Maryland Lottery offers $4,000 per piece for scratch-off designs

What makes Maryland special? The rolling hills of Western Maryland? The iconic blue crab? The historic charm of Annapolis?

The Maryland Lottery wants to celebrate these treasures. They're asking artists to capture what makes the Old Line State unique. Three winning designs will earn $4,000 each and appear on 2026 scratch-off tickets.

Your art could reach 4,300 retail locations

The Maryland Treasures Scratch-Off contest is open now. Artists have until August 15, 2025, to submit their work. The winning pieces will appear on tickets sold at retail locations across Maryland starting in March 2026.

This contest aims to showcase Maryland's identity to millions of players. The winner's artwork could become part of Maryland's cultural fabric.

What judges are looking for

A panel will review all entries. They'll select three pieces that best capture the "Maryland Treasures" theme. The same artist could win multiple times if their work stands out.

The judges will focus on two key areas:

• How well the artwork reflects Maryland's essence.
• Creativity and execution quality.

The technical requirements matter

Artists must submit square JPG files. The artwork needs to be vertical and scalable to a 4-inch by 4-inch ticket.

The Maryland Lottery provides templates for reference. Don't include any overlays or text from these templates in your submission. Winners will receive exact specifications after selection. The printing process ensures your artwork remains visible even after players scratch the latex covering.

Who can enter?

Maryland residents aged 18 and older can submit up to five entries. The artwork must be original and created by a single artist. No AI-generated content allowed.

The subject matter rules are straightforward:

• Celebrate Maryland's history, landmarks, or culture.
• No portraits of people.
• No political or religious messages.
• No copyrighted material.
• No content aimed at children.
• No offensive material or nudity.

Why this matters for Maryland artists

This contest offers more than prize money. It's a chance to share your vision of Maryland with the entire state. Your work could inspire pride in fellow Marylanders and introduce visitors to what makes this place special.

The Maryland Lottery operates at nearly 4,300 locations. That's significant exposure for any artist. Plus, winners will be featured in additional marketing materials.

Ready to submit?

The process is simple. Click the submission link on the Maryland Lottery website and follow the instructions.

Will your artwork capture the spirit of Maryland? From the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains, this state offers endless inspiration. The question is: what Maryland treasure will you choose to celebrate?