Big Ticket Abu Dhabi: Bangladeshi expat wins Dh150,000 after 12 years of trying

Abu Dhabi: For the first time this month, a non-Indian expat has bagged Dh150,000 in Big Ticket’s weekly e-draw series 276 held in Abu Dhabi.

Bangladeshi expat Mohammed Chowdhury got lucky with ticket number 217437. He has been residing in Abu Dhabi for the past 20 years. He first heard about Big Ticket about 12 years ago through friends and has been participating with them every month since.

When show host Richard called to break the good news, Chowdhury was caught off guard. “Really! I can’t believe it. What am I supposed to do?” Chowdhury asked.

“This is a good amount. I’m so happy,” said the 41-year-old, who works as a house driver and also runs a small business as well.

“I’ve been part of a few groups pooling money to buy tickets. Some groups have five people, others 10 or even 20. I’m the one who buys the tickets.”

For this draw, Chowdhury purchased the ‘Buy 2, Get 4 Free’ ticket bundle with his group and it was one of the free tickets that secured their win.
“It’s an unexplainable feeling. Right now, the plan is to split the cash prize among my 10 friends, and then I’ll decide what to do with my share,” he said, noting that he can now afford to expand his business.

However, his ticket is still in contention for the Dh25 million grand prize on July 3, and he’s keeping his fingers crossed for another call from Richard.

“My eyes are now on the grand prize. Big Ticket is really helping people’s dreams come true, and I encourage my friends and everyone else to take part.”

While three weekly draws are over and only one more remains before the grand finale, all eyes are on the Dh25 million grand prize, which will be awarded during the live draw on July 3. On the same day, three winners will also walk away with Dh75,000 each as consolation prizes. Tickets are available online at www.bigticket.ae or at counters located at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.