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 ecstatic. He was initially in disbelief and even asked a colleague to confirm the numbers for him.
However, his elation was short-lived when he contacted the Calgary Stampede to claim his prize and was informed that the 48-hour window to claim the prize had expired. This news came as a devastating blow to Geiger, who expressed his frustration at missing the deadline and being let down by the organization.
The Calgary Stampede explained that the 48-hour claim period is a standard practice governed by the rules set by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis authority. Despite Geiger’s argument that the wording on the ticket implied flexibility in claiming the prize, the Stampede stood firm on their policy.
Geiger, feeling aggrieved by the situation, is now contemplating legal action to challenge the fairness and clarity of the 48-hour window rule. Legal expert Farhad Shekib suggested that Geiger might have a case for breach of contract based on the communication of the claim period to ticket buyers.
As Geiger explores his legal recourse, he hopes to raise awareness about the issue to prevent others from facing a similar disappointment. The unclaimed prize funds from the 50/50 draw are allocated to the Stampede and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association in compliance with regulatory requirements.