In an intriguing legal battle, Circle K has filed a lawsuit concerning the ownership of a winning lottery ticket valued at a staggering £12.8 million. The situation arose after a store clerk, Robert Gawlitza, claimed that he acted in accordance with company policy when he purchased the ticket that had been inadvertently left behind by a customer.
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The incident took place on 24 November 2025, when a customer had bought several tickets for “The Pick” lottery game, which requires participants to match six drawn numbers. Gawlitza had printed tickets totalling £85, but the customer only paid for £60, leaving £25 unclaimed on the counter. By the time the winning numbers were drawn, the tickets had been left unattended overnight.
Allegations have emerged in the complaint filed by Circle K against Gawlitza, asserting that he attempted to cash in on the abandoned ticket. According to court documents, Gawlitza clocked out after his shift and then purchased the leftover tickets from another employee at the store. The lawsuit, filed in February, has stirred considerable media attention.
Gawlitza’s attorney, Josh Kolsrud, defended his client by asserting that Gawlitza had followed the store’s established procedures. He explained that there is an industry standard for employees to purchase any unsold lottery tickets they handle. The court documents indicate that Gawlitza verified his actions with his supervisor before making the purchase. Kolsrud emphasised that this practice is commonplace within the lottery industry.
According to Kolsrud, Gawlitza is keen to restore his reputation following his dismissal from the company. After two decades of service, he was let go by Circle K on 30 January 2026 for allegedly breaching company policy. “He loved his job,” Kolsrud stated, expressing his client’s desire to return to Circle K. “He followed all the policies, letter for letter, word for word, and he was fired for it.”
In response to the legal dispute, Circle K issued a statement clarifying its position. The company maintained that the lawsuit is not directed against any individual but is a declaratory judgment complaint asking the court for guidance on how to proceed under these “unique circumstances.” They highlighted their commitment to transparency and adherence to regulations with the Arizona Lottery.
The Arizona Lottery, meanwhile, has put a hold on the winnings associated with the ticket while the legal proceedings unfold. Both the lottery officials and Circle K remain silent on any potential outcomes or resolutions regarding the dispute.
Legal experts suggest that the resolution of this case will hinge on the specifics of company policy regarding employee purchases of lottery tickets, as well as the procedural nuances of the court process. The outcome could not only affect Gawlitza’s future but may also set a precedent within the industry regarding similar disputes.
As the case continues to develop, the involved parties have remained tight-lipped, with both Circle K and Gawlitza’s legal team refraining from commenting further. This incident serves as a cautionary tale regarding the complexities that can arise in the world of lottery games and workplace protocols.
In a community where lottery games are a popular source of excitement and potential wealth, this case spotlights the intricate interplay between corporate policy, employee conduct, and legal rights. The residents of Arizona and beyond will be watching closely as this story unfolds, awaiting a resolution in a matter that has captured the public’s imagination.