Can you remain anonymous if you win the $17.3B Powerball in Delaware?

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So your dream finally came true and you hit the jackpot. Now you're flush with cash and can live a pampered life.

But do you have to let anyone know that you're suddenly wealthy? That all depends where you bought the ticket.

There are 18 states that have laws that allow national lottery prize jackpot winners to remain anonymous.

In those states, it's possible the public will never know the identity of a large jackpot, like the $1.73 billion Powerball drawing for Wednesday, Oct. 11. As of Tuesday, it's the second-largest Powerball drawing in the lottery's history.

So where can you remain an unknown winner? Find out where:

Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?

Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.

How about nearby states, like Maryland, New Jersey or Pennsylvania?

Just as in Delaware, winners in Maryland and New Jersey can keep their identities hidden if they win any prize. So, it's safe to buy tickets there if you want to stay under the radar.

However, that option isn't available in Pennsylvania. Winners cannot remain anonymous; however, "only certain claimant information can be released," according to the Pennsylvania Lottery.

"This assures the public that lottery winners are real people and that the lottery operates with integrity and transparency," according to the lottery website.

How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?

Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.

How can I claim my prize in Delaware?

First things first: Sign the back of your ticket using an ink pen to identify yourself as the ticket owner. Once signed, ownership of a ticket cannot be changed or transferred, according to the Delaware lottery.

For prizes of $599 or less, tickets can be redeemed at Delaware lottery retailers or at the Delaware Lottery Office. You also can mail your tickets to the Delaware Lottery Office: 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.

Prizes worth $2,500 or less can be claimed at select Delaware Lottery retailer claim centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle counties.

Any prize between $600 and $5,000 can be claimed between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at these redemption centers:

• Delaware Lottery: 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904
• Division of Revenue: 20653 DuPont Blvd., Suite 2, Georgetown, DE 19947, 302-856-5358
• Division of Revenue: Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French St., Wilmington, DE 19801, 302-577-8162

A prize worth $5,001 or more can be claimed at the Delaware Lottery Office on business days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must bring a photo ID with your name and address and a Social Security card.

All winning Powerball, Mega Millions and Lotto America tickets must be redeemed in the state and jurisdiction where they were sold.