A Qatar-based expat is celebrating a life-changing moment after winning Dh50,000 in the popular Big Ticket raffle draw and he is already thinking about how to make the win truly memorable for his daughter. Stories like his have captured attention across the UAE and Gulf, where the Big Ticket or a long-running raffle with generous weekly cash prizes and huge jackpots has become a beacon of hope for many expatriates trying their luck.
From routine tickets to a special family moment
Vinoth Anbarasan, a 38-year-old electrical supervisor who has lived in Qatar for 19 years, never expected to win when he and four friends started buying one raffle ticket each month. However, on February 01, his patience paid off with a Dh50,000 win in the Big Ticket draw, his first ever raffle victory.When he received the call informing him of his win, Anbarasan admitted he was initially hesitant to believe it was real, a reaction common among winners because of the improbability of hitting a prize in large raffles like this. However, once he saw his name in the live streamed draw, it truly sank in.Instead of spending it on himself only, he plans to share the prize equally with his group of friends, reinvest in more tickets and treat his daughter to something unforgettable, underscoring how these winnings can become meaningful family memories, not just cash.
Big ticket: A Gulf classic with deep reach
The Big Ticket draw has been a staple raffling event in the UAE for over 30 years, attracting thousands of participants across expatriate communities. It offers not just huge jackpots but weekly cash prizes that keep regular ticket buyers hopeful. Its longevity and popularity stem from its inclusive and accessible format, tickets can be bought online and people often pool resources by purchasing tickets in small groups to improve their chances of winning larger prizes.This community approach to ticket buying by friends, colleagues or even extended families, fosters shared optimism and camaraderie among participants. Past winners from similar backgrounds often echo the same message: do not lose hope, keep trying your luck. The Big Ticket raffle has produced a string of notable winners in recent years, from modest weekly prizes to life-changing jackpots. These include Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents striking Dh150,000, Dh90,000 and more in weekly draws.In some extraordinary cases, expatriates have even won multi-million-dirham grand prizes in Big Ticket draws, turning long-time residents into instant millionaires. Past headlines include winners of Dh15 million and beyond, figures that reflect just how broad and impactful the draw’s payout structure can be. These success stories spread across nationalities and professions, from drivers and chefs to supervisors and business owners, reinforcing the idea that anyone participating can be lucky.
More than money: Making memories
What makes Anbarasan’s win stand out is his focus on family, choosing to use part of the prize to gift his daughter something meaningful. That sentiment resonates widely in expatriate circles, where many workers are hundreds or thousands of kilometers from home, making touches of joy and celebration even more precious.For expats in the Gulf, especially those with families abroad, even smaller cash wins can translate into big emotional moments, whether it is a memorable trip, quality time with loved ones, or meeting long-awaited family needs they have put off. Additionally, splitting winnings with a group, a common practice in the Big Ticket community, adds a social dimension to gambling and raffle culture, uniting friends and co-workers in both hope and reward.
Why this is trending among expats
Big Ticket’s online draws and relatively affordable ticket prices make participation easy for many expatriates across the Gulf. Groups often buy together, so a win can feel like a collective success. Winners come from varied backgrounds, showcasing that luck does not discriminate.Winning can create moments of joy that go well beyond the monetary value, especially when used to give back to loved ones. Anbarasan’s Big Ticket prize is not just a headline about becoming Dh50,000 richer; it is a story about patience, shared dreams and family joy that resonates with the daily lives of thousands of expatriates in the Gulf. Whether someone is buying a ticket with friends or just hoping for a lucky break, the draw keeps dreams alive and creates moments worth celebrating.
