Vaccine Lottery
An increasing number of states are offering a vaccine lottery with cash prizes and other incentives for getting a COVID shot. Counties, cities, and businesses also have some great vax rewards available.
Below are the states currently offering a vaccine lottery or other incentives to get your jab.
More states are also considering offering their own lotteries, so if your state doesn't appear on the list above, it might soon as this page is updated with the latest information on vaccine-related promotions across the country.
Other states may not hold a lottery but are sweetening the deal with other incentives.
In addition, many counties and cities nationwide are offering cash prizes and freebies to vaccinated residents.
For example, Polk County, Iowa will award five $50,000 prizes and 90 $1,000 prizes this summer for getting your jabs, while 12-17 year olds are eligible for a $5,000 scholarship.
In Philadelphia, Mayor Jim Kenney announced that 36 vaccinated residents will win up to $50,000 in the Philly Vax Sweepstakes. The City will hand out a total of $400,000 in prizes with drawings on June 20, July 5, and July 18.
Corporate Vaccine Prizes
In addition to the state lotteries, companies are also stepping up to give Americans some nice incentives to get vaccinated:
- CVS: Get your vaccine at CVS Pharmacy by July 10 for the chance to win one of over 1,000 prizes, including free vacations, gift cards, or a trip to the Super Bowl.
- Kroger: Five people who received their vaccine from Kroger Health have a shot at winning $1 million each, and 50 more will receive one year of free groceries - 10 winners will be announced weekly for five weeks starting June 3. Go to the Kroger Community Immunity website to sign up
However, Uncle Sam will still want his cut of any winnings. "Any prize in excess of $600 will require tax reporting on a 10-99," cautioned tax expert Bob Salyer of Northern Kentucky University.
Arkansas
Arkansas residents who receive their vaccination on or after May 25 can choose between a free $20 scratch-off ticket for the $1 Million Spectacular game or a $20 gift certificate for the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission for fishing or hunting licenses.
The Arkansas Department of Health has purchased 50,000 scratch-off tickets and 50,000 gift certificates at a cost of $2 million.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson is hoping the freebies will boost the state's flagging vaccination rates, which are among the worst nationwide - around 39% of residents have received at least one jab.
California
The Golden State is living up to its name with the biggest vaccine lottery prize pool in the nation: $116.5 million, which includes 10 prizes of $1.5 million each.
"We’re putting aside more resources than any other state in America, and we’re making available the largest prizes of any state in America for those that seek to get vaccinated," Gov. Gavin Newsom stated.
He's hoping the Vax for the Win program will incentivize about 12 million Californians who have not yet taken up the offer of innoculation as the state prepares to lift all restrictions in June. Those who have already had at least one shot are also eligible to win.
Prizes include $50 gift cards for the next 2 million residents who get vaccinated, a target Newsom aspires to hit by June 15.
Visit Vax for the Win for more information.
Colorado
Five Coloradans will receive $1 million each and 25 teenagers will get $50,000 for college in the Colorado Comeback Cash vaccine lottery. Drawings will be held on June 4, 11, 18, 25, and July 7, 2021.
One $1 million winner and five student scholarship recipients will be randomly selected in each draw. Winners will be announced on the same day as the drawing.
There is no entry or registration required - simply get vaccinated for your chance to win.
Colorado residents age 18 and above who have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine are eligible for the $1 million prize.
Coloradans age 12-17 who have had at least one vaccination qualify for a chance to win $50,000 for post-secondary education. The award will be deposited in a CollegeInvest account to be used for college or technical education.
Residents who were vaccinated out-of-state may still be eligible if they submit their vaccination details to the state.
"The $50,000 in the CollegeInvest account — that will grow by the time they go to college. So, for a 13-14 year old, $50,000 will be $60,000, $65,000 or $70,000 by the time they go to school," Gov. Jared Polis said.
Your information must be in the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) by 11:59:59 MDT on the Tuesday night prior to the drawing.
It may take several days for your details to be entered into the system, so it's a good idea to get your shot well beforehand. The final date to qualify is June 30.
