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Arizona Joins Growing Number of States to Shield Lottery Winners' Names

The move comes as privacy concerns are increasingly trumping lottery groups' wishes to publicize winners to boost sales and show that the games are fair.

By Associated Press

Arizona joined a growing number of states allowing winners of big lottery jackpots to stay anonymous Wednesday after Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation letting winners of jackpots of $100,000 or more request that their names not be made public.

The move comes as privacy concerns are increasingly trumping lottery groups' wishes to publicize winners to boost sales and show that the games are fair.

Four years ago, just five states allowed anonymous winners, but the number has now grown to at least 10. A handful of others allow trusts to claim prizes.

Ducey's spokesman, Patrick Ptak, said in a statement that the new law will protect Arizonans' privacy rights while maintaining current safeguards that ensure the integrity of the Arizona Lottery.

"Winning the lottery shouldn't come at the expense of someone's privacy or safety," Ptak said.

Just two weeks ago, New Mexico Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham took the opposite view and refused to sign a similar measure in order to prioritize transparency.

 

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