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.

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.”

He says the amount he’s asking for is only a very small percentage of the overall amounts in the accounts … but, if he doesn’t get them, he claims his family will be “evicted and homeless.”

As you know … AP and DR are going through a nasty divorce. Richards has accused Phypers of abusing her while Phypers has accused Richads of cheating on him. They each denied the other’s claims.

Cops were called to their home — where Aaron is living with his family — back in August when Richards showed up at the house to pick up a dog even though Phypers has a restraining order against her.