‘I can’t believe it’: Indian expat wins Dh20 million jackpot in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi draw

An Indian expat based in Oman bagged the Dh20 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s live draw Series 283, held in Abu Dhabi.
Shanthanu Shettigar won with ticket number 305810, purchased on January 20. Based in Muscat, Shettigar initially disconnected the line when show hosts Richard and Bouchra tried to reach him. After a third attempt, however, the hosts managed to get through and Shettigar could hardly believe his luck.

In a playful gesture, Bouchra greeted him with a “Namaste.”
“Namaste,” he replied, adding that he hadn’t even been watching the live draw.
“Oh my God. Seriously?” he exclaimed.
“I am in Muscat now,” said Shettigar, who hails from Karnataka.

“I have been buying tickets for the past five years. I can’t believe I’ve won.”

The winning ticket was picked by last draw’s lucky solo winner, Filipino expat Anna Lee Gayongan, who bagged the Dh30 million grand prize.

“I and my friend have been purchasing. So, it’s two of us,” said the latest millionaire, who works in the retail sector.

Asked how he planned to spend the unexpected windfall, he admitted he was clueless.
“I don’t know how to spend it. I don’t know what to do. This came as a surprise.”

This month, Big Ticket is offering a chance to win Dh15 million as the grand prize. Winners for the next draw will be announced on March 3. Tickets are available online and at in-store counters at Abu Dhabi and Al Ain airports, giving everyone a shot at becoming the next Big Ticket millionaire.