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HomeUSRare New Jersey Exception Could Keep $847M Powerball Winner Anonymous Forever

Rare New Jersey Exception Could Keep $847M Powerball Winner Anonymous Forever

New Jersey’s latest Powerball jackpot winner could remain anonymous forever after claiming the staggering $847 million prize, thanks to the state’s privacy protections.

Under a 2020 law in the Garden State, lottery winners can choose not to disclose their identities indefinitely. New Jersey is among the states that allow jackpot recipients to stay out of the public spotlight, unlike jurisdictions that require winners to be identified.

The law was designed to protect lottery winners from threats, harassment and unwanted demands from people seeking a share of their newfound wealth.

Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali, left, Nick Tassi, James Carey Jr. and Aaron Binder hold a press conference in Montvale, N.J., Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
A New Jersey Powerball lottery playslip.
A New Jersey Lottery Powerball ticket. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The winning ticket for Wednesday’s massive jackpot was sold at a Wegmans supermarket in Montvale, an affluent Bergen County community where the median household income is about $178,000.

Powerball officials had not confirmed whether the winner had contacted lottery authorities as of Friday and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.