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S 260

An Act to protect the privacy of lottery winners

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Montigny

Massachusetts bill allows lottery winners to claim prizes anonymously or via trusts to prevent harassment, fraud, and safety risks associated with public disclosure of winner identities.

Accompanied a study order, see S2674
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Bill Summary · S 260

Legislative bill overview

S 260 would protect the privacy of Massachusetts lottery winners by allowing them to claim prizes anonymously or through trusts rather than having their names publicly disclosed. The bill addresses concerns about lottery winners facing unsolicited solicitation, fraud, and safety risks that often follow public prize announcements.

Why is this important

Lottery winners currently have no privacy protection in Massachusetts, making them targets for scams, frivolous lawsuits, and requests for money from distant relatives and strangers. This bill would give winners control over their personal information while maintaining public confidence in lottery integrity through alternative verification methods.

Potential points of contention

  • Public accountability concerns: Some argue mandatory public disclosure ensures lottery legitimacy and prevents fraud; anonymity might reduce public trust in the system's fairness
  • Disclosure precedent: Other states with anonymity provisions report mixed results; implementation costs and administrative burden to establish anonymous claim processes could be substantial
  • Balancing transparency with privacy: Determining which lottery information remains public (drawing details, prize amounts) versus private (winner identity) requires careful regulatory definition

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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