Lottery Winners Can Stay Anonymous in These States

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Your dream has come true and you’ve won the big bucks playing the lottery.  Congrats!

But what if you are one of the lucky winners who doesn’t want their identity revealed to the world? 

Well, the short answer is: the level of anonymity lottery winners can keep depends on their state’s guidelines.

Some states allow winners to conceal their identity if the winnings are over a certain amount or for a certain length of time. Other states, such as Ohio, make it easy to claim the prize via a blind trust.  Many states don’t allow lottery winners to stay anonymous because they consider the winner’s information to be public record.

Check below for the policies for every state with a lottery! You can cross-check against your state’s official lottery website for these most up-to-date information.

States That Allow Anonymous Lottery Winners

Lottery winners can remain anonymous in these states.

  • Arizona* – prize winners of $100,000 or more

  • Arkansas* – Prize winners of $500,000 or more can remain anonymous for 3 years.

  • Delaware

  • Georgia – prize winners of $250,000 or more

  • Illinois – prize winners of $250,000 or more

  • Kansas

  • Maryland

  • Massachusetts* – Prize wins can be claimed in the name of a trust.

  • Michigan – Prize winners of $10,000 or more in local state games (excludes Mega Millions & Powerball prizes winners, for example)

  • Minnesota – Prize winners over $10,000

  • Mississippi

  • Missouri

  • Montana*

  • New Jersey*

  • North Dakota

  • Ohio* – Prize wins can be claimed anonymously through a blind trust.  

  • South Carolina

  • Texas* – Prize winners of $1,000,000 or more

  • Virginia – Prize winners of $10,000,000 or more

  • West Virginia* – Prize winners of $1,000,000 or more

  • Wyoming

*This is a Jackpocket state!

States That Don’t Allow Anonymous Lottery Winners

Winners can’t remain anonymous in:

  • California

  • Colorado*

  • Connecticut

  • Florida

  • Idaho*

  • Illinois

  • Indiana

  • Iowa

  • Kentucky

  • Louisiana

  • Maine

  • Minnesota*

  • Nebraska*

  • New Mexico*

  • New York*

  • North Carolina – Prize winners of $50 million or more can remain anonymous for 90 days after claiming the prize.

  • Oklahoma

  • Oregon*

  • Pennsylvania

  • Rhode Island

  • South Dakota

  • Tennessee

  • U.S. Virgin Islands

  • Vermont

  • Washington

  • Washington, DC*

  • Wisconsin

*This is a Jackpocket state!

Do lotteries do any other things differently state by state? They sure do! From games offered and taxes on lottery winnings, to where the money goes, each state lottery does things a little differently. States can even vary in the maximum number of days to claim a lottery prize— be sure to check the official lottery website for the state you’re in to get the most up-to-date information. 

Wondering what it takes to be a lottery winner? Go behind-the-scenes for exactly what happens if you win a Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

This article originally appeared on Jackpocket.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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The Best Lucky Lottery Numbers Based On Your Zodiac Sign

The Best Lucky Lottery Numbers Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Looking to add a little fun to your lottery ticket? Try consulting your lucky horoscope lottery numbers!

Astrology is a popular medium rooted in history, shaping the development of astronomy. Today, many people use their zodiac sign to add a little celestial flair to their everyday life, including when choosing the numbers to play for the lotto. Check out the common personality traits of your zodiac sign, lucky numbers and how to use your horoscope for the lottery!

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The lottery is a game of chance, but many play the lottery by their horoscope and believe their zodiac sign holds their lucky numbers. Astrology can be a fascinating way to learn more about yourself. It’s even said that one’s astrological sign can tell them more about their personality traits, life path, and fortune. Many also believe it can determine their luck. Plus, it can be a fun way to choose your lottery numbers

Let’s review your lucky numbers for your lottery horoscope sign to learn more. 

Related: 10 Biggest Mega Millions Prizes in History

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Each astrological sign indicates specific characteristics about a person, including details such as their risk tolerance or how careful they are with money. Get to know the different zodiac signs and their lucky horoscope lottery numbers.

JodiJacobson/istockphoto

Symbol: Ram

Aries are all about the challenge, treating money-making like an adventure. Have you ever seen a ram charge? That’s the combination of enthusiasm and confidence you get with an Aries. With their fiery nature, they’ll sprint to grab those lottery tickets first. But here’s a warning: wins in the wallet of an Aries are subject to impulsive spending. Thankfully they also have a knack for finding ways to replenish their funds.

Lucky numbers: 9, 41, 47, 49, 60, 67

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Symbol: Bull

Taurus folks are the slow and steady earners. Patient and hardworking, they watch their wealth grow over time. When Taurus feels luck on their side, nothing can stop them from going for a prize that catches their eye. They’re cautious with cash, and likely to invest their lottery winnings for the long haul.