If you don't see your records in the portal, you should contact your vaccine provider; it's likely there was a mistake in entering your details.
Delaware
Delaware is offering $5,000 cash giveaways and other prizes to residents age 12 and above who have already received their shot, or do so by June 29. The Delaware Lottery is holding drawings twice a week, every Monday and Friday through June 30.
Additional incentives include a scholarship to an in-state public university, a four-day getaway, free entry to state parks, and tickets to the Firefly Music Festival and baseball games. The state will also pay back small businesses that give customers vaccine incentives.
Check out the DEWins! site for details of the promotion.
Illinois
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced a $10 million "All In for the Win" lottery to boost the state's already-impressive vaccination rates, which are the highest in the Midwest. IL residents who have had at least one shot in-state will automatically have a chance to snag cash prizes or scholarships.
Vaccinated residents age 18 and over have a shot at $7 million in prizes. Three $1 million jackpots and 40 $100,000 cash payouts will be awarded.
Vaccinated teenagers age 12-17 could win a share of a $3 million college scholarship pool, with 20 $150,000 scholarships offered.
Drawings start on Thursday, July 8 and continue until the end of August. Get your first jab before July 1 and you'll receive automatic entry into all the draws, giving you more chances to win.
All drawings below are statewide, with the exception of the Regional Drawings held on Thursday, August 12:
| Draw Date | Prizes |
|---|---|
| Thursday, July 8 | Adults: 1X $1 million cash. Teens: 3X $150,000 scholarships |
| Monday, July 12 | Adults: 3X $100,000 cash |
| Monday, July 19 | Adults: 3X $100,000 cash |
| Monday, July 26 | Adults: 3X $100,000 cash |
| Monday, August 2 | Adults: 3X $100,000 cash |
| Monday, August 9 | Adults: 3X $100,000 cash |
| Monday, August 12 (Regional Drawings) | Adults: 2X $100,000 cash winners from each of the 11 Restore Illinois regions (22 winners in total) |
| Monday, August 16 | Adults: 3X $100,000 cash |
| Monday, August 16 (Grand Finale) | Adults: 2X $1 million cash. Teens: 11X $150,000 scholarships, one from each Restore Illinois region, plus 6X $150,000 statewide scholarships (17 scholarships in total) |
For full details, visit the All In for the Win site.
Veterans' Ineligibility Raises Concerns
The lottery launch has been accompanied by discontent after it was revealed that over 75,000 Illinois veterans will be unable to participate. Vets who have had their shots at facilities run by the Department of Veterans Affairs will not be eligible since the VA is a federal entity and does not share the names of those it vaccinates with the state.
"Korea veterans, Vietnam veterans, Desert Storm — the whole gamut. It's just a slap in the face to any veteran," said veteran Steven Holt. "Somehow, they have to figure out how the veterans can be included. This would be a really good shot in the arm for them if they were to be one of the lucky ones to win."
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, also a veteran, registered her disatisfaction, noting that the state was initially grateful for the VA's speedy vaccine rollout. "One of the things they were always so proud of is how quickly the VA got vaccinations out for the veterans, within a matter of weeks," she commented.
Serving members of the armed forces are unable to choose where they get their shots, so are automatically excluded from the lottery. "They actually cannot get a vaccine off of base," Kifowit stated. "It has to be part of their active medical record."
However, there is hope the situation will be resolved; Kifowit said that the governor's office has assured her that a workaround would be in place before the first drawing on July 8.
One option is illustrated by Washington State, which has created a second lottery specifically for the military and veterans.
Kansas
Gov. Laura Kelly is looking at various incentives to boost the state's innoculation rates, including potentially a lottery. "We think it’s really important for us to get creative and use incentives,"" said Dr. Marci Nielsen, the state’s Chief Advisor for Vaccine Distribution.
In the latest initiative, the Applebee's restaurant in Great Bend will offer festival-goers free meals if they wish to learn more about vaccination or have had their shot.
Discounts for students at Great Bend's Barton Community College are also being implemented.
A recent "Race to End COVID-19" promotion offered those who got a shot or test entry into a raffle for NASCAR tickets and two "victory laps" at the Kansas Speedway.
