DENVER — In Colorado, getting your COVID-19 vaccine now gives you a shot at becoming a millionaire.
Governor Jared Polis announced May 25 that Colorado, in a partnership between the Colorado Lottery and CDPHE, will randomly award $1 million to five vaccinated Coloradans ages 18 and up.
“May the odds be ever in your favor, Colorado,” Polis said. “Rather than gamble on getting COVID, let’s take a chance on winning a million dollars. That’s a good risk, not a bad risk.”
In order to be eligible for all five of the million-dollar drawings, dubbed "Colorado Comeback Cash," individuals must receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by June 1. The first drawing is scheduled for Friday, June 4.
The other drawings will be:
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
- July 7
Close to 3 million Coloradans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Polis estimated the odds of winning the $1 million in any of the five drawings is about 1 in 500,000.
On Wednesday, June 2, Polis announced incentives for Colorado's vaccinated teens: 25 randomly selected Coloradans between 12 and 17 years old will win a $50,000 scholarship for a college education. The money will be deposited into a 529 savings plan.
Five winners will be announced each week, starting June 11. The final five winners will be announced Friday, July 9.
Polis said the scholarship can be used at any university in any state, private or public. The money can also be used for technical colleges and credential programs, the governor said.
According to Polis, about one quarter of Colorado's 12-17 year-old population is vaccinated against COVID-19.