By Gulf News
Ashik Patinharath, hailing from Kerala, has been buying tickets for the past 10 years
Abu Dhabi: Ashik Patinharath, an Indian expat based in Sharjah, won Dh25 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s series 271 draw held in Abu Dhabi. And he won’t be sharing the jackpot with anyone else.
“It’s yet to sink in. I’ve been trying my luck for the past 10 years, buying tickets on my own. I must have purchased about 100 tickets. Finally, I’ve won for the first time,” Patinharath, who hails from Kerala, told Gulf News.
He had six tickets in the draw this time and won with ticket number 456808, which he bought online on January 29. “Last month, Big Ticket offered me six tickets for Dh1,000. I got lucky with one of them.”
Patinharath, who works in real estate sector by managing properties, was initially in doubt when show hosts Richard and Bouchra called him to break the happy news.
“I was actually on a call with my family back home in Kozhikode when I got a call from Big Ticket. I was a bit skeptical, especially since I’m in the real estate field and am wary of scams,” he said.
Patinharath, who now has Dh25 million all to himself, plans to expand his footprint in the real estate industry.
His wife, three children, two sisters and parents also share the joy. “I always wished to flourish in the real estate sector, and now I can realise my dreams.”
He said, “I will keep purchasing tickets. For those who haven’t won yet, I tell them to keep trying – one day, they’ll get lucky just like I did,” Patinharath added.
Emirati man wins BMW car
Meanwhile, Mohamed AlZarooni, a 39-year-old Emirati man, won a BMW M440i in the ‘Dream Car’ draw.
AlZarooni, an IT Manager, first heard about Big Ticket from a friend and decided to give it a shot just five months ago.
“When I got the call, I was very happy. As for the car, I’m still undecided. I might keep it, or I might sell it. But one thing’s for sure: this win has only fueled my excitement. Now, I’m setting my sights on the grand prize!”
AlZarooni even tried convincing his friends to join in, but they remain skeptical.
“They always say they won’t win, so they don’t bother buying tickets. But I tell them, if you don’t try, you’ll never know. My advice to others? Keep going – one day, luck will find you,” AlZarooni noted.
The February promotion is underway, with a Dh20 million grand prize up for grabs on March 3. Additionally, individuals have the opportunity to win Dh250,000 in weekly e-draws and participate in the Big Win contest. Those who purchase two or more cash tickets in one transaction by February 23 will have the chance to attend the live draw on March 3 and win guaranteed cash prizes ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh150,000.
Tickets are available online on the official website or at counters located at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.
