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.
“All but five states (DE, KS, MD, ND, OH) have laws that require the lottery to release the name and city of residence to anyone who asks.
Some states are considering anonymous claims. Some states are considering a one-year period of anonymity to give the winners time to get used to their new lifestyle.
Other states may offer to assist you in some way, including such things as the creation of trusts.
But generally, you will want to hire an attorney to review the laws in your state to see what options you might have. Photos and press conferences are up to you for most part, though some states add a requiremment for photos on their tickets. Check with your state lottery to see if photos or more are required. Most of the time, it is advisable to get it over with the press so that you don’t have one or more reporters following you around to get that “exclusive” interview. Even if the you can keep your identity secret from the press and the public, you will have to be known to the lottery - so they can confirm that you are eligible to play and win.”
http://www.powerball.com/pb_contact.asp
“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.”
You maybe correct about that as well as the trusts. The real issue is how can the lottery maintain credibility that it actually has paid off winners? I believe that is why remaining anonymous can be an issue. I also wonder if a court might find that winners must be disclosed under some variation of an open meetings statute? Who knows? BTW, I didn’t win last night.