Calgarian Curtis Geiger has had a tumultuous week filled with highs and lows. After discovering that the 50/50 ticket he bought on July 11 at the Calgary Stampede rodeo was a winning ticket worth $125,150, Geiger was elated. However, his excitement was short-lived when he found out that the 48-hour window to claim the prize had elapsed.
Despite immediately contacting the Calgary Stampede upon realizing his win, Geiger received disappointing news as the prize had already been either claimed or expired. The Stampede expressed regret for not being able to fulfill his expectations regarding the July 11, 2026 draw.
In response, Geiger expressed his frustration, blaming himself for missing the claim window and feeling let down by the organization. The Calgary Stampede clarified that the 48-hour claim period is a standard rule outlined in the lottery’s regulations and publicly available FAQs.
Geiger argued that the ticket did not explicitly mention the time frame for claiming the prize, interpreting the word “may” as optional rather than mandatory. He also criticized the brevity of the 48-hour window, questioning the handling of unclaimed funds.
Legal expert Farhad Shekib suggested that Geiger might have grounds for a breach of contract case due to unclear communication about the claim period. Shekib emphasized the importance of transparent communication to purchasers to avoid such disputes.
Geiger, contemplating legal action, aims to raise awareness to prevent others from facing a similar situation. The Calgary Stampede stated that unclaimed prize funds are allocated as per AGLC requirements to the Stampede and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association.