Currently, half of Kansan adults have received both vaccine shots.
Louisiana
Gov. John Bel Edwards has announced the "Shot At A Million" lottery that will reward vaccinated residents with the chance to take home a total of $2.3 million in cash payouts and scholarships.
"We need more people to go sleeves up before we can truly end the pandemic," the governor emphasized. "Shot At A Million is a reward for those who've already gotten vaccinated and a fun nudge for others to get the vaccine sooner rather than later." Louisiana currently has the third-lowest per capita innoculation rate in the country, trailed by Mississippi and Alabama.
Incentives to get the jabs include a grand prize of $1 million and four $100,000 rewards for those 18 and above, plus college scholarships for teens. The lottery is funded with federal COVID relief dollars.
14 lucky winners will enjoy a range of great prizes drawings that will start on July 14 and run for five weeks.
For residents 18 and above, there are four $100,000 cash prizes to be won plus a $1 million grand prize, while kids age 12-17 who have had at least one jab will benefit from nine $100,000 scholarships.
Louisiana residents who have had at least one shot can start registering on Monday, June 21 at noon. Visit the Shot At A Million website to sign up, or call 1-877-356-1511. One registration is good for all the drawings.
Winners of one $100,000 cash prize and one $100,000 scholarship will be drawn every Friday in July, with the exception of July 31, when someone will hit a $1 million cash prize and five scholarships will be awarded:
| Enter By | Prizes | Draw Date | Winners Announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, July 9 at 11:59:59 PM CDT | 1X $100,000 cash & 1X $100,000 scholarship | July 14 | July 16 |
| Friday, July 16 at 11:59:59 PM CDT | 1X $100,000 cash & 1X $100,000 scholarship | July 21 | July 23 |
| Friday, July 23 at 11:59:59 PM CDT | 1X $100,000 cash & 1X $100,000 scholarship | July 30 | July 28 |
| Friday, July 30 at 11:59:59 PM CDT | 1X $100,000 cash & 1X $100,000 scholarship | August 4 | August 6 |
| Friday, July 31 at 11:59:59 PM CDT | 1X $1 million cash & 5X $100,000 scholarships | August 4 | August 13 |
Maine
Gov. Janet Mills launched the "Don't Miss Your Shot: Vaccinationland Sweepstakes" on June 16, offering one resident a prize of $1.00 for each individual who receives their jab in the state by July 4.
Within 24 hours, more than 100,000 Mainers signed up for their chance to win. "Have you registered yet? Someone is going to win this – why not you?" said Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Residents age 12 and above who have had at least one shot in-state since December 15, 2020, can register, and the latest you can enter is Wednesday, June 30 at 11:59:59 PM EDT. The drawing will be held on July 1, with the winner announced on Independence Day.
To enter the lottery, head to the Vaccinationland Sweepstakes website or call the Community Vaccination Line at 888-445-4111.
Maryland
Under Gov. Larry Hogan's program, the state is holding 40 lottery draws daily, each with the chance to win $40,000, from May 25 to July 3. And FYI, lottery winners can stay anonymous in Maryland. The state is spending $2 million in all, with the grand finale a drawing for $400,000 on the Fourth of July.
"Anyone 18 and older who’s already been vaccinated for COVID-19 in the state of Maryland at any time is also eligible for these prizes and will automatically be entered to win," Hogan said.
Maryland is taking a high-tech approach to its lottery, with a software program randomly choosing a number from a pool of vaccine recipients provided by the state health department. Maryland residents 18 and above who have had at least one vaccine dose in the state may participate.
In addition, residents can score rewards through the GoVAX program, where a growing number of Maryland businesses offer freebies or discounts to those who have had their shots. Some of the companies and local attractions participating include Ayers Creek Adventures, the Baltimore Orioles, Medieval Times, National Aquarium, and Total Recon Auto Center.
Massachusetts
The state is introducing the VaxMillions Giveaway to encourage more residents to receive their shots. The Massachusetts Lottery will hold drawings for cash prizes and scholarships weekly, starting the week of July 26, with the last draw on Friday, August 27.
