RETIRED FIREFIGHTER AND 9/11 FIRST RESPONDER WINS TOP PRIZE PLAYING CT LOTTERY’S ‘$500,000 CA$HWORD’

WALLINGFORD, Conn. — May 5, 2025 — The ‘V’ on the scratch ticket spelled $500,000.

Patrick Gordiski and his wife were planning a much-needed vacation when the couple decided to buy a few CT Lottery scratch tickets for fun. After a few tries, Patrick played the CT Lottery’s “$500,000 CA$HWORD,” in which players scratch off a crossword-style puzzle to reveal potential prizes.

As Patrick played and revealed more winning letters and words, he said he thought to himself, “Wouldn’t it be nice to get a V?”

He got the V, and as it turned out, that letter would spell another word for Patrick: victory. He had just won the game’s final top prize of $500,000.

The winning ticket was purchased at Byram Smoke Shop on Mill Street in Greenwich.

For selling the winning ticket, Byram Smoke Shop will receive a $5,000 bonus—one of the many benefits of being a CT Lottery retail partner.

Patrick is a regular CT Lottery player and recently retired from the Greenwich Fire Department after 50 years of service. He is also a 9/11 first responder who spent days in New York City assisting in the response at Ground Zero.

The Greenwich couple’s son is also a firefighter with the Greenwich Fire Department.

Congratulations to the entire Gordiski family and thank you for your service to our community!

Overall odds of “$500,000 CA$HWORD” are 1 in 2.78. Purchasers must be 18 or older. Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org.

About the Connecticut Lottery Corporation

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) is a quasi-public state agency committed to generating revenue for Connecticut in accordance with the highest standards of public policy and social responsibility.

In fiscal year 2025, CLC awarded more than $1.3 billion in prizes, paid $81.9 million in commissions and incentives to its network of more than 2,800 retail partners, and contributed approximately $362 million to the state’s General Fund. Through the General Fund, CT lottery dollars support services and programs that benefit Connecticut residents and communities, including education, public health, public safety, and libraries.

Since 1972, the Lottery has contributed nearly $12 billion for the State of Connecticut.

Lottery purchases are limited to adults age 18 or older. Players must be at least 21 to place sports wagers.Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org.