An Indiana man believed he’d struck it rich with a scratch-off ticket — until a system problem meant the payout never arrived.
Indianapolis forklift driver Mike Fields says he thought he’d landed a life-changing prize, but a visit to claim it ended with him receiving just $20, after officials pointed to what was later described as a “technical issue” that affected the game.
Fields bought four ‘Space Invaders Cash Invasion’ scratch-off tickets, and one of them appeared to show he’d won a significant amount. Expecting to collect, he headed to the Hoosier Lottery headquarters in Indianapolis — but was told he wouldn’t be paid, according to WXIN.
“They never told us ‘no’ they just said we wouldn’t be paid today, and no other information really except that we would be informed by mail within 30 days,” he explained to the outlet.
It was later confirmed that a “technical issue” had impacted the scratch-off game, meaning Fields was only entitled to $20 rather than the $100,000 he believed the ticket showed.
The Hoosier Lottery subsequently posted an alert to players on its website, stating: The $5 SPACE INVADERS™ Cash Invasion Scratch-off launched with a technical issue.
“We halted the sales of the ticket to ensure the game experience upholds the integrity we strive to provide. If a player experienced an issue with the $5 SPACE INVADERS™ Scratch-off, please complete the $5 SPACE INVADERS™ Protest Form provided here.”
It added: “All information must be thoroughly completed for review to occur, including mailing the purchased ticket with the completed form no later than November 30, 2026.
“For further questions, players may call the Hoosier Lottery at 1-800-955-6886.”
The game itself requires players to match symbols to corresponding cash prizes — something Fields says he can demonstrate he did — yet he and other players reportedly were told payouts could not be processed because of the internal malfunction.
Another player, Glendon Jones, said he also believed he’d won on the Space Invaders scratchers and made the trip to headquarters expecting to cash in.
Jones claims that instead of receiving the $2,500 he thought the ticket promised, he was informed there was no prize to collect.
“They said to come down here to headquarters and they would pay the ticket. I get here and they say it’s a mess up, misprint and that I’m pretty much out of luck on it,” Jones told the outlet outside.
The Hoosier Lottery has been contacted for comment.