Big news for lottery players in Oregon: if you hit the jackpot, your personal details are now staying private. That’s right—your name and address are no longer public record. This major change comes after lawmakers passed a new law during this year’s legislative session, and it officially kicks in this weekend.
Melanie Mesaros, a spokesperson for the Oregon Lottery, clarified what this means for winners. “We’ll still share some information about the prizes,” she said. “You’ll know what city the winner is from, the retailer where the ticket was purchased, the game that was played, and of course, the prize amount. But the personal identifiers—the name and address—will now be kept private.”
This is a big shift from the previous system, where winners’ names and addresses were accessible to the public. For some players, that exposure was uncomfortable, especially those who wanted to avoid unwanted attention or the risk of being solicited by strangers. Now, Oregon Lottery winners can celebrate their luck without feeling like the whole state is watching.
Interestingly, the new law also addresses a sneaky loophole that some people used in the past. There have been cases where individuals sold their winning tickets to someone else in an effort to avoid having their prize money garnished for debts like child support or public assistance overpayments. The legislation now explicitly bans the sale of winning tickets, ensuring that prizes are distributed according to the law. Oregon law requires that any winnings go toward outstanding obligations before the winner can fully enjoy the cash.
Even with these new rules, the Oregon Lottery will continue to highlight big wins. Players and fans will still get to see exciting details, like who the winners are (by city), what games made someone a millionaire, which lucky retailers sold the winning tickets, and, of course, the jaw-dropping prize amounts. That way, the thrill of the lottery remains intact for everyone following the draws.
The timing of this new policy is interesting, coming just as the state reflects on its recent high-profile jackpots. Just last year, an Oregon Powerball winner shared their life-changing $1.3 billion experience, a story that captivated fans across the country. While the winner’s personal details were public then, moving forward, such stories will focus on the excitement of the win without revealing private information.
For many, this change represents a modern approach to balancing transparency and privacy. Lottery officials want to maintain the excitement and legitimacy of the games while protecting players from unnecessary scrutiny or risks that come with being publicly identified.
So, whether you’re a casual player picking up a scratch-off or a regular hoping for a life-altering jackpot, Oregon’s new rules give a little extra peace of mind. Hit the numbers, claim your prize, and enjoy your win without worrying about your personal life being broadcasted across the state.
This shift might not make headlines like a billion-dollar jackpot, but it’s a significant win for privacy, safety, and fairness in the lottery world. Oregon players can now focus on the thrill of playing—and winning—without the added stress of public exposure.
Login