Five prizes worth $1 million each are up for grabs for MA residents age 18 and above. Teens from 12-17 will be in the running for five college scholarships of $300,000 each.
"We're hopeful that this giveaway will give another reason/opportunity for people to choose to get vaccinated here in the Commonwealth over the next couple of months," said Gov. Charlie Baker. "If you're not vaccinated, you can’t play."
Lottery funding will come from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The state is just shy of the governor's target of 4.1 million residents fully innoculated by early June. As of June 15, MA had fully vaccinated to 4 million people.
Registration for VaxMillions begins July 1 and continues until August 20 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT. You must be a MA resident and fully vaccinated before signing up.
Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz recently announced the "Your Shot to Summer" program, which offers giveaways to the first 100,000 Minnesotans age 12 or above who receive their first vaccine dose from May 27 through June 30, 2021. Rewards include free entry to the State Fair and other entertainment venues, a $25 Visa card, fishing licenses, and baseball tickets.
The state's goal is to get 70% of residents age 16 and older their shots by July 1. As of June 3, 64.7% of Minnesotans 16 and above have gotten at least one of their jabs.
Submit your vaccination details and choose your rewards on the Your Shot to Summer website. The deadline to sign up is June 30 at 11:59 PM.
Nevada
Gov. Steve Sisolak has launched "Vax Nevada Days," with prizes including $5 million in cash plus college scholarships and more to promote vaccination. "Now you have 5 million more reasons for Nevadans to step up and get protected against COVID-19," the governor said.
Starting Thursday, July 8, the state will hold eight weekly drawings; residents who have had at least one jab are entered automatically. Adults 18 and older have the chance to take home 149 cash payouts from $1,000 to $250,0000, as well as a $1 million top prize that will be awarded on August 26.
Younger residents from 12 to 17 will be in the running for 135 college saving accounts from $5,000 to $50,000 - $1.5 million in all.
And Nevadans of any age could score state park permits and state fishing licenses.
Federal pandemic relief money will provide the lottery's funding.
New Mexico
New Mexico is offering vaccine incentives to the tune of $10 million in prize money, free vacations, state parks entry and more in partnership with the NM Lottery, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced.
Five weekly drawings will be held starting the second week of June. In each drawing, four lucky winners, one from each of the state's public health regions, will be randomly chosen to take home $250,000 apiece.
Additionally, a grand prize of $5 million will be drawn as the sweepstakes finale in early August.
"Getting vaccinated is the right thing to do - for yourself, for your family and for your state," the governor said. "I’m excited to add a little fun to our nation-leading vaccination push. New Mexicans have sacrificed a lot over the last year. Now anyone who has stepped up to get their shots will have a chance to win some excellent prizes - please encourage your friends and neighbors to opt in for their chance to win big and to sign up for their shots as soon as possible!"
New Mexico residents who have received their vaccinations are eligible for a chance to win - head to the Vax 2 the Max website to enter.
New York
The Empire State has trialled a vaccination incentive program that handed out free scratch-off lottery tickets with cash payouts including a $5 million top prize. New York is also holding weekly drawings for 50 full-ride college scholarships for children age 12 to 17; 10 winners will be randomly chosen every Wednesday. Kids who have received at least one vaccine shot since May 12 may be entered by a parent or guardian.
Incentives in NYC include a seven-day subway card or two train tickets for those who get their shots at a walk-in vaccination site at stations. Residents can also enjoy free entry to New York City Football Club, the Statue of Liberty, and more.
North Carolina
On June 10, Governor Roy Cooper launched the $4 million Summer Cash and Cash 4 College lottery, with the first draw to take place on Wednesday, June 23.
There are four prizes of $1 million each up for grabs for North Carolinians age 18 and above, while four students age 12-17 will each be awarded $125,00 for post-secondary education in an NC 529 account.
Winners will be randomly chosen every other Wednesday from June 23–August 4.
Residents must have received at least one vaccine dose to be eligible. Those who get their shot before midnight on the Sunday before each Wednesday drawing will be automatically entered in all remaining draws for their chance to score an amazing prize.
