Arizona’s $12.8 Million Lottery Ticket Sparks Legal Battle
Another Claim Emerges in $12.8 Million Arizona Lottery Dispute
A $12.8 million Arizona Lottery jackpot has sparked a legal battle, with another person now claiming ownership of the winning ticket. The dispute involves convenience store chain Circle K, a former store manager, and a customer who says she requested the tickets.
The case began after a winning ticket was printed at a Circle K location in Phoenix in November. In February, Circle K filed a lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court, asking a judge to determine who legally owns the prize.
How the Dispute Started
According to court documents, customer Soonchun Kim requested $85 worth of lottery tickets but paid for only $60. The remaining tickets reportedly fell behind the counter and were discovered the following morning.
One of those tickets turned out to be the jackpot winner.
Former Circle K manager Robert Gawlitza learned about the win when he arrived at work the next day. The parties agree that he later changed out of his uniform, clocked out, and purchased the winning ticket for $10.
Court exhibits reportedly show that Gawlitza texted his supervisor to ask whether the purchase was allowed. However, he did not disclose that he had bought the winning ticket until afterward.
Circle K eventually took possession of the ticket while the ownership dispute unfolded and fired Gawlitza for allegedly violating company policy.
Who Legally Owns the Winning Ticket?
The case centers on conflicting claims about who had the right to the ticket.
- Circle K: The company argues that Gawlitza's purchase was invalid because it happened after the drawing. Lottery rules generally provide that unsold tickets belong to the retailer.
- Robert Gawlitza: The former manager claims the ticket belongs to him and a former coworker. He and several current and former employees have also pointed to an alleged unwritten company policy requiring employees to purchase printed tickets that remained unsold. Gawlitza has filed a counterclaim against Circle K, including allegations of wrongful termination.
- Soonchun Kim: Kim, who requested the tickets but did not pay for the winning one, filed her own claim last month. Her legal argument for ownership has not been publicly established in the available details.
An Unusual Lottery Legal Battle
The Arizona Lottery is also involved in the lawsuit. The agency previously described the situation as unique, saying it was unaware of any similar litigation.
For now, the $12.8 million jackpot remains at the center of a complicated ownership dispute. The court will have to determine which claim, if any, establishes the legal right to the winning ticket.
