New York Lottery Launches Million Dollar Raffle as part of the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial Inbox
Canal-themed raffle tickets on sale August 4; Draw date October 26
The New York Lottery is helping commemorate the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary with a new raffle game that recognizes various aspects of Erie Canal history and offers the best odds to win $1 million of any available New York Lottery game. Tickets are printed on demand and may be purchased at any licensed lottery retail location.
The Million Dollar Raffle, which totals 2 million tickets, is available for a limited time. Tickets will be available through October 25, 2025 or until all tickets are sold, whichever is first. The prize structure mirrors various aspects of the Canal, including references to the song “15 Years on the Erie Canal”:
- 15 $1 million top prizes
- 15 $100,000 prizes
- 15 $25,000 prizes
- 5,460 $200 prizes (the Canal turns 200 years old this year)
- Overall odds of winning a prize: 1 in 363 (the Canal was originally 363 miles)
Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased at any licensed lottery retail location by simply asking the store clerk for a raffle ticket or purchasing from a lottery self-service vending machine. Each raffle ticket contains a unique number. The first ticket sold will be numbered two million (2000000) and will count down with each ticket sold.
The drawing will take place on October 26, 2025 – the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal. If all tickets are sold between now and the drawing, New York’s public schools will see $21,032,000 in aid to education just from this raffle.
The New York Lottery, with its advertising partner McCann Worldwide, filmed advertising spots on-location at Erie Canal Camillus Park on the Old Erie Canal in Onondaga County. The :30 spot is available online.
“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,” said New York State Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer. “This commemoration of Empire State’s history is a chance for some lucky New Yorkers to make history of their own, as the New York Lottery continues to find exciting and responsible ways to showcase our state while raising significant revenue for our public schools.”
“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,” said Brian U. Stratton, Canal Corporation Director and Co-Chair of the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission. “By bringing the history, excitement, and majesty of the Erie Canal alive through the Erie Canal Million Dollar Raffle, New York is providing exceptional odds for Lottery players and generating needed revenue for our public schools.”
To stay informed of Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission activities and events, please visit www.canals.ny.gov.
The New York Lottery continues to be North America's largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.6 billion in fiscal year 2024-2025 to benefit public schools in New York State.
New Yorkers struggling with a gambling addiction, or who know someone who is, can find help at NYProblemGamblingHelp.org, by calling New York's toll-free confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), or texting HOPENY (467369).
https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/mediacontact/public/view.cfm?parm=94D0D0E3-CF42-1D0E-8308B09835C04AF5_933D1DC4-5056-9D6B-8021A9B2BDA091D1