Lucky numbers: 14, 18, 22, 31, 37, 51

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Symbol: Twins

Geminis are the adventurous (and restless) of the bunch. They love to dabble in everything, so expect them to test out a bunch of lottery strategies. New ways to pick numbers, new games, new winnings (we hope!) The lottery prizes a Gemini pockets are destined to be spent fueling their endless curiosities.

Lucky numbers: 4, 5, 11, 19, 52, 68

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Symbol: Crab

Cancers are the cautious type, but that won’t stop them from trying their lottery luck. They like to stick to their lottery routine. Every week, Cancers might enjoy playing the same special numbers on their favorite game, knowing deep down that one day the lottery stars might align. Most Cancers are known to live below their means, so winnings will likely go towards their rainy day fund.

Lucky numbers: 6, 10, 15, 28, 37, 68

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Symbol: Lion

Leos are the drama kings and queens of the zodiac. Confident and bold, they’re fearless risk-takers. Getting lottery tickets is just another way Leos show the world their ambition —always striving for bigger and better. Winning? That’s business as usual for Leos. They’ll put that extra cash towards themselves and still have plenty left over to be a hero for someone else.

Lucky numbers: 2, 21, 23, 51, 61, 64

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Symbol: The Virgin (Maiden)

Meticulous planners and triple-checkers, Virgos are the most organized lottery players. They’ve got their lottery game down to a science, and good luck is their laboratory. Virgos love a budget, so lottery winnings will likely go towards savings after a financially responsible treat for themselves.

Lucky numbers: 5, 13, 18, 19, 21, 40

Related: Biggest Lottery Win in Every State

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Symbol: Scales

Libras seek balance in all things, including the lottery. To balance their personal dream of winning BIG with increased odds of winning, Libras are often found in lottery pools. Also described as the social butterflies of the zodiac, Libras love a lottery pool because they can compare numbers with other members and share how they plan to enjoy their winnings.

Lucky numbers: 3, 9, 15, 27, 54, 64

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Symbol: Archer

Sagittarians live life on the edge. They dive into things headfirst, trusting in fate. That’s why when Lady Luck comes knocking with a large lottery win, a Sag should have financial plans in place. When a Sagittarius is prepared to win, their best qualities shine and they can focus on having fun.

Lucky numbers: 7, 11, 27, 34, 63, 65

Allexxandar/istockphoto

Symbol: Archer

Sagittarians live life on the edge. They dive into things headfirst, trusting in fate. That’s why when Lady Luck comes knocking with a large lottery win, a Sag should have financial plans in place. When a Sagittarius is prepared to win, their best qualities shine and they can focus on having fun.

Lucky numbers: 7, 11, 27, 34, 63, 65

Allexxandar/istockphoto

Symbol: Goat

Capricorns are the builders, the empire makers. Patient and determined, Capricorns love a steady lottery schedule. They’re big believers in their own luck and their determination to overcome any obstacle serves them well in life and the lottery. Expect a Capricorn to spend lottery winnings on home improvements, savings, or a little something luxurious.

Lucky numbers: 5, 8, 13, 23, 26, 51

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Symbol: The Water-Bearer

Aquarians are experimental by nature. They’ll try different lucky numbers or new lottery games each week, taking inspiration from anywhere. Aquarians tend to balance their wants, needs, and savings well, but a lottery win can really bring out their quirks. If you’re an Aquarius, learn from your Capricorn friends and get a plan in place before winning some life-changing cash.

Lucky numbers: 8, 15, 29, 31, 49, 69

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Symbol: Two Fishes

Pisceans are famous for being highly emotional. With the lottery, making decisions based on feeling rather than logic can pay off. A Pisces will trust their gut when it comes to picking numbers—and if luck strikes, they’ll spread the wealth. As much as Pisces loves to share, they’ll benefit from saving and spending a little bit on themselves to feel more relaxed.

Lucky numbers: 14, 18, 24, 33, 60, 68

Allexxandar/istockphoto

We hope your horoscope lottery numbers help to enhance your lottery experience. Aligning your zodiac sign to choose your lucky numbers is a fun, interesting way to try your luck and maybe win some extra cash. 

One of the most important tips and tricks we can offer is to play responsibly. Have a budget set for weekly or monthly lottery play and stick with it. If you win a small amount, try again or put the money away for a rainy day. 

This article originally appeared on Jackpocket.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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Featured Image Credit: Wpadington/istockphoto.

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Trae Bodge

Trae Bodge is an accomplished lifestyle journalist and TV commentator who specializes in smart shopping, personal finance, parenting, and retail. Trae has been named a Top Voice in Retail by LinkedIn and a top personal finance expert by GoBankingRates and Flexjobs. She is a contributor at Millie Magazine and CNN Underscored, and her writing and expert commentary have appeared in Newsweek, Woman's Day, Forbes, USNews.com, Kiplinger, Marketwatch, MSN.com, Yahoo Finance and numerous others. She has also appeared on TV hundreds of times; including Good Morning America's GMA3: What You Need to Know, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Inside Edition, CNBC and local network affiliates nationwide.