Abu Dhabi resident Anilkumar Bolla has become the newest multimillionaire in the UAE after winning a record-breaking Dh100 million in the UAE Lottery, defying odds of 1 in 8.8 million to match all seven numbers in the exact winning combination.
The 29-year-old IT professional’s life changed overnight when one of his 12 tickets turned out to be the golden one. His win marks the largest-ever lottery payout in the UAE’s history, surpassing all previous records and capturing the imagination of millions across the nation.
Confirming the landmark event, Scott Burton, Commercial Gaming Director of the UAE Lottery, said: “While winning the Dh100 million Grand Prize is certainly extraordinary, every draw is based on chance. We could see another major win at any time.”
Burton emphasized that despite such a massive payout, the odds of winning remain unchanged. “Each draw is completely independent, meaning every ticket stands the chance of winning, regardless of when or how often someone plays,” he told Khaleej Times.
According to Burton, the 1-in-8.8-million probability is based on the total possible number combinations in the draw’s format. “For context, the odds of winning the UK Lotto are about 1 in 45 million. So, comparatively, the UAE Lottery offers players significantly better chances of winning the Grand Prize,” he said.
Surge in Participation
The record-breaking win has triggered a wave of excitement across the UAE. “The Dh100-million Grand Prize has generated unprecedented enthusiasm, translating into a clear surge in participation across the platform,” Burton noted.
He said there has been a “solid increase in new registrations,” driven by trust, word-of-mouth recommendations, and returning participants. “This win didn’t just attract new players, but it also reengaged many existing users,” Burton added.
The momentum is also creating more winners. “In fact, during our most recent draw last Saturday, we celebrated another major winner of Dh1 million,” he revealed.
Burton confirmed that the Dh100-million payout is “officially the largest lottery prize ever awarded in the history of the UAE,” marking a milestone moment for the country’s first and only regulated national lottery.
The Winner’s Next Steps
Despite his newfound wealth, Bolla remains humble and grounded. “I plan to continue working for now,” “I want to stay in the UAE for at least the next 10 years. This win gives me the opportunity to invest and plan carefully for the future.”
Rather than splurging, Bolla has his sights set on family and stability. His biggest dream is to bring his parents and brother to the UAE. “The UAE is a very safe and secure country, and I’m happy to build my life here,” he said. “I want my parents and brother to experience the life I have here and be close to me.”
With his life forever changed, Anilkumar Bolla’s story stands as a reminder of how chance, perseverance, and a little hope can redefine one’s destiny overnight.