Darn day for a New Mexico resident who purchased a scratch-off ticket about a month ago. The man grew in bliss and became ecstatic over the two winning numbers for $250,000 each which apparently proved to be nothing but an unfortunate misprint. It all looked suspicious from the very first time he had a quick look to the receipt, and that is because the maximum prize for a single card is supposed to be $250,000. Moreover, the troublesome ticket gave the not-so-lucky guy from Roswell - John Wines, a hard time as some of the winning numbers were obscurely printed. By the time Wines returned to the gas station where he bought the ticket to ask for his payment, he was informed that no prize is going to be released on his name as the card was a misprint. No validation came from New Mexico Lottery either, so the man had to step back and make peace with the killing thought that he had his short moment of glamour and fame by imagining himself as the owner of a quarter of million.

Obviously, Wines thinks he was mistreated and says this is unfair, as such incidents can be harmful to anyone who buys tickets in good faith, by giving false hope. He went back home with empty pockets, well…not exactly empty, as the New Mexico Lottery tried to soften the heartbrake with one crinkled old Benjamin as a consolation prize. Today’s lesson? Never jump with joy before the final whistle!