Calgary resident Curtis Geiger experienced a turbulent week filled with highs and lows. Initially thrilled to discover that the 50/50 ticket he bought at the Calgary Stampede rodeo on July 11 was a winning ticket worth $125,150, Geiger was soon disheartened to learn that he had missed the 48-hour window to claim his prize. Despite his efforts to contact the Calgary Stampede, he was informed that the prize could no longer be awarded as the deadline had passed.
The Calgary Stampede, operating under a lottery license issued by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), explained that the rules mandate prizes must be claimed within 48 hours of the draw, as outlined in the publicly available 50/50 rules and FAQs. Geiger contested this, noting that the ticket did not specify the time frame and interpreting the word “may” as optional rather than mandatory.
Geiger expressed frustration at the perceived shortness of the claim period, questioning the fate of the unclaimed prize money. The Calgary Stampede clarified that unclaimed funds are allocated to the Stampede and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association in compliance with AGLC regulations.
Legal expert Farhad Shekib suggested that Geiger could pursue a breach of contract case based on the clarity and fairness of the 48-hour window communication. Shekib emphasized the importance of transparent communication to ticket buyers regarding claim deadlines.
Geiger indicated his intention to explore legal options and raise awareness to prevent similar situations for others in the future.
