(AP) – Lance is the first lucky winner in the state’s “Shot of a Lifetime” sweepstakes.
He stepped forward to claim his $250,000 prize Thursday.
The Washington State Lottery said the winner only wanted to be identified as Lance R. and didn’t make any media appearances.
But in a statement he said he “got lucky” twice – first by not contracting COVID-19 and then by winning the $250,000 jackpot.
He encourages others to get vaccinated not only to have a chance at winning money, but to protect the community.
There will be three more weekly drawings for $250,000, and one vaccinated state resident will win a $1 million grand prize.
Hundreds of other prizes including event tickets, gaming system and gift cards are also being given away.
That could be you if you’ve received at least one COVID-19 vaccination and are in the state Department of Health vaccine database.