The JAWS brand lends itself to some amazing experiential opportunities. From local events at lottery offices to summer bashes and beach getaways, there are many opportunities for lotteries to customize their JAWS experiences with support from Pollard Banknote.
Did you know that, while JAWS famously took place in the fictional town of Amity Island, New York, it was actually filmed throughout Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts? Following the movie’s release, tourism on Martha’s Vineyard surged, and the island has since become affectionately known as “JAWS Island”. Even today, fans continue to visit the iconic locations featured in the film, keeping its legacy alive.
Your players could win their way to “JAWS Island” with experiential prizing from Pollard Banknote. Two lotteries have already launched their JAWS tickets with customized second chance promotional giveaway trips to Martha’s Vineyard, and with more experiential launches on the horizon, it’s clear everyone will need a bigger boat to get their players to JAWS Island.
Massachusetts Lottery – Setting the Scene for the Ultimate Fan Getaway
Given that JAWS was filmed in the state, it was a natural fit for the Massachusetts Lottery to be the first in the U.S. to launch a JAWS-themed scratch ticket. And its success was clear as JAWS continues to remain one of the Massachusetts Lottery’s top-selling games at the $10 price point.
To amplify the excitement, the lottery introduced a second-chance promotion offering an exclusive trip to Martha’s Vineyard. The promotion awarded thirty lucky winners a three-night stay on Martha’s Vineyard—and one swam away with a $1,000,000 prize! Massachusetts Lottery partnered with Pollard Banknote to offer this unique once-in-a-lifetime experiential trip, with Pollard Banknote selecting Atlas Experiences to assist in fulfilling the program.
The winners stayed at the legendary Harbor View Hotel, famously known for hosting the cast and crew during the original filming of JAWS. Every detail of their getaway was steeped in JAWS nostalgia—from a shark-themed welcome drink at the reception and playful photo opportunities to a curated welcome gift packed with JAWS merchandise.
Their itinerary featured a private guided tour of iconic filming locations across Martha’s Vineyard, an exclusive screening of the movie, and a game show night decked out in full JAWS décor—creating an immersive experience that brought the blockbuster to life at every turn.
Vermont Lottery – Celebrating 50 Years of JAWS With an Unforgettable Experience
The JAWS 50th anniversary took place in the summer of 2025, which gave the Vermont Lottery the perfect opportunity to celebrate the “summer of JAWS” with the launch of their $5 ticket. To amplify the excitement, the lottery introduced a second chance promotion offering an exclusive trip to Martha’s Vineyard in partnership with Pollard Banknote. The second chance promotion delivered impressive results, achieving an average engagement rate of 25% across the lottery’s two draws—nearly double the industry standard—highlighting the appeal of the experiential prize offering.
Two lucky winners—each accompanied by a guest—will have the flexibility to travel anytime during Martha’s Vineyard’s peak season in 2026. Similar to the Massachusetts Lottery promotion, the winners will visit iconic filming locations from the legendary movie and stay at the Harbor View Hotel, famously known as the summer home of the original cast and crew.
Jump into the Water With JAWS
Want to see how JAWS is making a splash in the market? Click here.
Ready to learn how your lottery can reel in success with this blockbuster brand? Contact the Pollard Banknote Licensed Games team, licensedgames@pbl.ca.