Cristy Davis from Michigan won the $70 million Powerball jackpot in 2020, and immediately struck a problem.

She didn't want everyone to know she won, but in order to claim her prize, her name had to be shared with the public. And she didn’t want to do that.

Now the 43-year-old is trying to help other winners stay private if they elect to remain hidden.

Her story began in 2020, when Cristy - a resident in Waterford, was struggling with money. But as she explains later in her story, she got lucky and won the $70 million jackpot by matching all the numbers.

She chose to take a lump sum one-time payment of about $36 million after taxes.

To get her prize, she had to let the public know she won, even though she preferred not to disclose the fact to anyone.

She got a lawyer to see if there was a way to stay private, but there wasn’t. She said she didn’t want to be on TV, and over the next few days thought a lot about it.

Cristy knew other winners had tough times after going public, and she had to decide if doing the same was worth the money.

The Location Problem

The Multi-State Lottery Association, the group that runs the US Powerball, says winners in 11 states can choose to keep their win a secret.

Those states are Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

But in most other places, including Michigan, winners have to tell everyone if they win big prizes.

In Michigan, if you win more than $10,000 in a local game, you can stay private. But Cristy didn’t win a local game; she won the Powerball, which is played in most states.

So, she couldn't stay anonymous.

Vox, an online news site, talked about how winners have to sign their winning ticket. Then they call the state’s lottery group, which tells everyone who won.

This makes it easy for anyone to find out the winner's name, where they live, and how much they won.

However, this can be dangerous because winners can become targets. They might face threats, blackmail, or even kidnapping. So, many people who win the lottery want to keep it a secret.

Here’s Cristy’s own story on her win:

It was just another day when my friend and I decided to stop by the local store. The bright lights of the lottery tickets caught my attention, and I watched as my friend casually picked up four tickets for his relatives.

On a whim, and with a little hope of luck, I decided to withdraw $20 from the nearby ATM. With my cash in hand, I confidently bought a mega Powerball ticket, and with the leftover change, got some scratch-offs.

The Anticipation

As I held the ticket, I experienced a mix of hope and skepticism. People often dream of winning, but the reality is that the odds are stacked heavily against them.

I thought of all the things I'd do if I won—pay off debts, help my family, maybe even take a vacation. But I tried not to get too carried away with those thoughts.

The Moment of Realization

Looking at the numbers, my heart skipped a beat as I realized the numbers on my ticket were a match!

I double-checked, triple-checked, not believing my own eyes. Erica, standing beside me, mirrored my shock. Excitement bubbled up, and I couldn't contain it—I shouted, attracting a curious crowd in the store.

As they approached, a flurry of emotions whirled inside me—elation, disbelief, and a hint of fear.

After The Win

I had always heard about winners having to go public, but I never thought it would apply to me. The dream of winning came with a catch—my identity would become public knowledge.

With some concern, I hired a lawyer, hoping for some loophole. However, the reality was clear - if I wanted the money, I'd have to pay the price of staying hidden.

Facing the Public

Once my name was out, things changed. Some were happy for me, while others viewed me with envy.

Then there were those who tried to exploit my win—creating scams in my name. It became clear that winning the lottery wasn't just about the money.

It was about navigating the new challenges that came with it.

Reflection on Anonymity

The experience made me wonder the rule about winners' identities being public. While some states allow anonymity, many don't. The reasoning often revolves around transparency and boosting ticket sales.

However, the risks and potential harm to winners seem to outweigh these reasons.

The Darker Side of Winning

There are countless stories of lottery winners facing troubles after their win. From scam artists to envious individuals, the list goes on.

Some winners even faced life-threatening situations. With my name out there, I couldn't help but feel vulnerable. It seemed odd that a moment of luck could lead to such challenges.

The Advocacy for Privacy

In light of my experiences, I felt a strong urge to advocate for winners' rights to privacy.

I believed no one should be forced into the limelight against their will, especially when it comes with potential dangers.

The right to remain anonymous would protect winners from unwanted attention, scams, and potential threats.

Moving Forward

While I'm grateful for my win and the financial security it brings, I can't help but wish for a different system—one that prioritizes the safety and well-being of winners.

It's essential to remember that behind every win is a person with feelings, fears, and a life that they'd like to lead peacefully.

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