Would You Go Public With a Big Lotto Win?
Last Updated: Wednesday 23rd September 2020, 14:04
There are impressive Lotto jackpots on offer twice a week and players everywhere will be dreaming of what they might like to do if they win, but another important consideration for anyone lucky enough to land a big prize is whether to go public or remain anonymous.
Recent jackpot winners have decided to keep their identity private, including the ticket holder who came forward to have their ticket validated after matching all six main numbers in the draw on Wednesday 19th October. They are now £26.1 million richer and have become the fourth largest Lotto winner ever. The winner of Lotto’s largest prize on a single ticket also decided to stay anonymous after bagging £35.1 million in April.
There were two winners of Lotto’s record £66 million jackpot back on 9th January and, while one ticket holder from Worcester stayed private, David and Carol Martin from Hawick in the Scottish Borders were happy to share their news with the world. Gerry and Lisa Cannings from Lincolnshire also went public with their £32.5 million win in February.
UK players have 180 days from the date of a draw to claim any prizes won and the decision over whether or not to go public is entirely down to the player and what makes them feel comfortable. While some winners like to stay away from the scrutiny of the media and carry on with as few people knowing about their news as possible, others feel they couldn’t bear to keep such a big secret or feel that a public profile might help them in some way, perhaps with charity work or a business interest. Whichever course you choose, the National Lottery provides expert advice to all its big winners.
You can find out more about the arguments for going public or staying anonymous at the Lottery Publicity page, before turning your attention to the next Lotto draw and the chance to try and win a life-changing sum for yourself. Good luck!