‘Thought it’s a scam’: Filipina nurse, Indian expats win Dh150,000 in Big Ticket e-draw

Abu Dhabi: A Filipina nurse from Ras Al Khaimah and an Indian IT professional from Abu Dhabi are among the winners of the Big Ticket’s weekly e-draw, each pocketing a Dh150,000 cash prize.

Antonette Mohamed, a 52-year-old nurse, has been purchasing tickets to honour the memory of her late husband.

“My husband was the one who used to purchase Big Tickets regularly. After he passed away, I felt it was only right to continue his legacy,” said Antonette, who has been buying tickets every month alongside a group of 17 friends since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Filipina expat, who has been residing in Ras Al Khaimah since 1997, is thrilled about finally winning.

Scam

“When I received the winning call, I was asleep and woke up to a voice message. At first, I thought it was a scam, but after checking the official website, I realised it was true. I’m really, really happy – it still hasn’t sunk in.”

She plans to split the cash prize among her group of friends and will continue participating in upcoming draws. “I will definitely keep purchasing, and I encourage everyone to buy a ticket – you never know, your turn might be next.”

Meanwhile, Jishnu Thottingal Kunjankutty, a 27-year-old Indian IT professional, has been trying his luck every month for the past year along with a group of 10 friends.

“I’m really shocked and happy at the same time. Like many others, I initially thought it was a fake call – but then I recognised Richard’s voice and realised it was real,” said Kunjankutty, a resident of Abu Dhabi for the past five years.

He plans to split the cash prize with his group of friends and continue participating in future draws.

“We definitely plan on buying more tickets together.”

Sole winner

Samsudhin Hosdurg, a 55-year-old driver from Kerala who has been living in Kuwait for the past 20 years, has been trying his luck for the last five years. While he initially began purchasing tickets with a group of friends, he recently started entering the draw on his own.

“I had just stepped out of the house when my family called to tell me I had won the e-draw,” he said.

“I quickly checked the website to confirm – and it was true. I had won. I’m so happy right now.”

He mentioned plans to use part of the prize to clear some outstanding debts, while the rest is still undecided.

“I will definitely continue buying tickets, and I encourage others to do the same. You never know – it could be your turn next.”

Also, Indian expats Nazer Vatta Parambil, residing in the UAE, and Anish Kumar Thekkey, based in Oman, are among the other winners.