DENVER (KDVR) — Update (May 25, 1 p.m.): Gov. Polis just announced a drawing where five Coloradans who have received at least one dose of the vaccine will win $1 million each.
Read more about Colorado Comeback Cash here.
Original (May 21, 9 p.m.): FOX31 has learned Colorado plans to announce a $1 million lottery drawing as an incentive for more people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
The state is still working on the details, such as when the drawings will be held and how people will be able to enter. But we’re told there will be a few prizes worth $1,000 each and a grand prize for $1 million.
People who are currently getting vaccinated and those who have already received their shots will be eligible.
A spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis did not deny details of the $1 million lottery and told FOX31, “Colorado is currently considering a variety of options to encourage more people to get vaccinated. Additionally, Colorado is closely following what other states are doing to encourage vaccinations, including Maryland and Ohio’s statewide lotteries for vaccinated residents. Colorado has provided a few incentives to vaccinated individuals already, including partnerships with radio stations that give out free state park passes.”
But on his personal Twitter account Thursday, Polis responded to a question about a vaccine lottery in Colorado by tweeting, “Stay tuned.”
If every Coloradan were to get vaccinated and enter — which is not possible, because children under 12 are not eligible — the odds of winning the $1 million prize in this lottery are about 50 times better than winning the Powerball jackpot.
It appears Colorado will follow Ohio, Oregon, New York and Maryland in creating a lottery drawing to incentivize more people to get the vaccine.
The state is still finalizing the details of the lottery. FOX31 will update this story as more information becomes available.