Emirates Loto Sees First-Ever British, Serbian And Senegalese Winners

Last weekend saw 10 lucky winners take home AED 100,000 each after matching five out of six numbers in Emirates Loto’s eighth draw. Residents from Britain, Serbia, and Senegal, became the first from their home countries to win big in Emirates Loto, while the remaining winners included four from the Philippines and three from India.

Lee Mills, a 29-year-old recruitment consultant from the United Kingdom and UAE resident for the past seven years, couldn’t believe what he was hearing when he was called by Emirates Loto: “As soon as I hung up I had to check the app to make sure it wasn’t a prank. Winning means so much especially during such an unusual time. The numbers I chose all mean something to me apart from one, which of course was the one that wasn’t drawn!” Single with no children, Lee plans to share his winnings with a charity he supports in the UK and his relatives. He continued: “My family at home are looking forward to Christmas this year!”

Daniela Dokovic, an IT project manager from Serbia who is married with children beamed with joy when she realised she had also won last weekend. She said: “I’m so happy to win, I’ve never won anything before! I will be helping family members as well as donating to some special charities with my winnings.”

“I just shouted Alhamdulillah! I was so excited” said a 30-year-old waiter from Senegal when he found out that he too had won. The winner was on a break at work at the time, he continued:
“I will keep playing until I win the AED 50 million. For now,I want to help a charity association at home in Senegal called ‘Aidons les Talibés’ (Help Homeless Youth), and also help out my brother from another mother who brought me to this country and found me a job here. He deserves it.”

For Damian Jr AlagdonPorcare, a 44-year-old accountant from the Philippines, the winning numbers were the birthdates of his children, his wife and himself. “I have been entering raffles for years with no luck, but I never give up! I will spend the fortune on tuition fees for my four children, share the blessings with my family back home who have been greatly affected by the pandemic and save some for the future.”

Helen CapulongSimbulan, a 42-year-old Filipina UAE resident of 15 years, also won by selecting numbers that are the birthdays of her loved ones: “I am so excited and emotional. Thanks to Emirates Loto, I can help my family back at home and finally finish building my house there!” She continued, “I also want to find charities to support those in need, especially those affected by the pandemic.”

Yet another who selected their numbers by using their family members’ birthdates was Oberoi N Joseph, a 39-year-old vice president of operations who hails from India. Married with two children, Oberoi said: “I guess I have beginner’s luck as it was my first time entering! I thank God for his blessings. I am going to use my winnings to support the Precious Heritage Ministries Foundation Philippines.”

41-year-old engineer, Archie Mercado who is married with two children and from the Philippines was another winner last weekend and will use his winnings for house construction. Vinesh Kumar, a 45-year-old Indian electrical engineer who resides in Sharjah was relieved and overjoyed to learn he had won and will use his winnings to clear his debt.

The final two winners to share the cash prize – one from the Philippines and the other from India – asked that their identities remain anonymous.

“Last weekend’s diverse set of winners represents the multi-national and multi-cultural spirit of the UAE. Their plans to help relatives, pursue their dreams, support friends and donate to charities in their home countries is in essence what Emirates Loto stands for. To win a large cash injection during a time of uncertainty, I am thrilled to see that the winners are choosing to prioritise and support others as well as themselves. This spirit of giving is a true reflection of what we stand for -changing lives,” said Paul Sebestyen, CEO of Emirates Loto.

With no jackpot winners to date, AED 50 million is still up for grabs this coming weekend. The next live draw will take place at 9.00PM on Saturday,13June, and can be watched live on www.emiratesloto.com, Emirates Loto’ssocial media platforms, and on Asianetnews Facebook page.

For more information on our collectables, prize winners, terms and conditions, eligibility and to Collect, Play and have the opportunity to Win in the next Emirates Loto draw, please visit www.emiratesloto.com.