Circle K Sues Over $12.8M Lottery Ticket
A Scottsdale convenience store chain asks a court to decide who legally owns a winning ticket after its former manager claimed it.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Gambling
Live Poll
Do you think employers should be able to fire workers over lottery winnings?
Circle K has filed a complaint asking Maricopa County Superior Court to determine whether a $12.8 million lottery ticket was legally sold. Former Scottsdale store manager Robert Gawlitza has filed counterclaims against the company, including wrongful termination.
Why it matters
The case turns on whether a retailer or an employee owns overprinted lottery tickets, a question that affects how stores handle leftover tickets. The outcome could shape internal practices at convenience stores across Arizona.
The winning ticket was worth $12.8 million and was bought for $10 after a clerk printed $85 worth of tickets. The court has not ruled on who owns the ticket, and Gawlitza's attorney says the company had an unofficial policy on overprinted tickets valued over $20.
The players
Circle K
Circle K is a convenience store chain that operates stores across the United States and sued to establish legal ownership of the ticket.
Robert Gawlitza
Robert Gawlitza is a former Circle K store manager in Scottsdale who claims he bought the winning ticket while off the clock.
The details
A customer bought $60 worth of tickets for 'The Pick' at a store on 56th Street and Bell Road, and a clerk printed $85 worth. Gawlitza allegedly removed his uniform, clocked out, and had an employee ring up the 25 leftover tickets for $10, including the winner, with his supervisor's approval by text message.
Timeline
Earlier this year: Circle K filed its lawsuit over the ticket.
May 23: Original expiration deadline for the winning ticket.
Friday, 10 a.m.: Judge hears arguments at Maricopa County Superior Court.
Legal Context
Circle K cites an Arizona administrative rule stating that retailers own overprinted lottery tickets, and the case tests how that rule applies when an employee buys them. The dispute also raises questions about whether employees should be allowed to purchase leftover tickets at all.
Retailers and employees who handle leftover lottery tickets may face different expectations depending on company policy and state rules. The court's decision could clarify whether store staff can buy overprinted tickets during or after their shifts.
The takeaway
Store policies on employee lottery purchases can carry legal and financial consequences, so clear written rules matter. Employees who buy leftover tickets should confirm whether their employer's policy allows it before doing so.
What happens next
The judge's hearing on the ticket ownership and Gawlitza's employment claims is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Further reading
For more on the rules around lottery play, see the Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZfamily.
Live Poll
Do you think employers should be able to fire workers over lottery winnings?
