identities were revealed.
• Psychological Well-being: Helps maintain normal relationships and reduces stress
  Studies show that lottery winners who maintain privacy report higher satisfaction levels and fewer instances of "sudden wealth syndrome."
• Financial Security: Makes it harder for predatory individuals to target your assets

Potential Drawbacks

• Transparency Concerns: Critics argue anonymity could enable fraud or insider wins
  Former Governor Chris Christie vetoed an earlier version of the anonymity bill, citing transparency as essential to lottery integrity.
• Public Trust Questions: Some believe seeing real winners encourages participation
  The New Jersey Lottery still publishes the retailer location and prize amount to maintain some level of transparency.
• Practical Limitations: Even with legal anonymity, maintaining complete privacy requires discipline
  Financial advisors recommend winners avoid social media posts or lifestyle changes that might reveal their newfound wealth.

Case Study: The 2024 Neptune Mega Millions Winner

The March 2024 $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot claimed by a New Jersey resident perfectly illustrates the state's anonymity provisions in action:

• Winner Details Published: Only county of residence (Monmouth County) and retailer location (ShopRite in Neptune)
• Payment Choice: Winner selected the lump sum option of $537.5 million (pre-tax)
• Retailer Recognition: The ShopRite received a $30,000 bonus, which they donated to a local food bank
• Media Coverage: Despite the massive jackpot, the winner's identity remained completely protected

This landmark win demonstrates how even with life-changing amounts, New Jersey's system successfully balances winner privacy with public interest in the lottery's operation.

Expert Tips for Maintaining Privacy Beyond Legal Protections

Legal anonymity is just the first step in protecting your privacy after a lottery win. Consider these additional measures:

• Limit Who Knows: Tell only essential family members about your win
• Consider Relocating: Some winners temporarily move to avoid local attention
• Maintain Normal Routines: Sudden lifestyle changes can reveal your new financial status
• Social Media Blackout: Avoid posting anything that might hint at sudden wealth
• Use Discretion with Purchases: Large purchases can attract unwanted attention

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Lottery Anonymity

Can I remain anonymous if I win a small prize in New Jersey?

Yes. Unlike some states, New Jersey's anonymity law applies to prizes of any amount, from a few dollars to multi-million dollar jackpots.

Do I need to hire a lawyer to claim anonymously?

While not legally required, consulting with legal and financial professionals is highly recommended for substantial wins to ensure proper protection of your identity and assets.

Can I create a trust to claim my prize?

Yes. Though not necessary for anonymity in New Jersey, many winners still establish trusts or LLCs for additional privacy and asset management benefits.

Will the lottery commission ever reveal my identity?

No. Under New Jersey law, the lottery commission is prohibited from disclosing your personal information unless you explicitly waive your right to anonymity.

Does anonymity affect how quickly I receive my winnings?

No. The claim process timeline remains the same whether you choose anonymity or public disclosure.

Protecting Your Privacy in the Garden State

New Jersey's lottery anonymity law represents a significant victory for winner privacy and security. In a state where transparency and public information access have traditionally been prioritized, this exception acknowledges the unique challenges lottery winners face.

If you're fortunate enough to win the lottery in New Jersey, you now have the legal framework to protect your identity while enjoying your prize. By following the steps outlined in this guide and assembling the right team of advisors, you can maintain your privacy while navigating the life-changing experience of a lottery win.

Remember that while the law protects your identity, managing sudden wealth discreetly requires careful planning and discipline. With the right approach, you can enjoy your good fortune without sacrificing your privacy or peace of mind.