Lottery News

Winner says he’ll take an early retirement and care for his family.

WALLINGFORD, Conn. — June 10, 2025 — He came to purchase some lottery tickets and left a scratch game top prize winner. 

Keith Staschke of Guilford says he’s been a regular player of the CT Lottery since the moment he turned 18. He describes the experience as fun and enjoys the variety of games offered. On a recent visit to the Guilford Xtra Mart on Boston Post Road, Keith says he purchased a few games including a “$500,000 CA$HWORD 2nd Edition” scratch ticket. He says he’s drawn to the crossword-style games because they’re more engaging and offer a longer play experience. 

After scratching the first puzzles, he thought his luck had run out—until he reached the bottom of the ticket. He scratched and revealed 10 complete words on the last puzzle and realized he had won the game’s top prize of $500,000. 

“The first thought I had was retirement… pushing that up by a few months,” said the winning player. “I’m definitely a happy guy—and I’ve got a happy wife too!” 

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

“$500,000 CA$HWORD 2nd Edition” is a new release from the CT Lottery and Keith is its first winner. There are still two other top prize tickets out there waiting to be found. 

Congratulations to Keith—we wish him all the best in his early retirement! 

Overall odds of $500,000 CA$HWORD 2nd Edition 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. 

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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 ccpg.org. 

To learn more, visit any CT Lottery retailer, go to ctlottery.org, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (@ctlottery), or call (860) 713-2700. You can also download our apps here.