“If I were to ever win the lottery, I wouldn’t let anyone except my wife know and I’d swear her to secrecy. It wouldn’t change my lifestyle much because I really don’t have any expensive tastes. However, a lot of charities would be very happy at the substantial ANONYMOUS gifts.”
You may not have the option to remain anonymous. I think it depends upon the state.
#114 make sure you swear your new girlfriends to secrecy or you will have to pay half to the wife in the divorce. : )
That is correct from my understanding. Most, if not all, states allow someone to remain anonymous if the person has a compelling reason for anonymity. Without going into details, I have such a reason which I'm certain would be deemed compelling.
But failing that, I believe there is another option. Hire an attorney to set up a trust or as many as you need to assure anonymity of the beneficiary. Because the lottery ticket is a bearer instrument, the representative of the trust could present it for payment acting as its legal agent. The identity of the representative would be known but not the beneficiary.