[giarc]

I think it's more unofficial than that. As other people have said in this thread, identifying the people publicly allows others to see their face, and see that they are real people. If it were simply "A judge has declared the winner legit" every time, people would get suspicious.

[IntronExon]

Who cares if people are suspicious? People believe in chem trails and all kinds of crap, no one has to take a publicity hit to calm them.

[ashelmire]

Yes, but governmental, judicial, and financial malfeasance do happen. And with this much money involved, there's basically a certainty that it would. Government-sponsored entities awarding millions of dollars to anonymous persons gets sketchy really quickly.

[Splines]

If the fact that a name gets attached to the prize is the only thing stopping them, then they could easily make up a name and photoshop a picture. This feels like it's getting into conspiracy theory territory.

[IntronExon]

...But they are allowed to collect anonymously, this is over a technicality.

[giarc]

Because if people are suspicious they stop buying tickets.

[IntronExon]

Good, a tax on the uneducated, desperate, and mathematically illiterate is cruel and morally reprehensible to begin with. Propping it all up with publicity generated at the direct expense of the winners is pathetic.

[HeyLaughingBoy]

What about those who are educated, successful and well versed in the mathematics of probability? They should be prevented from playing because you feel that some people should be protected from themselves?

Or do we now need an IQ test before certain types of activities can be enjoyed?

[icebraining]

Who is talking about preventing anyone? All it's being said is that they won't get the name of the previous winners.