Calgary resident Curtis Geiger experienced a series of ups and downs this week. Geiger was elated when he discovered that the 50/50 ticket he bought at the Calgary Stampede rodeo on July 11 was a winning ticket worth $125,150. Overwhelmed with excitement, Geiger double-checked the numbers with a colleague to confirm the win.
However, his joy was short-lived as he soon received a disappointing response from the Calgary Stampede after contacting them about his win. The Stampede informed Geiger that the 48-hour window to claim prizes for the Show Band 50/50 draw had already passed, and all prizes had either been claimed or expired.
Geiger expressed his frustration, feeling both regretful for missing the claim window and upset at the organization for the situation. Despite his efforts to claim the prize, the rules set by the Stampede, under a lottery license from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), could not be bent. The Stampede clarified that the 48-hour claim period is clearly outlined in the lottery rules and FAQs.
Geiger highlighted that the ticket did not specify the 48-hour timeframe for claiming the prize, interpreting the word “may” as optional rather than mandatory. He also argued that the 48-hour window was unreasonably short, questioning the handling of unclaimed prize funds by the Stampede and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association as per AGLC regulations.
Legal expert Farhad Shekib suggested that Geiger might have a case for breach of contract regarding the clarity and fairness of the 48-hour claim window. Shekib emphasized the importance of transparent communication of claim timelines to ticket buyers to avoid such disputes.
Geiger is now contemplating his legal options and aims to raise awareness to prevent others from facing similar situations in the future.
