[RummyChick]

When you win a big jackpot you should have a trust pick up the check so that you aren’t hounded. It is strange to wait until the last minute.

[Jonty30]

The best advice I’ve heard, if you’ve won the lottery, to take off for 6 months anywhere.

[UCANSEE2]

It is strange to wait until the last minute.

It would seem likely that this was a tax strategy by the holder(s) of the ticket.

[MD Expat in PA]

Some states do not allow you to remain anonymous if claiming a large jackpot. The Maryland lottery and I think Delaware allows you to remain anonymous but Pennsylvania by law will publish your name and the town in which you live whether you want them to or not.

It makes some sense to set up a trust to claim the prize in order to protect your identity. But I guess that takes some time and no small upfront expense to do so.

[Baynative]

"When you win a big jackpot you should have a trust pick up the check so that you aren’t hounded."

I heard someone say that if they won the lottery they would immediately call every friend and family member they could think of and ask to borrow $10,000. Then wait a few days to see what everyone says before announcing the win.

[Safetgiver]

It is strange to wait until the last minute....A few years ago a guy had a winning ticket, knew and for some strange reason, signed it and sent it in the USPS mail like any other piece of mail, about three days before the expiration. Lottery officials opened it at 1600 hrs. and pretty near had a heart attack. At the time, I was thinking that for $17 million, I’d have walked all year to Lottery Headquarters.