Lotto Jackpot Prize of December 3, 1982 Won by Marianov

OPINION OF THE COURT

MONTEMURO, Justice.

The issue presented by this appeal is whether section 8 of the State Lottery Law, 72 P.S. § 3761-8, provides the Court of Common Pleas with the discretionary power to permit a voluntary assignment of lottery winnings.

The facts are undisputed and are as follows. On December 3, 1982, Nicholas Marianov won $3,460,973.04 in the Pennsylvania LOTTO Jackpot drawing. The prize was payable in 21 annual installments of $164,808.24, less taxes. On August 14, 1990, Marianov entered into an agreement with Anka Palitz *404and Joseph L. Brady wherein Palitz and Brady…