A new court filing has brought fresh attention to the ongoing $12.8 million Arizona Lottery dispute over a winning ticket purchased at a Scottsdale Circle K.
Former store manager Robert Gawlitza has officially responded to the lawsuit filed by Circle K, adding new claims and sworn statements that could shape who ultimately owns the winning lottery tickets.
It's a back-and-forth battle with millions on the line. The story reminded us of when a Maryland man found a valuable ticket in his truck. Or the time a Baltimore County man asked the store clerk to "pick a winner," and he delivered, in a big way.
How the $12.8M Winning Lottery Tickets Were Found
The case centers on a set of leftover lottery tickets printed on November 24, 2025. A customer attempted to buy about $85 worth of Arizona Lottery "The Pick" tickets, but only had $60. As a result, extra tickets—worth more than $20—were printed and set aside. These tickets were never paid for by the customer.
The next day, after the drawing, Gawlitza realized one of those leftover lottery tickets matched the winning numbers: 3, 13, 14, 15, 19, and 26. The prize was $12.8 million.
According to Gawlitza, he followed store practice by clocking out, removing his uniform, and asking another employee to ring up the leftover tickets. He paid roughly $10 for the remaining tickets, received a receipt, and later signed the back of the winning ticket.
However, Circle K argues that the ticket was never properly sold and still belongs to the company. The corporation filed a lawsuit in February 2026 in Maricopa County Superior Court, asking a judge to decide who legally owns the winning lottery tickets. The Arizona Lottery is currently holding the prize until the case is resolved.
What the New Court Filing Says About the Lottery Tickets
The story is back in the news now because of Gawlitza’s new court filing. In his response, he includes affidavits from current and former employees who say there was an unwritten but commonly followed policy. This policy required employees to purchase leftover or accidentally printed lottery tickets, especially when they reached a certain value.
Gawlitza also claims Circle K only challenged ownership after learning the tickets were worth millions. His legal team argues the company acted in bad faith, wrongfully terminated him, and interfered with his rightful claim to the prize. He is seeking damages that include the full jackpot amount.
Gawlitza was fired in late January 2026 after nearly 20 years with the company. He has said publicly that clearing his name is just as important as winning the money. He also stated he planned to share the winnings with coworkers, including one employee who helped process the ticket purchase.
Circle K vs. Former Manager: Who Owns the Lottery Tickets?
At the center of the dispute is a key legal question: who owns leftover lottery tickets?
In many states, including Arizona, lottery retailers pay for every ticket printed at their store. This means that if a customer refuses or does not pay for certain tickets, those tickets often become the property of the retailer. Stores can then resell or manage them according to company policy.
However, employee purchases of lottery tickets come with strict rules. Retail workers are usually not allowed to buy tickets at their own store while on duty. Gawlitza argues he followed the rules by clocking out and completing a normal transaction. Circle K may argue that the situation still violated company policy or lottery regulations.
Another key issue is whether the ticket was legally sold. A valid transaction—such as payment, a receipt, and proper handling—can support Gawlitza’s claim. On the other hand, Circle K may argue that internal policies or the way the tickets were handled make the sale invalid.
What Happens Next in the Arizona Lottery Case
Cases involving leftover lottery tickets often depend on detailed facts like timing, store policy, and proof of purchase. Courts also consider whether either side acted in good faith.
For now, no final decision has been made. The case remains active in court, and the Arizona Lottery continues to hold the $12.8 million prize.
This dispute highlights how something as simple as leftover lottery tickets can turn into a complex legal battle. It also raises broader questions about employee rights, company policies, and how lottery winnings are handled when ownership is unclear.
As the case moves forward, it is likely to remain in the spotlight, especially as new filings and testimony continue to emerge.
