Reynaldo Herboso Wins Dh20 Million in Big Ticket Lottery, Plans Retirement Fund
Reynaldo Herboso, a 61-year-old resident of Dubai, celebrated a life-changing moment on August 3, 2026, when he received a call confirming that he had won Dh20 million in the Big Ticket lottery. The call came shortly after he finished his shift at a bakery in Jebel Ali. Initially in disbelief, he exclaimed, “I won? Really?” and then shared the joyous news with a nearby friend. Herboso’s win is not just a personal triumph; it reflects the collective spirit of the expat community in the UAE.
The Monthly Ritual
The Big Ticket lottery, established in Abu Dhabi in 1992, has evolved significantly since its inception, with the grand prize now set at Dh20 million. Tickets are priced at Dh500, making them accessible to a wide range of participants. Many winners, including Herboso, often pool their resources with friends and family to increase their chances of winning. Herboso’s winning ticket was selected by a friend from Bangladesh, emphasizing the communal nature of this lottery.
The structure of the lottery keeps participants engaged across various income levels. Weekly draws offer smaller prizes, while monthly draws include consolation prizes, ensuring that there is always something at stake. In the same draw that awarded Herboso the jackpot, another participant won a Maserati Grecale, showcasing the ongoing excitement surrounding the lottery.
Security, Not Luxury
When discussing his plans for the winnings, Herboso expressed a focus on security rather than extravagance. He intends to invest his Dh2 million share in rental properties in his hometown in the Philippines, aiming to secure a steady income for his retirement. With his children grown and his wife having passed away, he had already been contemplating retirement before his win. Herboso stated, “God has perfect plans for everyone. God knows what we truly deserve.”
This sentiment is echoed among other winners in the expat community. For instance, Kanika Arora, who won Dh25 million in July, was so moved by the lottery’s impact that she traveled to the studio to personally present Herboso with his winning ticket.
The Call That Breaks Everything
The emotional impact of winning the Big Ticket lottery is profound. Many winners report initial disbelief upon receiving the call. Herboso, for instance, asked, “Did I seriously win?” before the reality of his victory sank in. The shared nature of group wins also alters the emotional landscape of the experience. Herboso’s first instinct was to share the news with his friends, highlighting the collective joy and relief that accompanies such a win.
The psychological burden of managing newfound wealth is lighter when shared among a group. Herboso noted that he would inform his friends who participated in the lottery, emphasizing the communal aspect of their victory.
How the Numbers Change Lives
For many expats in the UAE, winning Dh2 million is not merely a windfall; it represents a significant opportunity for financial stability. This amount can alleviate debts, facilitate property purchases, fund children’s education, and support aging parents. The Dh20 million jackpot, when divided among ten friends, can transform the financial landscape for multiple families.
Even smaller wins, such as the Dh25,000 from weekly draws, can bring immense joy and hope to participants. One winner described the experience as “immense happiness,” while another encouraged others to remain hopeful, stating, “Stay hopeful, just as we do every month. One day, it will be your turn.”
However, it is essential to recognize that the majority of expats participating in the lottery will not win the grand prize. For many, the ongoing challenges of visa renewals, remittances, and job security remain unchanged. The stories of Big Ticket winners serve as powerful reminders of the aspirations for stability that many expats hold.
Who Buys, Who Wins
Reynaldo Herboso’s journey began in 1988 when he moved to Dubai, where he worked in a bakery for nearly four decades. He has been purchasing lottery tickets every month for 15 years, reflecting the dedication of many expats who participate in the Big Ticket lottery. The lottery attracts a diverse group of participants, including drivers, bakers, and shop managers, who contribute to the vibrant fabric of the UAE.
The Dh20 million jackpot is not a stroke of luck but rather the result of years of commitment to purchasing tickets from modest salaries. For many winners, the financial security gained from their winnings allows them to feel more settled in their lives.
Source: timesofdubai.ae
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Published on 2026-08-05 12:40:00 • By the Editorial Desk
