Ticket matching son's date of birth wins man Dh7m in UAE

Abu Dhabi - Seven other winners were announced today, each of whom went home Dh100,000 richer.

Indian expat Anil Varghese Theveril, who won Dh7 million in the Big Ticket raffle in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, owes his luck to his only son, Rahul.

The executive assistant, who works in Kuwait, said he hit the jackpot on the ticket number that matches with his son's date of birth.
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"His is my lucky charm. I purchased the ticket online and chose the number 11197 because my son's date of birth is 11/97," Varghese, 50, told Khaleej Times over the phone.

"I am trying my luck with Big Ticket for the second time. I never expected to win. The reality is still to sink in."

Varghese's son Rahul, 21, is doing his under-graduation in Kerala, India. Varghese has been working in Kuwait for the last 20 years, and is married to Renu.

He said he has gone through tough times recently. "I am glad it is all over. I have to sit down and figure out what to do with the prize money," said Varghese.

Seven other winners were announced on Tuesday at the raffle draw, each of whom went home Dh100,000 richer. One was a Bangladeshi and one a Moroccan, while the rest were Indians.

 

• Abu Dhabi