A lottery shop owner in Spain is facing trial after being accused of keeping a winning ticket worth €4.7 million that was purchased by a customer who has since died, according to court documents and prosecution filings heard in A Coruña. The case centres on a La Primitiva draw in which a retired man bought a ticket that later turned out to be a top prize winner. Prosecutors allege that the shop owner, who managed the point of sale where the ticket was issued, did not inform the customer that the ticket had won and retained it instead.

The accused denies wrongdoing. The case is being examined by the Audiencia Provincial of A Coruña, where proceedings are under way following an indictment presented by the public prosecutor’s office.

The winning ticket

According to the prosecution, the ticket was purchased at a licensed lottery outlet in Galicia and later matched the winning combination in a La Primitiva draw. The prize amounted to €4.7 million.

La Primitiva is a national Spanish lottery operated by Loterías y Apuestas del Estado. Players select numbers or use a quick-pick system, with draws held multiple times per week. Large prizes are paid to the holder of the original winning ticket, which must be presented for validation.

In this case, the ticket was issued to a retired customer who regularly played at the establishment. Prosecutors state that the ticket remained in the possession of the shop owner after the draw results were known.

Death of the ticket holder

The original ticket holder, described in court filings as a retired man, has since died. His heirs are now involved in the legal process, seeking recognition of entitlement to the prize.

The timing of his death has become part of the proceedings, as it affects how any potential payout would be distributed if the court determines that the winnings should be awarded to his estate.

Court documents do not suggest that the man was aware of the prize before his death.

Allegations against the lottery shop owner

Prosecutors allege that the shop owner failed to inform the customer that the ticket had won and retained it instead of handing it over or registering it as a winning slip. The indictment argues that the accused acted in breach of trust by withholding the ticket. The prosecution is seeking criminal penalties, including a prison sentence and financial liability linked to the value of the prize.

A second individual, identified as the shop owner’s brother, is also included in the case. Prosecutors allege both were involved in handling the ticket after the draw. The defence position, as presented in court, rejects the allegations. It argues that the circumstances surrounding the ticket’s handling do not amount to criminal conduct. The court has not yet issued a ruling.

Court proceedings in A Coruña

The case is being heard by the Audiencia Provincial of A Coruña, the regional court responsible for serious criminal matters in Galicia.

During proceedings, the prosecution presented its version of events based on witness statements and documentary evidence relating to the ticket’s issuance and handling. The defence has challenged the interpretation of those facts and is contesting the criminal charges.

Judges will assess whether the evidence supports the claim that the ticket was intentionally withheld from the rightful claimant.

Role of the lottery system

Spain’s national lottery system requires physical presentation of winning tickets for validation and payment. Tickets are considered bearer instruments, meaning ownership is generally determined by possession.

This legal structure is central to the case, as it raises questions about custody of the ticket and responsibility for informing customers of winnings at retail level.

Lottery retailers act as authorised points of sale but do not normally retain ownership of tickets once issued. The case examines whether that standard procedure was followed.

Claims from the deceased player’s estate

The heirs of the deceased ticket holder are participating in the proceedings as civil claimants. They argue that the prize should be awarded to the estate on the basis that the ticket was originally purchased by the deceased man.

Their claim depends on whether the court determines that the ticket remained valid and properly attributable to the original buyer at the time of the draw and afterwards.

No payment has been made in relation to the prize while the case is ongoing.

Next steps in the case

The trial is continuing in A Coruña, where further evidence and legal arguments are expected to be heard before a judgment is issued.

If convicted, the accused could face criminal penalties and financial consequences linked to the value of the disputed winnings. If acquitted, the case would be dismissed and the ownership of the ticket would be treated under standard lottery rules.

The court has not indicated a timeline for its final decision.