A 29-year-old Indian expatriate, Anilkumar Bolla, has become the monumental Dh 100 million winner in the UAE’s largest-ever lottery jackpot, the 23rd Lucky Day Draw held on October 18, 2025.
Background: The Big Win and Its Setting
Bolla, originally from Andhra Pradesh in India, has been living in Abu Dhabi for more than a year and a half. He matched all seven numbers in the draw, defying odds of approximately 1 in 8.8 million, to claim the entire Dh 100 million payout — the first time the prize was not shared.
In the interview video released by the operator, he recalled the moment the call came in: “I was sitting on the sofa… I kept asking them to repeat the message.”
Profile: Age, Residence, History
- Name: Anilkumar Bolla
- Age: 29 years old at time of win.
- Residence: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — living there for over 18 months prior to the win.
- Origin: Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Occupation/Work History: Reports indicate Bolla was an Indian expatriate working and living in the UAE, but specific job details have not been widely publicized.
When purchasing his ticket, Bolla said he selected a mix of an “Easy Pick” selection and then chose the number 11 — his mother’s birth month — as the final number.
Plans, Reactions & What the Dh 100 million Winner Says
Having been declared the Dh 100 million winner, Bolla revealed some of his immediate plans: buy a supercar, spend a month at a seven-star resort, and invite his parents to join him in the UAE. He also expressed a desire to donate a portion of his winnings to charity.
In his own words: “I just want to take my family to UAE, and I want to enjoy my whole life staying with them.”
He emphasized that despite winning such a huge sum, he remains grounded: “I was just thinking about how I need to invest this amount, spend it in the right way.”
Broader Context: Lottery, Tax and Record-Setting
The draw has been described as a landmark moment for the operator, marking the largest single prize in UAE Lottery history. Prior to this win, the operator had produced over 200 winners of Dh 100,000 and distributed more than Dh 147 million in prizes, but none had reached the Dh 100 million mark.
Importantly, lottery winnings in the UAE are tax-free, meaning as the Dh 100 million winner, Bolla receives the full amount without deduction for income tax.
Why This Matters and What It Means for Others
For other lottery participants and expatriates in the UAE, Bolla’s win as Dh 100 million winner holds several implications:
- It highlights that even recent residents (Bolla had lived in the UAE only about 18 months) can claim large prizes, showing the inclusive nature of the draw.
- It underscores the life-changing potential of modern lottery systems in the UAE, particularly for expatriate communities.
- For lottery operators, the event acts as a powerful promotional tool, likely to boost participation and interest globally.
- Financial advisors will signal the importance of sound planning, as a large wind-fall can create both opportunity and risk. Bolla’s expressed intention to invest wisely reinforces this message.
For readers, especially expatriates living in the UAE or considering lottery participation, it’s a reminder to check eligibility rules, keep personal documentation ready, and – if lucky – take advice before making major financial decisions.
Final Thoughts
The designation of Anilkumar Bolla as the Dh 100 million winner puts a spotlight on how dreams can turn real in unexpected places. From selecting his mother’s birth month as a lottery number to becoming a major lottery jackpot holder, his story combines luck, hope and a clear plan. As Bolla transitions into his new chapter, the value of preparation, family focus, and prudent decision-making stand out as equally important as the sheer magnitude of the prize.
