NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo is giving New Yorkers a chance to win some big bucks if they get vaccinated.
Those who get their shot at one of the 10 state-run mass vaccination sites between May 24 and May 28 will get a $5 Million Mega Multiplier ticket from New York State Lottery.
Cuomo is calling the pilot program "Vax & Scratch."
The grand prize is $5 million, but there are a number of cash prizes that go down to $20.
"It is a situation where everybody wins," Cuomo said.
"You have a 1 in 9 chance of winning the lottery, but you get the vaccine and you win, because if you get the vaccine then this goes away," the governor said, as he held up his face mask. "If you are vaccinated there are more opportunities for you, you're going to see venues opening up with vaccinated sections and unvaccinated sections and you're going to have more a chance to participate in activities and resume life if you are vaccinated."
The value of the ticket is $20.
"If you had to buy the ticket it's $20, so in essence, get a vaccination and you get a free $20 scratch off ticket for the multiplier game 100% free," Cuomo said.
Other states, including Ohio, have launched similar lottery-type incentives.
The governor also announced that seven New York airports will set up pop-up vaccination centers next week for all U.S. residents arriving or departing, as well as workers.
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