Georgia Man Wins $10,000 Lottery Prize on Wife’s Birthday

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — November 25, 2025 — A Georgia man experienced a stroke of luck on his wife’s birthday when he purchased a scratch-off lottery ticket that revealed a $10,000 prize, officials said.

Preston Fuqua, a resident of Gainesville, told Georgia Lottery officials that he bought a Georgia Millionaire scratch-off ticket at a Chevron station on Price Road in Gainesville. Fuqua had taken the day off to celebrate his wife’s birthday.

After uncovering the $10,000 prize, Fuqua called his wife to share the news. He said she was initially skeptical until he visited the Georgia Lottery office in Duluth and sent her a photo of himself holding the oversized novelty check.

Fuqua said he plans to use the winnings responsibly. “I gave my wife some money for Christmas and then the rest is in a savings account,” he said. “I’m going to hold on to it. Well, it’s sitting in a savings account now, but I’m sure it’s going to be blown on fishing equipment!” he added.

The Georgia Lottery officials confirmed the prize and the circumstances surrounding the win but did not provide additional details about the ticket or the odds of winning.