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SB 701

Virginia Lottery; disclosure of identity of winners.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia lottery bill requires public disclosure of winner identities, eliminating anonymity and raising privacy, security, and fraud concerns for prize recipients.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 520 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · SB 701

Legislative bill overview

SB 701 requires the Virginia Lottery to disclose the identity of lottery winners, ending the current practice of allowing winners to remain anonymous. The bill has passed the Virginia Senate with a 30-9 vote and is progressing through the legislative process.

Why is this important

Lottery winner anonymity affects public trust, fraud prevention, and personal security. Currently, Virginia allows winners to claim prizes without public identification, which some argue protects privacy while others contend transparency deters corruption and ensures legitimate winners. This change would significantly alter how Virginia handles a revenue stream exceeding $1.5 billion annually.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and security concerns: Winners may face increased financial solicitation, scams, fraud targeting, and personal safety risks if their identities and locations become public record
  • Winner autonomy: Forced disclosure eliminates personal choice about privacy, which particularly affects people from vulnerable populations who may face family pressure or predatory behavior
  • Implementation challenges: Defining what "disclosure" means (full names only, addresses, prize amounts, claim dates) and determining exemptions for minors, domestic violence survivors, or others with legitimate safety concerns

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

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