All of us need to understand that lotteries are all, basicaly, run by the state it operates in. Laws or rules running lotteries are made by each state legislative bodies. As such, the voters have input into the system.
I write this because I read, over and over again, that our perception is that lotteries are magic and that rules are somehow writen in stone, totally out of our hands. As lottery players, we all have an interest in how the game is regulated. As voters, we have a direct say in the process.
For example, the maze of laws regarding claiming your lottery winnings. I noticed so many bloggers citing the rules, acting like there is not much we can do. That's not true. In Virginia, which plays Mega Millions, winners must not only claim the prize publicly, but also must submit to having their picture taken and having it used in lottery promotions. You cannot claim your prize any other way. You may elect not to show for the media, but if you don't the lottery can keep your prize.
Many other states let winners claim the prize in a trust. A few allow you to keep your name secert and without a trust.
Common sense would say that people should have a choice in claiming their prize. I don't know why some people want to, but many want the right to claim it publicly. Right on. But, except for those states with laws that allow it, that's all you can do.
Why is this a big issue? Well, for one, if you win your life will probably change. Your like a giant target. We all know what can happen. But why does it have to? If you can claim as a trust, then you can avoid that. Again, the idea that you have not choice is wrong.
Lotteries use the bogus excuse that they must use your name in order to prove the lottery is legit. As if someone working for the lottery will keep the money if you claim as a trust. Again, that's bogus. When you claim as a trust, key lottery managers know your name and that the trust claiming the prize is doing that for you. However, the law requires them to only make public the trust name. That way the state knows that an actual person had the ticket and formed a trust legally. That's all there is to it. But, because the lottery wants you or I (if we win) to use for publicity they insist the lottery will fall apart without it. Again, bogus.
How do we change this system? Drop your state rep or senator an email and let them know the gig is up, and tell them its time to allow trusts to claim lottery prizes, right now. Let them know the people demand a choice. Don't buy their excuses anymore. I really think if enough people demand the change, they'll do it. Don't forget to remind that how unfair it is to subject winners to unwanted attention just because they won the lottery. Let them know just how many winners have had problems because they had to go public.
Get on it right now, and let's see if it works. You never know, you might be the person who benefits from the change. Then you can claim your prize in a trust and enjoy your new life. Or, if you want, go ahead and pulicly claim it. You at least have a choice.
I write this because I read, over and over again, that our perception is that lotteries are magic and that rules are somehow writen in stone, totally out of our hands. As lottery players, we all have an interest in how the game is regulated. As voters, we have a direct say in the process.
For example, the maze of laws regarding claiming your lottery winnings. I noticed so many bloggers citing the rules, acting like there is not much we can do. That's not true. In Virginia, which plays Mega Millions, winners must not only claim the prize publicly, but also must submit to having their picture taken and having it used in lottery promotions. You cannot claim your prize any other way. You may elect not to show for the media, but if you don't the lottery can keep your prize.
Many other states let winners claim the prize in a trust. A few allow you to keep your name secert and without a trust.
Common sense would say that people should have a choice in claiming their prize. I don't know why some people want to, but many want the right to claim it publicly. Right on. But, except for those states with laws that allow it, that's all you can do.
Why is this a big issue? Well, for one, if you win your life will probably change. Your like a giant target. We all know what can happen. But why does it have to? If you can claim as a trust, then you can avoid that. Again, the idea that you have not choice is wrong.
Lotteries use the bogus excuse that they must use your name in order to prove the lottery is legit. As if someone working for the lottery will keep the money if you claim as a trust. Again, that's bogus. When you claim as a trust, key lottery managers know your name and that the trust claiming the prize is doing that for you. However, the law requires them to only make public the trust name. That way the state knows that an actual person had the ticket and formed a trust legally. That's all there is to it. But, because the lottery wants you or I (if we win) to use for publicity they insist the lottery will fall apart without it. Again, bogus.
How do we change this system? Drop your state rep or senator an email and let them know the gig is up, and tell them its time to allow trusts to claim lottery prizes, right now. Let them know the people demand a choice. Don't buy their excuses anymore. I really think if enough people demand the change, they'll do it. Don't forget to remind that how unfair it is to subject winners to unwanted attention just because they won the lottery. Let them know just how many winners have had problems because they had to go public.
Get on it right now, and let's see if it works. You never know, you might be the person who benefits from the change. Then you can claim your prize in a trust and enjoy your new life. Or, if you want, go ahead and pulicly claim it. You at least have a choice.
I'm with YOU.....
why? You could start new hobby...
