Ontario’s lottery agency says it has started limiting how it identifies winners in public announcements to better protect their privacy. Instead of full names, winners will now be listed with a first name and last initial, such as “John S. of Toronto.”
A spokesperson for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation said the change began last week after many winners raised concerns about their personal information being shared online. While full names will still appear on the agency’s official website for transparency, public releases will be more limited.
The agency says it is trying to balance openness with safety, especially as scams and online risks have increased. It will still share winner stories and photos, but hopes the change will help people enjoy their winnings without unwanted attention.
