When they got there however their joy was soon squelched. Lottery officials claimed that their winning ticket was a misprint and that they owed the couple nothing. "They told us, 'no, it's not a winner, so sorry.' And my husband said, 'what are you going to do about it?' And they said, 'nothing, there's nothing we're going to do about it,'" said Annemarie Curcio.

Last month, after years of marriage Annemarie’s husband Joe passed away. It is perhaps this tragedy that spurred Annemarie to begin a legal battle over the lost winnings. On Wednesday she filed a $500,000 lawsuit against the state claiming that among other things they were in a breach of contract.

The case is being handled by noted first amendment, internet and gambling attorney Lawrence Walters who has been featured on such programs as Nightline, the View, MTV News, The John Walsh Show, 48 hours, and Dr. Phil.

No date has been set for the initial hearing.