December 07, 2009 -- A cup of coffee from the Village Food Store on Scott Street in Meriden and a "Cashword" instant ticket purchase is part of Tony Marcantonio’s morning routine. And, on a recent weekend day, it paid off with a lucky $25,000 win.

For Marcantonio, the main attraction to buy a Cashword instant game is the crossword-puzzle style of play. Cashword is an “extended play” instant game; it takes more time to play than a standard ticket, and the prizes that can be won are built upon how many matches are made as the play is completed. Marcantonio noted that playing one Cashword instant ticket lasts almost as long as his morning coffee does, both are favorites in his day.

“Cashword and Bingo, an another extended play game, are among the CT Lottery’s most steady and popular instant games with consumers,” said CT Lottery Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Paul R. Sternburg. “Sales for Cashword and Bingo instant games are fairly steady throughout the year, but at the holiday time, especially, we see a rise in ticket sales for these games, in part because of their popularity for gift-giving.”

Marcantonio’s plans for his holiday season windfall were easily decided. “I’m going to upgrade everyone’s Christmas presents,” he announced. “And then, we’ve got a family wedding to go to in North Carolina later on.”

Marcantonio plans to continue buying his morning coffee and instant CT Lottery ticket, hoping to find more Cashword wins and enjoyment from his morning ritual.