Aaron Phypers has filed docs to the court about his financial troubles amidst his messy divorce ... now, it looks like he's changing up his approach -- looking it hit it big with the lottery!

The estranged husband of Denise Richards walked into a liquor store in Calabasas earlier this week ... and, he walked out while holding a stack of red and white papers we're told are lottery tickets. Backgrid

Check out the pics ... Phypers has a serious look on his face -- and certainly a lot on his mind.

We broke the story ... Phypers asked a judge to allow him access to a joint account he says he shares with Richards -- adding he needs $150K ASAP in order to "survive." Gallery Launch Gallery Getty

He says the amount he's asking for is only a very small percentage of the overa

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