CONNECTICUT — A new Connecticut Lottery scratch game featuring Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza and Modern Apizza launches statewide Oct. 6.
And there is plenty of extra cheese for a top prize.
The Connecticut Lottery is celebrating National Pizza Month with a new limited-run scratch game highlighting three iconic New Haven pizzerias.
The $5 "Connecticut Apizza" ticket features Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza and Modern Apizza, with a top prize of $50,000. The game was previewed in New Haven Friday before its statewide launch on Oct. 6.
The ticket features photographs of actual pizzas from the three restaurants. Sally's pizzas appear in the top row of the play area, Modern's in the middle and Pepe's in the bottom row.
The game includes 15 chances to win in the main play area and a "Bonus Slice" feature that awards $100 when a pizza cutter symbol is revealed.
The Connecticut Lottery staged a ceremonial first scratch Friday beneath the Wooster Street Archway at the corner of Wooster Street and DePalma Court.
Tickets will be sold exclusively from noon to 4 p.m. Friday at Sally's and Modern's New Haven locations, with promotional giveaways while supplies last. Starting at 11 a.m., Frank Pepe's will give one ticket to each of its first 100 eligible customers at its New Haven location. Tickets will not be sold at Pepe's during the promotion.
The lottery said the game celebrates the New Haven tradition of "apizza," pronounced "ah-beetz," which developed from the city's Italian-American community.
"Few things inspire as much pride, and as much friendly debate, in Connecticut as apizza," Connecticut Lottery President and CEO Frank Suarez said. "We're proud to partner with Pepe's, Sally's, and Modern to celebrate this uniquely Connecticut tradition in a fun new way."
Jennifer Kelly-Bimonte, granddaughter of Frank Pepe and co-owner of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, said the family was pleased to see apizza recognized statewide.
Christian Bonaventura, brand adviser for Sally's Apizza, said the restaurant was honored to be included in the project.
"Apizza is such an important part of Connecticut's identity," Bonaventura said.
Pustari said the lottery ticket recognizes New Haven's pizza culture. Modern Apizza received the most votes in CTVisit's 2025 public poll to select pizzerias for the Connecticut Pizza Trail.
The "Connecticut Apizza" game will be available at Connecticut Lottery retailers statewide beginning Oct. 6.
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