On May 25, Maryland will hold its first $40,000 lottery drawing for people who have received a Covid-19 vaccination.
Tuesday will be the first of 40 consecutive days of drawings, each worth $40,000. The final drawing on July 4 will be for a $400,000 prize, bringing the campaign's total to $2m.
The $2m will be paid directly from the Lottery’s marketing budget and will not affect the lottery’s contribution to the Maryland General Fund.
The initiative was introduced by the Maryland Lottery, the Maryland Department of Health and Governor Larry Hogan (pictured) in a bid to encourage people to get vaccinated.
“Go out and get vaccinated to protect yourself, your family, your friends and your fellow Marylanders,” Hogan said. “And if you needed one more good reason, then go out and get vaccinated for your chance to win a share of this $2m.”
The drawings will be conducted by a computer program, which will randomly select a number that has been provided to the Lottery by the Maryland Department of Health.
In order to be included in a draw, participants must be 18 or older and have at least one shot of the vaccine; individuals will not be allowed to enter for a second time.
You must have received your vaccination from a state-run or partnered vaccine site in Maryland so if you received your vaccine at a federal site, you will not be allowed to enter.
The department of health will notify winners and then the Maryland Lottery will contact winners with instructions on how to claim their winnings.
“I am beyond proud of every single vaccinated Marylander who has stepped up to protect themselves and keep Maryland safe and healthy,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dennis Schrader. “We need every eligible Marylander vaccinated, and this lottery is a further incentive to get a life-saving vaccination to ensure we leave no arm behind in our fight to put this pandemic behind us.”
Maryland Lottery and Gaming director Gordon Medenica added: “Getting more people vaccinated is good for Maryland, and this is a promotion the Lottery is especially proud to be part of. And most importantly, putting Covid-19 in the rear-view mirror is great for Maryland’s businesses. We know everyone is eager for a fun-filled summer where the pandemic is a distant memory.”
