Title: Anonymous Lottery Winner's Legal Battle: Identity Revealed Amid Ex-Girlfriend's NDA Breach Allegations
Mega Millions $1.35 billion victor in Maine ordered to disclose identity in their lawsuit against former spouse.
Posted: April 18, 2025, 10:27h
Last Updated: April 18, 2025, 11:06h
Contributor: Philip Conneller for CasinoOrg (@casinoorgphilc)
Categories: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming, Lawsuits
Maine's Lottery Anonymity Limits Collide with NDA Breach Lawsuit
December 2023 - April 2025
A $1.35 billion Mega Millions jackpot winner from January 2023 now faces an identity revelation following a U.S. District Court ruling denying anonymity during the lawsuit against his ex-girlfriend.
Unauthorized Disclosures and Nondisclosure Agreements
The man, known as "John Doe" in court documents, claimed his former partner breached a nondisclosure agreement (NDA), distributing sensitive details about his historical jackpot win to his dad and stepmom. Doe requested an injunction to force his ex, "Sara Smith," to cease disclosing any further information about the win and compensatory damages of "$100K per unauthorized disclosure."[1]
The NDA was drafted to secure the family's safety and privacy, reducing the risk of media or public disclosure of their identities and whereabouts. Maine law permits lottery winners to claim winnings anonymously; however, this did not apply to winners involved in litigation, as stated by US District Judge John Woodcock.[1]
Despite sympathizing with the plaintiff's safety concerns, Woodcock rejected the request for a closed trial. He reasoned that such a move would constitute a stark deviation from historical judicial principles in the U.S., arguing that wealth, in and of itself, could not enable limiting public access.[1]
Conflicting Testimonies
Recent court filings reveal complications in the case: both Smith and the father/defendant claim that Doe communicated his win to his parents. Moreover, the father accused Doe of discontinuing their relationship following a demand to cease contact with Smith.[2]
Custody Disputes and Privacy Concerns
Smith, in her court filing, alleged that Doe had hired a team of personal security guards who relentlessly followed her and her daughter. Moreover, she suggested that the lawsuit was merely a tactic to acquire custody of their daughter.[2]
A Shift in Maine's Lottery Anonymity
The case highlights a clash between Maine's lottery winner anonymity law and NDA breach lawsuits, ultimately tipping the balance in favor of open court proceedings. Lottery winners who choose to sue their exes over NDA breaches regarding winnings can expect their identities to be revealed if the case proceeds to trial.[1]
[1] CBS News
[2] Associated Press
- The $1.35 billion Mega Millions winner, known as "John Doe," is embroiled in an anonymity legal battle after his ex-girlfriend, "Sara Smith," allegedly breached a nondisclosure agreement.
- The U.S. District Court has denied Doe's request for anonymity during the lawsuit, potentially revealing his identity amid the NDA breach allegations.
- The mega millions winner lawsuit has led to a shift in Maine's lottery anonymity laws, suggesting that lottery winners involved in litigation may no longer be able to claim winnings anonymously.
- The case includes disputed testimonies, with both Smith and Doe's father claiming that Doe communicated his win to his parents, and Smith alleging that Doe hired personal security to follow her and her daughter.
- The lawsuit's implications extend beyond the NDA breach, with Smith suggesting that Doe was using the lawsuit as a tactic to acquire custody of their daughter.
- The sports world and gaming industry are watching closely as this legal battle unfolds, with potential ramifications for privacy laws, NDA breaches, and lottery winner anonymity.
