News writer
The Maryland Lottery is giving players a chance to ring in 2027 as millionaires, and they won't have to wait until the New Year to start winning. The new Millionaire Raffle tickets go on sale starting November 2, offering two $1 million top prizes, eight weekly $10,000 drawings, and thousands of additional cash prizes. With only 300,000 tickets available, the holiday promotion gives players a limited opportunity to chase a seven-figure payday. Tickets cost $20 each, and the first winners of this holiday raffle will be announced just one week after sales begin.
Eight chances to win before the big finale
The excitement starts November 9, when the Maryland Lottery holds its first Early Bird Drawing. One lucky ticket will win $10,000, with another winner selected every Monday through December 28.
Each ticket purchased during a weekly sales period is automatically entered into that week's Early Bird Drawing. That means players don't have to register or take any additional steps to participate.
However, there's an important distinction: Each ticket is eligible for only one Early Bird Drawing, not all eight. The good news? Even if a ticket wins $10,000 early, it remains eligible for the January 4 finale. Players who claim an Early Bird prize will receive an exchange ticket that keeps their raffle number in the running for the final drawing.
More than $2 million up for grabs in January
The biggest celebration comes January 4, 2027, when the Maryland Lottery will award two $1 million prizes.
But those won't be the only winners. The final drawing will also feature:
- 10 prizes of $50,000.
- 500 prizes of $500.
- 1,700 prizes of $100.
Combined with the eight Early Bird winners, the raffle will award 2,220 prizes totaling $3 million.
Unlike traditional lottery games, players don't select numbers. Each ticket receives a unique six-digit number assigned sequentially, beginning with 000001.
Tickets are available at Maryland Lottery retailers, including self-service vending machines.
What are the odds of becoming a millionaire?
With two $1 million prizes and a maximum of 300,000 tickets, players have a 1 in 150,000 chance of winning $1 million.
That's considerably different from chasing a massive Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot, although the prizes are smaller and tickets cost more.
The limited supply also creates some urgency. Once all 300,000 tickets are sold, sales will end, even if the January deadline hasn't arrived. Players can purchase tickets through 1:55 a.m. January 4, provided tickets remain available.
One thing worth remembering: Tickets purchased after the December 28 Early Bird deadline are eligible only for the final drawing.
Don't forget to check your ticket
Winning numbers will be announced at 2 p.m. on each drawing day. All raffle tickets remain eligible for the January finale, so players should keep them safe even after their Early Bird drawing. After all, a $20 holiday purchase could turn into an unforgettable start to 2027.
Enjoy playing the Maryland Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
