It’s a joint-effort with the Maryland Department of Health and State Lottery.
Annapolis, MD (KM) “Get your shot for a shot to win” was the message at Governor Larry Hogan’s news conference on Thursday.
“Beginning next Tuesday, May 25th, the Maryland Lottery will randomly select and award a $40,000 dollar prize each and every day to a vaccinated Marylander,” said Governor Hogan. “All you have to do is get vaccinated for COVID-19 here in Maryland, be a Maryland resident, and be 18 or older.”
Hogan said the daily $40,000 dollar drawings will take place until July 3rd, 2021. He also said those who have already been vaccinated still have their chance to win a piece of the $2 million dollar promotion.
“Anyone 18 and older who has 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,” he said.
Hogan said this “Vax-To-Win” promotion is an effort to encourage all Marylanders to get vaccinated.
“If you have not been vaccinated yet, the sooner you do so, the sooner you get your shot, the more lottery drawings you will be eligible for,” said Hogan. “All winners will be notified by the Maryland Department of Health, and all funding is being provided from the Maryland Lottery’s marketing fund.”
Hogan said the winners will be asked to go public when they accept their prize. But lottery winners can remain anonymous in Maryland.
The Maryland Lottery will not have access to personal data from the Department of Health.
Lottery Director Gordon Medenica said everyone wins in this scenario.
“This, not only encourages new people to get vaccinated and to get into the drawings, but it also rewards those good Marylanders who have already gotten their vaccinations and can continue to also benefit from this very, very fun promotion,” he said.
Hogan said on the Fourth of July, one lucky vaccinated Marylander will be awarded a $400,000 dollar prize.
He said so far, more than five million vaccinations have been administered by the Maryland Health Department.
More information can be found at: www.mdlottery.com.
By Kevin McManus