Powerball winner preferred anonymity

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PHOENIX, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Arizona lottery officials say the Fountain Hills man who won half of last week's big Powerball jackpot had wanted to remain anonymous.

Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the lottery, told the Los Angeles Times Matthew Good at first wanted to continue living his life has he had been, but, "He realizes this win will change that."

Good's name was released this week after formal requests were made by the media. State law allows the press to obtain winners' names, the Times said.

The newspaper said Tuesday Good probably had good reason to avoid the limelight after becoming $192 million richer. Good took the cash options.

There were two grand prize winning tickets for the record $587.5 million Powerball jackpot.

Past big winners around the United States have told of being mobbed by charities, churches, cash-strapped acquaintances and shirttail relatives once the word got out. There is also the likelihood of being targeted by scam artists.

One lawyer who had represented lottery millionaires in the past told the Times it was unfair to put such pressure on big winners and said they should be allowed to remain anonymous.