Powerball players discuss anonymity

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Winning $1.5 billion is a possibility for someone with another drawing on Wednesday. But claiming the prize means in this state claiming some fame.

Candice Jingles, a Powerball player, said it does concern her that there is not anonymity for the Powerball winner.

“I know that there’s just a few states where it’s legal to stay anonymous so I think that’s probably scary, and I think a lot of people would come out of the woodwork asking for money,” said Jingles.

Getting hit up for cash by random people is just one example of what happens when a Powerball winner’s identity is made public but lottery officials said that just comes with winning millions or billions. According to the NC State Lottery Act in order to collect prize money the winner would have to disclose publicly their name, city they live in, what game they played, the amount of money and the date they won this is to maintain transparency with public money.

State Representative Susi Hamilton said the lottery should be separate from public matters.

“Well I think that it is a different scenario than simply saying it’s a public expenditure,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton said this law for lottery winners should be given more attention.

“We would not want to put anyone’s life at risk or identity at risk by them having them supported our public education system through purchasing a lottery ticket,” said Hamilton.

But even with the risks these Powerball players say coming into fame and fortune is worth it.

“You just need to go with the flow, no need to stress about it, you just won a billion dollars,” said Jingles.