$1 Million Vaccine Giveaway Changes: What You Need To Know

OHIO — Residents will now have to opt-into the Vax-a-Million giveaway, which will award five $1 million prizes to vaccinated Ohioans.

When the giveaways were first announced, Gov. Mike DeWine said lottery officials would use Ohio's voter rolls to create a pool of eligible winners. On Monday, that policy changed.

Ohioans who want to win $1 million for being vaccinated will now need to opt into the state's Vax-a-Million program. This will allow Ohio Department of Health officials to more easily verify an individual's vaccination record. By opting into the giveaway, Ohioans are also granting the health department the right to review their vaccination records.

The opt-in registration website will open Tuesday. Ohio Lottery Director Pat McDonald said the organization's website is safe, secure and able to handle the impending surge in traffic. Should Ohioans be unable to register via the website, they can also call the state health department at 1-833-4-ASKODH.

Once you're registered, you'll remain in the pool of eligible winners until you win a prize or the lotteries end.

The first drawing will take place May 24 and the winner will be announced May 26.

Here are seven additional things to know about the Vax-a-Million program:

• Anyone who has been vaccinated, at any time, and is an Ohio resident is eligible for the program.
• Prizes will be paid out in a lump sum.
• Winners must be willing to have their names announced publicly.
• Prizes will be taxed and an IRS 1099 form will be issued with winnings.
• Resident status will be determined using voter eligibility and driver's license requirements; namely, you must have lived in Ohio for at least 30 days prior to the lottery. According to the Ohio BMV, "you are considered an Ohio resident once you: take a job, sign a lease, buy a home or enroll children in school."
• There will be a two-day gap between drawings and public announcements, giving officials time to verify vaccination records.
• If a winner is drawn who has not been vaccinated, an alternate winner will be selected. The process will continue until a vaccinated winner is selected.