Bogalusa Man Wins $775,000 Lotto Jackpot

BATON ROUGE – A Bogalusa man is starting the new year with a big reason to smile after winning the $775,000 Lotto jackpot in the Saturday, January 3, 2026 drawing. 

Joseph Wheat purchased his winning ticket from Pine Cash, located at 26505 Highway 62 in Franklinton. He claimed his prize at Lottery headquarters, where he received $565,750 after state and federal tax withholdings.

Wheat, a longtime Pick 3 player, said he regularly watches the Lottery drawings. On the night of the drawing, he was watching as the numbers were called and realized he had matched all six numbers to win the jackpot. 

“I had to call my wife and ask her to come home,” Wheat said. “When I saw the numbers, I made her come check the ticket to make sure I was really seeing what I thought I was seeing.” 

The winning numbers for the January 3 drawing were 01-14-18-20-27-41. 

Wheat said he plans to use his winnings to pay off some debt and set money aside for his children and grandchildren. 

“We love hearing stories like this, especially from players who have been with us for many years,” said Rose Hudson, Lottery President. “We’re excited for Mr. Wheat and his family and wish them all the best as they enjoy this win.” 

The Louisiana Lottery encourages all players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchase to protect their claim. Winning tickets for draw-style games must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. 

To play Lotto, participants must be at least 21 years of age. Individuals experiencing gambling-related problems, or those concerned about a friend or family member, are urged to call the Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline at 1-877-770-7867. Assistance is confidential and available 24/7. 

For additional information about Lotto, other Louisiana Lottery games, and a full list of recent winners, visit the official website at louisianalottery.com/draw-games/lotto/.  

About the Louisiana Lottery Corporation
Established in 1991, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation responsibly generates revenue for Louisiana’s K-12 public education while operating with efficiency, integrity, and public trust. Celebrating 35 years in 2026, the Lottery has transferred more than $4.9 billion to the state since its inception. Offering draw-style, scratch-off, and Fast Play games, the Lottery delivers fun and excitement for players while emphasizing responsible play. For the latest news, winning numbers, and player resources, visit LouisianaLottery.com or connect with us on social media at Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.