Can You Remain Anonymous After an Ohio Lottery Win? A Complete Guide

Written by Jackpot Staff

June 4, 2025

Winning the lottery is a dream come true, but it can quickly become a challenge if your privacy is compromised. For Ohio Lottery winners, there's good news: you can protect your identity when claiming your prize. But how exactly does this work, and what steps do you need to take? Let's explore how to stay anonymous after hitting that life-changing jackpot in the Buckeye State.

Ohio's Lottery Anonymity Laws: The Basics

Ohio stands apart from many states by offering lottery winners a legitimate path to anonymity. Unlike states like California or New York where winners' names become public record, Ohio has established legal provisions that protect winners' privacy through specific claiming methods.

This privacy protection is rooted in Ohio Revised Code §3770.07(A)(1), which outlines who can claim lottery prizes:

• The individual ticket holder
• The executor of a deceased winner's estate
• A trustee of a trust

This third option is key to anonymity. When a trust claims a prize, only the trustee's name becomes public, not yours.

Why Would You Want to Remain Anonymous?

Before exploring the "how," let's consider the "why." Publicly known lottery winners often face:

• Endless solicitations from charities, businesses, and investment "opportunities"
• Safety concerns including harassment, stalking, and in extreme cases, physical danger
• Strained relationships with friends and family who may expect financial assistance
• Targeted scams specifically designed to separate winners from their newfound wealth
• Media intrusion into private lives and personal affairs

How to Claim Your Ohio Lottery Prize Anonymously

If you're holding a winning ticket in Ohio, here's your step-by-step guide to claiming it while protecting your identity:

1. Secure Your Ticket

Before anything else, sign the back of your ticket and store it in a secure location like a safe deposit box. Make copies of both sides of the ticket for your records.

2. Stay Quiet

Resist the urge to share your exciting news on social media or even with friends and family. The fewer people who know about your win, the better.

3. Assemble Your Professional Team

Before claiming your prize, consult with:

• An attorney experienced in lottery claims and trust formation
• A financial advisor specializing in sudden wealth
• A tax professional familiar with lottery winnings

4. Establish a Blind Trust

This is the critical step for anonymity. Your attorney will help you create what's known as a "blind trust" or "passive trust" with a generic name that can't be traced back to you (like "Buckeye Family Trust" or "Lucky Day Trust").

The trust document will:

• Name a trustee (often your attorney) who will claim the prize
• Identify you as the beneficiary (this information remains confidential)
• Outline how the funds will be transferred to you after claiming

5. Claim Your Prize Through the Trust

In Ohio, anonymous claims must be processed at the Cleveland regional lottery office. Your trustee will:

• Present the winning ticket
• Provide the trust agreement
• Submit identification documents
• Complete claim forms

The lottery commission will verify the ticket and issue a check to the trust, not to you personally. Your trustee's name will become public record, but yours will remain confidential.

6. Transfer Funds and Dissolve the Trust

Once the trust receives the winnings, the funds can be transferred to your personal accounts according to the trust agreement. Many winners choose to dissolve the trust after this transfer is complete, though some maintain it for ongoing asset management.

Important Deadlines and Considerations

Remember that Ohio lottery winners have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prize. This gives you ample time to establish your trust and prepare for the claim, but don't procrastinate - missing this deadline means forfeiting your winnings entirely.

Tax Implications of Anonymous Claims

Claiming through a trust doesn't exempt you from taxes. The Ohio Lottery Commission will still withhold:

• 24% for federal income tax
• 4% for Ohio state tax

Additional taxes may be due when you file your annual returns, depending on your total income. The trust structure doesn't change your tax obligations, it simply helps protect your privacy.

Ohio vs. Other States: How Lucky Are Ohio Winners?

Ohio lottery winners are fortunate compared to those in many other states. Here's how Ohio compares:

States Allowing Anonymity (in some form):

• Delaware
• Kansas
• Maryland
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• Texas (for prizes over $1 million)
• Virginia (for prizes over $10 million)
• Wyoming
• Several others with varying conditions

States Requiring Public Disclosure:

• California
• Wisconsin
• New York
• Florida (though with a 90-day grace period for prizes over $250,000)
• Many others

Ohio's approach is particularly winner-friendly, as there's no minimum prize threshold for anonymity - even smaller prize winners can utilize the trust method if they choose.

Common Questions About Ohio Lottery Anonymity

Can I claim anonymously if I bought my ticket in another state?

No. You must follow the rules of the state where you purchased your ticket, not where you live. If you're an Ohio resident who bought a winning ticket in California, you'll be subject to California's disclosure laws.

Does creating a trust guarantee anonymity?

While the trust structure provides strong privacy protection, it's not absolutely foolproof. Court challenges or administrative errors could potentially compromise anonymity. Working with experienced professionals minimizes these risks.

How much does it cost to set up a trust for lottery anonymity?

Legal fees typically range from $2,000-$5,000, depending on complexity and your attorney's rates. Considering the privacy benefits for a substantial win, most winners find this a worthwhile investment.

Can I use an existing trust to claim my prize?

It's generally recommended to create a new trust specifically for claiming your lottery prize. Existing trusts may have provisions that complicate the claiming process or compromise anonymity.

What If You've Already Told People About Your Win?

If you've already shared news of your win with friends or family before learning about anonymity options, damage control is still possible. Consider:

• Asking for discretion from those who know
• Being vague about the exact amount won
• Proceeding with the trust claiming method anyway to limit further exposure

Protecting Your Privacy and Your Winnings

Ohio lottery winners have a valuable opportunity to protect their privacy through legal means. By establishing a trust and working with knowledgeable professionals, you can enjoy your winnings without the unwanted attention that often accompanies public lottery claims.

If you are fortunate enough to hold a winning ticket, take a deep breath, secure it, and consult with an attorney before making any public announcements or claiming your prize. The extra steps for anonymous claiming are a small price for the peace of mind and security they provide.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about claiming lottery prizes anonymously in Ohio and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney familiar with Ohio lottery laws before making any decisions or proceeding with a claim.