Connecticut Lottery Launched Pizza Scratch-Off Game
The $5 ticket celebrates New Haven-style pizza ahead of a statewide launch this coming Tuesday.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Italian Food
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The Connecticut Lottery has introduced a new scratch-off game featuring iconic New Haven pizza brands. The game was unveiled during a ceremonial event on Wooster Street to honor National Pizza Month.
Why it matters
This lottery game celebrates the cultural significance of Connecticut's signature pizza style during National Pizza Month. By featuring historic local restaurants, the ticket aims to connect state gaming with a specific regional culinary identity.
The scratch-off tickets cost $5 each and offer a maximum payout of $50,000. Players can find tickets featuring imagery from Frank Pepe's, Sally's Apizza, and Modern Apizza.
The players
Connecticut Lottery
This is the state-run agency responsible for managing and regulating all lottery games and scratch-off ticket production within Connecticut.
Frank Pepe's
This is a historic New Haven pizzeria known for its coal-fired oven crust and status as an originator of the local style.
Sally's Apizza
This is a long-standing New Haven institution that is widely recognized for its contributions to the city's unique pizza landscape.
Modern Apizza
This is one of the foundational pizza establishments in New Haven that serves as a landmark for local culinary heritage.
The details
The tickets were initially available for purchase at select New Haven pizza locations on Wooster Street. The launch includes imagery from three of the city's most famous pizzerias to highlight their contribution to local food culture.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: Ceremonial first scratch and advance ticket sales took place.
October 6, 2026: The scratch-off game will launch statewide.
Culture Shift
The integration of local culinary landmarks into state-sponsored gaming reflects a growing trend of using regional nostalgia to drive consumer engagement. This move shifts the perception of the lottery from a standard gambling product to a piece of regional memorabilia.
Residents can purchase the $5 tickets at retailers statewide starting Tuesday. Fans of the featured pizzerias may treat these tickets as collectibles due to the specific branding of the three New Haven restaurants.
The takeaway
This lottery game provides a unique way to celebrate local food history through small-scale gaming. Interested participants should check official retail locations across the state to purchase tickets beginning next week.
Further reading
Learn more about the culinary landscape by visiting our Italian Food section.
Live Poll
Do you support the use of local food brands in state-run lottery games?
