Calgary resident Curtis Geiger had a tumultuous week filled with ups and downs. After discovering that the 50/50 ticket he bought at the Calgary Stampede rodeo on July 11 was a winning ticket worth $125,150, Geiger was ecstatic but soon faced disappointment. Despite his hopes of retiring earlier with the prize money, he was informed by the Stampede via email that the 48-hour window to claim the prize had elapsed, and all prizes for the Show Band 50/50 had either been claimed or expired.
Expressing his shock and frustration, Geiger lamented his oversight and expressed his discontent with the organization for the missed opportunity. The Calgary Stampede, under a lottery license from Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), stated that the rules require prizes to be claimed within the specified time frame, which Geiger failed to meet.
While Geiger argued that the ticket did not clearly outline the 48-hour claim period and questioned the brevity of the window, the Stampede clarified that unclaimed funds are allocated as per AGLC regulations. Legal expert Farhad Shekib suggested that Geiger might have grounds for a breach of contract case based on the communication of the claim period.
Geiger is contemplating legal action and aims to raise awareness to prevent similar incidents from befalling others in the future.