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 2024, lottery players won more than $1.1 billion in prizes, and retailers earned more than $85 million in commissions. CLC also contributed $387 million to the state’s General Fund, supporting vital services including public health, libraries, public safety, and education. Since its inception in 1972, CLC has contributed more than $11 billion to the General Fund.
Players must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets, and at least 21 to place sports wagers. For help with a gambling problem, call 888-789-7777 or visit
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