Culpeper, Virginia, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Barbara Ann Geris from Culpeper, Virginia turned a birthday gift into a life-altering sum after winning a $100,000 jackpot. Initially, she won $5 with a birthday scratch-off ticket and decided to buy another scratch-off ticket, which led her to the massive win. This was the first $100,000 jackpot in the newly launched 10X The Money game, offering high jackpot prizes.
Culpeper Woman Wins $100,000 Lottery Prize After Birthday Ticket Earns Her Initial $5
Culpeper, Virginia, is the scene of an unexpected lottery breakthrough involving a local resident who turned a modest gift into a life-changing sum. Barbara Ann Geris became the latest winner of a $100,000 jackpot after playing a scratch-off game that her friend gifted her for her birthday.
Initial Win Leads to Life-Changing Jackpot
Geris received a birthday scratch-off ticket as a gift, which initially yielded her a small prize of $5. Encouraged by her winnings, she decided to purchase another scratch-off, this time a 10X The Money game, at a Walmart store in Manassas. While riding home with her friend, she scratched the new ticket and discovered she had won a $100,000 jackpot.
Details of the Big Win
The Virginia Lottery confirmed that this was the first $100,000 jackpot awarded in the 10X The Money scratch-off game, which had debuted in June 2023. The odds of winning one of the game’s three top prizes were approximately 1 in 1,142,400.
Reactions and Public Attention
Geris’s discovery of her large win prompted an enthusiastic reaction, with reports indicating she yelled, “Stop the car! Stop the car!” when she realized her good fortune. Her story is one of the rare occasions where a modest initial gift lottery ticket led to a substantial prize.
About the Lottery Game
The 10X The Money game is part of Virginia Lottery’s recent offerings to players, giving multiple chances to win large prizes. Since its launch in mid-2023, it has attracted attention because of its relatively high jackpot prizes compared to the odds.
Context and Additional Information
Culpeper, Virginia, where Geris lives, is situated approximately 70 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. It is known for its small-town charm and is typical of many communities where lottery tickets are a common pastime.
Gambling Considerations
While many participate in lottery games responsibly, experts warn that gambling can pose risks for some individuals, including addiction. Such addiction can negatively impact lives and families. Individuals who are concerned about gambling problems are encouraged to seek assistance through available resources like the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Virginia Lottery Winner Charity Donation
- West Virginia Powerball Winner
- National Lottery News
- Virginia Lottery Winner’s First Purchase
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
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