What, the lottery ticket had hanging chad?
Let's look at the buyer's intent!
Glad I searched again, I was just about to post this version of the story:
I think the whole idea of playing the lottery is stupid, but they ought to just pay the guy the $500,000. It was their error and refusing will disproportionately hurt the lottery’s reputation.
Ya, fine, just go ahead and misprint me a $500,000 check so I can cash it!