Meet Anilkumar Bolla, the first-ever Dh100 million winner in UAE Lottery
A Diwali win that lit up lives across the UAE
ABU DHABI – The UAE Lottery has made history with its first-ever grand prize winner of Dh100 million, marking a defining moment in the nation’s entertainment and gaming industry.
The life-changing jackpot was claimed by 29-year-old Indian national Anilkumar Bolla, a long-time Abu Dhabi resident, during The UAE Lottery’s 23rd Lucky Day Draw #251018 held on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Anilkumar, who has been participating since the lottery’s inception, was at home relaxing when he received the call that would alter his life forever. Initially thinking it was a mistake, he asked the caller to repeat the message several times before the reality sank in. Overwhelmed with emotion, he shared the news first with a colleague and later with his brother in India.
“This win is beyond my wildest dreams,” said an elated Bolla. “It still feels surreal. When I got the call, I kept asking them to confirm it. Even today, it hasn’t fully sunk in.”
He added that his first indulgence would be a supercar, followed by a month-long stay at a seven-star hotel, before taking time to plan responsible investments. “This win will transform my life completely,” he said. “It shows that fortune can find anyone, even when least expected.”
Behind Bolla’s winning combination lies a sentimental story. His ticket mixed an Easy Pick from the “Days set” with the number 11 from the “Months set,” chosen to honour the month of his mother’s birthday. The decision, rooted in affection rather than strategy, unknowingly became the key to his historic Dh100 million victory.
The timing made the win even more special – it came on the eve of Diwali, India’s festival of lights, celebrated as a symbol of new beginnings and prosperity. “Winning on such an auspicious day feels like a divine blessing,” said Bolla, who believes his mother’s influence played a part in his incredible luck.
A night of prizes
While Bolla’s triumph stole the spotlight, the Lucky Day Draw #251018 brought joy to many. Ten other participants each won Dh100,000, adding to the jubilation of what became the most successful draw in The UAE Lottery’s history.
Since its launch, The UAE Lottery has created over 200 winners of Dh100,000 and more than 100,000 smaller prize recipients, distributing a total exceeding Dh147 million. This landmark draw not only crowned its first Dh100 million winner but also highlighted the lottery’s growing reach and appeal across the Emirates.
“First, congratulations to Anilkumar on this phenomenal win,” said Scott Burton, Commercial Gaming Director at The UAE Lottery. “The Dh100 million prize marks a major achievement for both the winner and our organisation. It reinforces our mission to enhance lives through responsible, exciting, and transparent gaming experiences.”
UAE Lottery
Regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), The UAE Lottery has earned a reputation for integrity, fairness, and genuine winners. Every draw promises guaranteed prizes, contributing to its rapidly growing fan base and community of loyal participants.
With excitement still buzzing after this historic announcement, attention now turns to the next live Lucky Day Draw on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 8:30 PM, where millions more dirhams await new winners.
For details on how to participate, ticket prices, and upcoming draws, visit the official website.