Culpeper, Virginia, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Barbara Ann Geris from Culpeper, Virginia has won a remarkable $100,000 prize in the Virginia Lottery’s scratch-off game, 10X The Money. This first-ever top-tier jackpot win came unexpectedly after she started with a $5 initial prize from a birthday gift lottery ticket. Her journey illustrates how luck can transform a simple celebration into a life-changing opportunity.
Culpeper Woman Wins $100,000 Lottery Jackpot After Birthday Ticket Earns Her Initial $5
Culpeper, Virginia – A local woman has won a $100,000 prize in the Virginia Lottery’s 10X The Money scratch-off game, marking the game’s first-ever top-tier jackpot winner. The remarkable story began with a birthday gift, leading to an extraordinary payout that captured the attention of the community and lottery officials alike.
Initial Purchase and First Win
The winner, Barbara Ann Geris, received a lottery ticket as a birthday present from a friend. Her initial scratch on the ticket resulted in a modest $5 prize, a common small win in scratch-off games. Encouraged by her luck, Geris took the $5 prize and used it to purchase another scratch-off ticket at a Walmart location in Manassas, Virginia.
Surprising Turn of Events
While her friend was driving her home, Geris decided to scratch the newly bought ticket. It was at that moment she discovered she had won a $100,000 jackpot—an extremely rare and significant prize. The realization of her huge win prompted her to yell out in excitement, asking her friend to “stop the car!“—a quick reaction to the shocking news.
Details of the Game and Odds
The 10X The Money scratch-off game was launched in June 2023 and has quickly become popular among players. The game offers three top prizes of $100,000 each, with the odds of winning one of these top prizes standing at approximately 1 in 1,142,400. Geris’ jackpot is notable as the first in the game’s history to be claimed.
About the Location and Context
Culpeper, Virginia, where Geris resides, is located about 70 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.. As a small community, news of a sizable lottery win like this naturally draws interest, highlighting how luck can strike anywhere, even in quieter areas.
Additional Information and Responsible Gaming
While lottery games can be a harmless form of entertainment for many, it is important to recognize that for some individuals, gambling carries the risk of addiction. Excessive gambling can lead to serious personal and financial difficulties. Those experiencing signs of gambling problems are encouraged to seek help through resources such as the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
Summary
The unexpected turn of events for Barbara Ann Geris illustrates how a simple birthday gift can lead to life-changing opportunities. Her win, the first of its kind in this particular scratch-off game, underscores both the allure and the risks associated with lottery games. As lottery officials commemorate this milestone, they remind players to enjoy gaming responsibly and be aware of the potential pitfalls of gambling addiction.
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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