Calgary resident Curtis Geiger experienced a tumultuous 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 valued at $125,150, Geiger was ecstatic but also skeptical. He sought validation from a colleague to confirm the numbers.
Despite his initial excitement, Geiger’s joy was short-lived. Upon contacting the Calgary Stampede to claim his prize, he received disappointing news. The Stampede informed him via email that all prizes for the Show Band 50/50 draw had either been claimed or the 48-hour claim window had lapsed, leaving him ineligible for the prize.
Geiger expressed his frustration and disbelief at missing the claim deadline and criticized the organization for the situation. The Calgary Stampede clarified that the 48-hour claim period is a standard procedure outlined in the lottery rules approved by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) authority.
Although the lottery’s website indicated that the prize “may be claimed within forty-eight (48) hours,” Geiger interpreted this as optional rather than mandatory. He also pointed out that the claim period was not specified on the ticket, adding that the timeframe seemed unreasonably short.
The unclaimed prize money, according to the Calgary Stampede, is redirected to the Stampede and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association as per AGLC regulations. In response to the situation, lawyer Farhad Shekib suggested that Geiger might have legal grounds to challenge the fairness and clarity of the 48-hour claim window in court.
Geiger is contemplating legal action and aims to raise awareness to prevent similar incidents from befalling others in the future.