Maricopa Court Weighs Ownership of $12.8 Million Ticket
The court is resolving conflicting claims to a winning Arizona Lottery ticket sold at a Phoenix retail store.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Gambling
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Maricopa County Superior Court is currently deciding the rightful owner of a $12.8 million Arizona Lottery ticket printed in Phoenix in November 2025. The lawsuit involves competing claims from a customer, a former employee, and the retail vendor.
Why it matters
The dispute arose after a customer requested $85 worth of tickets but only paid $60, leaving the remaining tickets behind the counter until the next morning. This led to conflicting ownership claims involving a store manager who purchased the winning ticket and the company that subsequently terminated his employment.
The winning ticket was purchased for $10 after the employee had clocked out and changed out of his uniform. The customer originally requested $85 in tickets but only provided payment for $60 worth of them.
The players
Robert Gawlitza
He is the former manager who purchased the winning ticket and is now involved in a legal dispute and wrongful termination claim.
Circle K
This is an international convenience store chain where the winning ticket was printed and which filed the lawsuit.
Soonchun Kim
She is the customer who requested a specific value of lottery tickets and is now claiming ownership of the prize.
Maricopa County Superior Court
This is the judicial body responsible for presiding over the civil litigation regarding the lottery ticket ownership.
The details
Robert Gawlitza, the former manager, allegedly texted his supervisor to confirm the purchase was permitted before buying the winning ticket. Following his termination for company policy violations, Gawlitza filed a wrongful termination counterclaim against Circle K.
Timeline
November 2025: Winning lottery ticket was printed in Phoenix.
February 2026: Circle K filed the lawsuit in Maricopa County.
September 2026: Soonchun Kim officially pressed her claim to the prize.
November 6, 2026: Court hearing scheduled for the ownership case.
Culture Shift
This case mirrors historical challenges where state lotteries face complex ownership disputes following irregular retail transactions. It highlights the shifting societal expectations regarding the professional conduct of employees handling retail gambling products.
This case underscores the importance of verifying lottery purchase receipts and understanding store policies before engaging in retail gambling. Residents should be aware that inconsistent payment processes in convenience stores can lead to significant legal complications.
The takeaway
Disputes over unclaimed lottery prizes demonstrate the necessity of maintaining clear, documented payment records for high-value items. Always ensure you have a physical receipt confirming your transaction to avoid competing claims if a ticket wins.
What happens next
A hearing to address the ownership claims is set for November 6, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local regulations and industry news in the Phoenix Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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