Calgary resident Curtis Geiger experienced a series of highs and lows this week. After discovering that the 50/50 ticket he bought at the Calgary Stampede rodeo on July 11 was a winning ticket valued at $125,150, he was initially ecstatic but soon faced disappointment. Despite his excitement and hopes of retiring sooner, Geiger was informed by the Stampede that the 48-hour window to claim the prize had passed, and all prizes for the Show Band 50/50 had either been claimed or expired.
Expressing his frustration, Geiger mentioned feeling upset at himself for missing the claiming period and disappointed with the organization’s response. The Calgary Stampede clarified that the lottery operates under a license from Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) and must adhere to the official rules. As per the regulations, prizes must be claimed within 48 hours of the draw, a detail available in the 50/50 rules and FAQs.
Geiger highlighted that the ticket did not specify the time limit for claiming, interpreting the word “may” as optional rather than mandatory. He questioned the fairness of the short claiming window and the allocation of unclaimed funds 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 of communication regarding the 48-hour window.
Geiger is now contemplating legal action and aims to raise awareness to prevent similar situations for others.