Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced a statewide vaccine lottery for all residents who get their COVID-19 vaccination by July 1.
The program, called “All In For The Win,” will dole out $10 million in various drawings. The announcement during a news conference on Thursday comes as 70% of Illinoisans have received at least one dose.
Pritzker said in a statement:
“All In For The Win is yet another way we’re working to ensure every single resident is protected from COVID-19, and especially, this virus’s more dangerous variants.
“Vaccines are incredibly effective and keep you protected — and they also make your community safer. Getting the shot is how we truly end this thing, so vax up, Illinois. If you do, you might even hit the jackpot.”
As for the details, there will be 43 cash prizes and 20 scholarship drawings. The first drawings will happen on July 8. That day, a $1 million cash winner and three $150,000 scholarship winners will be selected.
Then, weekly $100,000 in cash drawings will take place. On Aug. 26, there will be a “grand finale,” where $2 million in cash prizes will be drawn.
If you’ve received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by July 1, you will be automatically enrolled in the vaccine lottery. Pritzker also said that regional lotteries will be set up so that people from every part of the state are included.
Illinois is following many other states’ lead in setting up a vaccine lottery program. Ohio, one of the pioneers, has seen vaccination rates rise after implementing its lottery program.
Get a free drink with your proof of vaccine in Illinois
Pritzker also signed SB 104, which includes an incentive to allow vaccinated people to receive a free drink at participating bars and restaurants.
Pritzker said of the new policy:
“Not only will the vaccine protect you from getting sick — your free COVID-19 shot can now get you a free shot of your choosing or whatever drink suits your palate. I’m pleased to sign this legislation into law to offer our hardest-hit businesses another lifeline as we recover from the pandemic.”
The government will subsidize the program.
Vaccinations have allowed casinos, stadiums to fully reopen
All things considered, Illinois is effectively back to normal.
The state’s casinos are all able to open at 100% capacity. For most of the pandemic, they were either closed or operating at limited capacity.
And of course, we all remember the sporting events played without fans. In 2020, the Cubs, White Sox and Bears all played their seasons sans spectators.
Now, Wrigley Field is open at full capacity, while Guaranteed Rate Field will follow suit for its next home stand. And the Chicago Bears recently announced that they plan to host fans at full capacity for the 2021 season (among other things).
The statewide COVID-19 positivity rate dipped below 1% from June 9-16.
