Calgary resident Curtis Geiger experienced a series of ups and downs this week. Initially filled with excitement upon discovering his winning 50/50 ticket from the Calgary Stampede rodeo, purchased on July 11, was valued at $125,150, Geiger’s elation quickly turned to disappointment. Upon contacting the Calgary Stampede to claim his prize, he was informed that the 48-hour window to claim had expired, and all prizes for the Show Band 50/50 had either been claimed or forfeited.
Geiger, still reeling from the news, expressed his frustration and disbelief at missing the claim deadline and voiced his discontent with the organization’s handling of the situation. The Calgary Stampede clarified that the 48-hour claim period is a stipulation outlined in the lottery rules approved by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), and as Geiger contacted them after the expiration, the prize could not be awarded.
Despite the Stampede’s adherence to the rules, Geiger highlighted that the ticket did not clearly specify the time limit for claiming the prize and questioned the fairness of the short 48-hour window. The unclaimed prize funds, as per AGLC regulations, are allocated to the Stampede and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association.
Legal expert Farhad Shekib suggested that Geiger might have grounds for a breach of contract case based on the clarity and fairness of the claim period communication. Geiger, considering his legal options, aims to raise awareness to prevent others from facing a similar situation in the future.