Baker Bill Protecting Privacy of Lottery Winners Passes Senate

HARRISBURG - The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) to protect the privacy of Pennsylvania Lottery winners who receive prizes of $100,000 or more.

Senate Bill 73 would keep the names, addresses and other personal identifying information of these winners confidential, unless they choose to make it public. The measure allows the Pennsylvania Lottery to continue operating transparently by releasing the winner's county and municipality of residence and the prize amount.

"The Pennsylvania Lottery has a proud, decades-long record of transparency and integrity," Baker said. "At the same time, we must recognize the modern realities that come with instant communication and online access to personal information. This legislation strikes the right balance between public accountability and personal safety."

Baker noted that half of all states already provide either full or partial anonymity for major lottery winners. Her proposal is designed to shield individuals and their families from harassment, scams and unwanted attention after winning large sums of money.

"My interest in this legislation stems from knowing someone personally who was targeted after winning a $100,000 scratch-off prize," Baker said. "Scammers went so far as to contact her family members pretending to be government officials demanding tax payments. No one should have to endure that kind of intrusion simply for being lucky."

Pennsylvania's Lottery, established more than 50 years ago, remains the only state lottery that dedicates all proceeds to programs supporting older residents. It has generated more than $1 billion annually for seniors for 13 consecutive years.

"This is about updating our laws to reflect today's risks," Baker said. "Protecting the privacy of certain Lottery winners ensures that success doesn't come at the cost of personal safety."

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

View Baker's floor remarks on Senate Bill 73 here.

CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson