Ohio announces first $1 million vaccine lottery winners

The Ohio Lottery’s Cash Explosion TV show on Wednesday night announced the first winners of the state’s Vax-a-Million campaign to increase the number of COVID-19 inoculations in the state, AP reports.

By the numbers: Over 2.7 million adults signed up for the $1 million prize and more than 104,000 teens between the ages of 12 and 17 signed up to enter the drawing for the college scholarship, AP notes.

The state of play: Abbigail Bugenske from Hamilton County won the first $1 million prize. Joseph Costello from Montgomery County won the college scholarship prize, which includes four years of tuition.

What they’re saying: “We’re excited that this has inspired so many Ohioans to get vaccinated, and we’re thrilled to announce the winners of the first round of drawings,” said Gov. Mike DeWine (R), per AP.

What’s next: The lottery will continue for four more weeks and winner will be announced every Wednesday.

*story by Axios