How would you like “a shot” at winning one million dollars? Well, thanks to Colorado’s new vaccination incentive program, that’s all it takes — one shot. (Okay, one shot for some and two shots for others, but you get the point.) Following in the footsteps of other states, Colorado has announced a lottery for those vaccinated against Covid-19.
If you’re vaccinated, you’re automatically entered to win a big chunk of change through Colorado Comeback Cash. Drawings for $1 million will be held each week for five weeks, beginning next week and ending with the final announcement on July 7. That’s five chances to win big!
The winner of each drawing will be announced on June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25 and July 7.
Here’s how it works:
The Colorado Lottery will conduct a random weekly drawing on behalf of the Colorado Department of Health & Environment to identify one vaccinated Colorado resident each week to win a million-dollar cash prize.
All Colorado residents age 18 and older who have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine are automatically entered into the drawing.
The drawing will be based on the vaccine records contained in the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) at 11:59:59 p.m. MST the Tuesday night before the drawing.
It can take a few days for information to be entered into CIIS, so you should try to get vaccinated as far in advance of the drawing as possible.
The last day to qualify is Wednesday, June 30.
Here are some FAQs about the giveaway from the site:
Where is the Colorado Comeback Cash money coming from?
The purpose of the promotion is to incentivize Colorado residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine and the prize money is being paid for with federal funds given to the state of Colorado to increase vaccine uptake.
Are already vaccinated individuals eligible to enter the drawing?
Yes. People who were vaccinated prior to the launch of Colorado Comeback Cash will automatically be entered into the drawing if their records are contained in the Colorado Immunization Information System.
How old do you have to be to be eligible?
You must be 18 years of age or older to be eligible for the drawing. We are looking to begin a scholarship contest for Coloradans ages 12-17 soon.
Do you have to be a Colorado state resident to participate in the drawing?
Yes, you must be a living resident of the state of Colorado.
How will I be notified if I’ve won?
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will contact you to request use of your information for the purposes of verifying your eligibility to win the prize. All enrolled COVID-19 vaccine providers are required to report administered COVID-19 doses to the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS), including demographic information about vaccine recipients. CDPHE will use multiple methods to reach potential winners based on contact information found within their CIIS record, including phone and email. However, all potential winners will be subject to a process to verify eligibility prior to receiving a prize.
By what date do people have to be vaccinated to be eligible?
It can take a few days for information to be entered into the CIIS, so you should try to get vaccinated as far in advance of the drawing as possible. The last day to qualify is June 30 for the July 7 drawing.
Is my personal immunization information safe?
Yes. The Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) maintains the records and personal data of those who have had COVID-19 vaccinations administered in Colorado within the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS), a confidential, population-based, secure computerized system.
Can I remain anonymous if I win?
No. In order to be eligible to win, you must agree to the release of your identity to the public. The purpose of the campaign is to encourage everyone to get vaccinated.
If I had more than one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, do I have more than one chance to win?
No. The number of vaccine doses you have received will not impact your chances of winning.
If I had only one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, can I win?
Yes. You are eligible to win.
Can I win more than once?
No. Each person is only eligible to win once.
Can I decline the prize if my number is drawn?
Yes. You may decline the prize when you are contacted by CDPHE and an alternate winner will be selected.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
Yes. All applicable state and federal taxes must be paid.
To review the official rules, click here.