Curtis Geiger of Calgary 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 worth $125,150, Geiger was overwhelmed with disbelief and excitement. He shared his initial reaction, recalling how he had to double-check the numbers with a colleague due to his astonishment. Geiger immediately reached out to the Calgary Stampede to claim his prize, only to receive disappointing news later that day.
In an email response to Geiger, the Stampede informed him that all prizes for the Show Band 50/50 draw had either been claimed or the 48-hour window to claim the prize had lapsed. Geiger expressed his disappointment and frustration over missing the deadline, attributing his feelings to a mix of self-blame and dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the situation.
The Calgary Stampede clarified that their Showband 50/50 operates under a lottery license issued by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC). They emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations set forth by the licensing authority, which include the 48-hour claim period for prizes. Despite Geiger’s contention that the ticket did not explicitly state the time frame for claiming the prize, the Stampede stood by their adherence to the established guidelines.
Geiger raised concerns about the brevity of the 48-hour window and questioned the fairness of the process, suggesting that the organization may have deliberately set a short timeframe to avoid awarding the prize. The Calgary Stampede clarified that unclaimed prize funds are allocated in accordance with AGLC requirements, benefitting both the Stampede and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association.
Legal expert Farhad Shekib from Toronto highlighted the potential for a breach of contract case based on the clarity and fairness of the 48-hour window communication. Shekib underscored the importance of transparent communication with ticket purchasers regarding claim timelines to ensure fairness in such situations. Geiger expressed his intent to explore legal options and raise awareness to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.