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It’s been a roller-coaster week for Calgarian Curtis Geiger.
On Monday, he learned the 50/50 ticket he purchased July 11 at the Calgary Stampede rodeo was a winner worth $125,150.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was actually shaking,” said Geiger, adding he asked a co-worker to make sure he was seeing the numbers correctly.
“Right away I’m thinking I could retire a year sooner, and I’m getting close.”
Geiger says he immediately emailed the Calgary Stampede.
Hours later, he didn’t get the response he was looking for.
In an email to Geiger shared with CBC News, the Stampede said, in part, “all prizes for the Show Band 50 50 have either been claimed or the 48 hour window to claim the prize has expired.”
It goes on to say, “Apologies, as we know this is not the information you were looking for related to the July 11 2026 draw.”
Geiger says it was a huge blow, and he’s still trying to come to terms with it.
“I’m upset at myself. How do I miss this window? And then I’m pissed off at the organization,” said Geiger.
48-hour window
In a statement to CBC News, the Calgary Stampede says its Showband 50/50 is conducted under a lottery licence issued by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC).
“We understand this is a disappointing situation for the individual involved. However, Calgary Stampede Lotteries is required to administer the lottery consistently and in accordance with the approved rules,” the statement said. “In this instance, the winning ticket holder contacted Calgary Stampede Lotteries after the 48-hour claim period had expired and the prize therefore could not be awarded.”
It also says the 48-hour claim period is outlined in the publicly available 50/50 rules and FAQs.
But Geiger points out the bottom of the lottery’s website says: “The prize may be claimed within forty-eight (48) hours of the applicable draw.” He understands the word “may” to mean “can,” not “must.”
And he says that time period wasn’t noted on the ticket.
Curtis Geiger’s winning Calgary Stampede Showband 50/50 ticket. (Curtis Geiger)
Plus, Geiger believes the 48-hour window is too short.
“It’s like they did their best to not have to give that away, so what did they do with this money?” said Geiger.
The Calgary Stampede says the unclaimed prize funds are distributed to the Stampede and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association, in accordance with AGLC requirements.
Legal recourse?
Toronto-based lawyer Farhad Shekib says on first glance it appears Geiger may have a breach of contract case to argue in court as to whether that 48-hour window was fair and clearly communicated.
“If you are selling a ticket with a very short window you should at a minimum be communicating to purchasers that in the event you win, this is a timeline you have,” said Shekib.
Shekib says, for example, it could be plastered on posters where tickets are sold or indicated right on the tickets.
“Judges will do what they think is fair in the circumstances, and the fairness will dictate, really, the result most often,” said Shekib.
Geiger says he will now consider his legal options.
He is also speaking out to help prevent this from happening to someone else.