Calgarian Curtis Geiger had an eventful week filled with highs and lows. 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 overwhelmed with disbelief and excitement. Despite his hopes of early retirement, his joy was short-lived when he learned that the 48-hour window to claim the prize had already passed.
In a disappointing turn of events, the Calgary Stampede informed Geiger via email that all prizes for the Show Band 50/50 draw had either been claimed or the deadline for claiming had expired. This news left Geiger feeling upset and frustrated, questioning how he missed the claim window and expressing disappointment in the organization.
The Calgary Stampede clarified that the 48-hour claim period is a standard procedure outlined in the rules and FAQs of the Showband 50/50 lottery, which is regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC). Geiger pointed out that the ticket did not specify the time frame for claiming the prize and raised concerns about the brevity of the window.
Geiger’s situation has prompted discussions about the fairness and transparency of lottery rules. Legal expert Farhad Shekib suggested that Geiger may have grounds for a breach of contract case based on the clarity of communication regarding the claim period. Geiger is now contemplating his legal options and advocating for better consumer protection measures in such lottery situations.