Veterans and Native Americans Are Eligible
Initially, the lottery's rules meant that certain groups were not eligible for entry due to being vaccinated via the Veterans Administration and Tribal Health Program. However, the issue has now been resolved to allow more residents the opportunity take home a prize.
"Thanks to our partners across the state, we are now able to include veterans vaccinated through the VA and American Indians vaccinated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians," said NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen. "Everyone can protect themselves and their community while also getting a chance to win a million dollars. It’s a win-win."
Ohio
The Buckeye State's Vax-a-Million lottery kicked off with the first of five drawings on May 26, 2021. The last drawing will be held June 21. In each drawing, one lucky Ohioan who has received both coronavirus vaccine shots will win $1 million, and one young participant will win a full scholarship to an Ohio college or university.
In the May 26 draw, Abbigail Bugenske took home the $1 million prize, and Joseph Costello won the scholarship. On June 2, Jonathan Carlyle was the lucky winner of $1 million, while Zoie Vincent scored the scholarship.
You must be an Ohio resident and US citizen to enter Vax-a-Million.
To be eligible for the $1 million prize, participants must be Ohio residents age 18 and over and have received at least their first Covid-19 vaccination. Winners are responsible for taxes on their prize.
Ohioans age 12-17 who have received at least one dose of vaccine can enter to win a full four-year scholarship, which covers tuition, room and board, and books at any in-state school.
Registration online or by phone is required to take part and the participant will need to disclose information including name and address and where they received the vaccination. To enter, sign up online on the Vax-a-Million website or call 1-833-427-5634 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM EDT, seven days a week.
One entry is allowed per person, and each entry is good for all draws, or until you win.
Here's a breakdown of Ohio's lottery entry dates, drawing dates and when the winners will be announced:
| Enter By | Draw Date | Winners Announced* |
|---|---|---|
| June 6 at 11:59:59 PM EDT | June 7 | June 9 |
| June 13 at 11:59:59 PM EDT | June 14 | June 16 |
| June 20 at 11:59:59 PM EDT | June 21 | June 23 |
*Winners will be announced online and via local TV stations statewide at approximately 7:29 PM. If you've won, you'll be contacted using the information you provided on your entry.
Oregon
Oregon hopes to give its vaccination rates a shot in the arm with a $1 million lottery. Those who get at least one jab by June 27 are automatically entered via the state's vaccine database.
Only half of Oregonians residents have had at least one dose, and Gov. Kate Brown wants get 70% of adults innoculated to allow the state to reopen. "It's never been easier to get a vaccine, so don't miss your shot to enter," she said. Undocumented migrants are also eligible to win.
Washington
Washington State residents age 18 and above who have been vaccinated are automatically entered in the "Shot of a Lifetime" promotion, offering a top prize of $1 million. A winner will be randomly drawn on July 13.
The state, in partnership with the Washington Lottery, is also holding four drawings for the chance to win $250,000 every week over five weeks.
For kids age 12-17 who have received a shot, 100 Washington G.E.T. units are available to be won, with 15 winners drawn on June 15 and 22.
- Drawing 1: June 8 $250K winner contacted June 9. Merchandise winners contacted June 9-11
- Drawing 2: June 15. $250K winner contacted June 16. Merchandise winners contacted June 16-18
- Drawing 3: June 22. $250K winner contacted June 23. Merchandise winners contacted June 23-25
- Drawing 4: June 29. $250K winner contacted June 30. Merchandise winners contacted June 30-July 2
- Drawing 5: July 13. One winner of $1 million contacted July 14
Residents are automatically entered in the draws if they are in the Department of Health's Vaccine Database.
West Virginia
Gov. Jim Justice announced that all residents who have received a vaccine dose can enter a lottery with prizes including a college scholarship, a truck, and cash payouts.
Although the state had high vaccination rates in the early days of the program, takeup has since declined, a trend the lottery aims to reverse.
"We're going to do exactly what Ohio has already done, but we're going to make a few West Virginians millionaires before this is over," Justice stated.
The lottery is named for Justice's beloved bulldog, Babydog. Go to the Do it for Babydog site to register.
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