Published on: June 15, 2026, 03:40h.

Updated on: June 15, 2026, 03:40h.

• Indiana lottery player thought he struck $100,000 jackpot before correction
• Number of potentially affected participants remains unclear
• What is evident: Ticket printing errors misleading players on prize values

The Hoosier Lottery has withdrawn tickets for its newly introduced Space Invaders Cash Invasion scratch-off game after some participants were mistakenly led to think they had won significant rewards.

One such player, Indiana forklift operator Mike Fields, believed he had won a whopping $100,000 only to discover the reality of a mere $20 after a printing error was revealed. Fields spoke with local FOX affiliate WXIN, stating that when he visited the Hoosier Lottery headquarters in Indianapolis, he was informed of the discrepancy.

Launched on June 2, Space Invaders Cash Invasion features a rocket ship symbol allowing players to claim the prizes listed below it.

According to lottery officials, an unexpected “technical error” resulted in a mismatch between the symbols printed on the tickets and the official validation records of the game.

“They never said ‘No.’ Just that payments wouldn’t be processed today and that we would receive further details by mail in about 30 days,” Fields recounted to WXIN.

Out of Luck

Fields was not the only player witnessing his anticipated winnings being diminished due to the glitch, or in some instances, rendered completely worthless. Glendon Jones from Richmond, Indiana, was initially under the impression he had won $2,500. After traveling 80 miles to Indianapolis, he was disheartened to find out his ticket was invalid.

“I arrived, and they explained it was a mistake, a printing error, leaving me pretty much empty-handed,” Jones told WXIN.

Both players reported difficulties in obtaining a clear explanation from lottery officials. Currently, it remains uncertain how many participants are impacted by this error, although a recent statement on the Hoosier Lottery’s website hints there may be more than just two.

The lottery encourages affected players to file protest forms, including proof of their ticket transactions.

A ‘Slap in the Face’

“The $5 Space Invaders Cash Invasion Scratch-off debuted with a technical glitch. We paused ticket sales to guarantee that the gaming experience aligns with the integrity we aim to maintain,” lottery representatives stated in an official communication.

“Players must fully complete all required information for their reviews, including submitting the purchased ticket along with the completed form by November 30, 2026.

One disgruntled player venting on Reddit labeled the incident as a “huge slap in the face to us and the public who support ticket sales.” They urged the lottery to “uphold some integrity” and “ensure their commitment to their players.”