News writer
The New York Lottery is digging into history and handing out million-dollar dreams.
To mark a major milestone for one of the state's most iconic landmarks, a brand-new raffle is making waves with big prizes, clever canal-inspired twists, and the best odds to win $1 million in the Empire State.
So, what does a 200-year-old waterway have to do with your next lottery ticket?
New Million Dollar Raffle
The New York Lottery announced the launch of The Million Dollar Raffle, which is helping commemorate the Erie Canal's 200th anniversary. This new raffle game recognizes various aspects of Erie Canal history while also giving players the best odds to win $1 million of any available New York Lottery game.
For this new raffle game, tickets will be printed on demand and may be purchased at any licensed lottery retail location. The Million Dollar Raffle has a total of 2 million tickets available for purchase.
The tickets can be purchased from now through October 25, 2025, or until all of the tickets have been sold, whichever comes first.
An ode to the Erie Canal
While the raffle is helping to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal, lottery officials said the prize structure mirrors various aspects of the Canal. This includes references to the song, “15 Years on the Erie Canal.”
That prize structure is as follows:
- 15 $1 million top prizes.
- 15 $100,000 prizes.
- 15 $25,000 prizes.
- 5,460 $200 prizes (the Canal is turning 200 years old this year).
- The overall odds of winning a prize: 1 in 363 (the Canal was originally 363 miles long).
In addition, the drawing will take place on October 26, 2025. This just happens to be the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal.
More details on tickets
The Million Dollar Raffle tickets will cost $20 each. They can be purchased at any licensed lottery retailer by either asking the store clerk for a raffle ticket or by using the lottery self-service vending machine.
When printed, the raffle ticket will contain a unique number. The first ticket sold will be numbered 2 million and will count down with each ticket sold. If all of the tickets are sold between now and the drawing, lottery officials said New York's public schools will see $21.03 million in aid to education from this raffle. New York State Gaming Commission Chair Brian O'Dwyer stated:
With dozens of winners and the best odds of any New York Lottery game, this raffle is an exciting contribution to Governor Hochul's recognition of the Erie Canal's 200th anniversary.
Brian U. Stratton, Canal Corporation Director and Co-Chair of the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission, added:
The Erie Canal is a New York State and national treasure, and we could not be more thrilled that the Gaming Commission and Division of the Lottery has fully embraced the energy and spirit of the Bicentennial with the launch of this highly creative and inspiring game.
Enjoy playing the New York Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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