New York announces $5M lottery entry for those who get vaccinated
Maryland has also announced a $2 million prize pool for residents who have been vaccinated across the state.
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Get a shot in some New York locations between May 24 and 28 for a chance to win $5 million.
New Yorkers who get vaccinated between May 24 and May 28 at some locations across the state will be given a free lottery scratch-off ticket, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday. It's an effort to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19 as demand slows. As of Thursday, around 63% of adult New Yorkers have received one dose, and 54% are fully vaccinated, Cuomo said.
The ticket is for a $5 million lottery, and will be given to adults aged 18 and up who get their first dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Read more: Free beer, doughnuts and $1 million: 13 reasons to get your COVID-19 vaccine
Here's where you can get a free scratch-off lottery ticket in New York:
- Medgar Evers College - Carroll Building, Brooklyn
- Bay Eden Senior Center, Bronx
- Javits Center, New York City
- York College, New York City
- SUNY Stony Brook Innovation and Discovery Center, Long Island
- State Fair Expo Center: NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse
- New York National Guard Armory, Yonkers
- University at Buffalo South Campus, Buffalo
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Queensbury
- Rochester Dome Arena, Henrietta
Maryland also announced its $2 million VaxCash Promotion on Thursday, which will divide a $2 million prize pool among 41 residents who get vaccinated. Daily drawings will reward someone who's been vaccinated at any point in the state with $40,000, starting May 25 until July 4. On the Fourth of July, one person will win $400,000.
"Get your shot for a shot to win," said Gov. Larry Hogan.
The state of Ohio similarly kicked off a program through which every adult who's gotten at least one dose of the vaccine will be entered into a $1 million lottery. There will be five weekly drawings, with the first winners being announced on May 26. New Jersey, meanwhile, is giving away free beer to people who get vaccinated at participating breweries during May.