Vaccine Lottery Launched In Illinois, $10 Million Up For Grabs

ILLINOIS — Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday the much-anticipated start of a vaccine lottery open to almost all Illinois residents who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. Prizes will range from $100,000 to $1 million out of a total of $10 million, including scholarships.

The money is part of the state's recently approved $42 billion budget. Starting July 8, health officials will conduct weekly drawings for prizes. Those who wish to be entered into the first drawing must have gotten one dose by July 1.

The prizes will be split up into two categories: Cash prizes for adults and scholarship money for eligible children. Three adult participants will receive $1 million, 40 adults will get $100,000, and 20 children could win a Bright Start college scholarship worth $150,000.

Since the federal government can't provide the state with personal health information, the lottery is not open to those who got vaccinated at a federal facility such as a prison or veterans affairs office.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi O. Ezike said that, while the state doesn't want to give up on anybody, it's unlikely the entire population will get vaccinated for a number of reasons.

"But there are many people we call the 'Moveable Middle' where they just need a nudge," Ezike said at a news conference on Chicago's South Side. "The chance to win $100,000 or a million [dollars] or a college scholarship for their child is just that nudge to get them off their seat and get the vaccine."

Any resident who has received at least one dose at any time is automatically eligible via a state database. Lottery winners can choose not to be identified. Participants will not be limited to those who only recently got the vaccine.

More details are available at allin.illinois.gov.