Ticketmaster is taking steps to remove resale tickets for Ontario events in adherence to a new provincial regulation that limits the pricing of such tickets to face value. The platform’s representative, Shabnum Durrani, stated that customers will have the opportunity to list their tickets again next week once the resale marketplace has been updated. Durrani emphasized Ticketmaster’s dedication to establishing an equitable and secure ticket marketplace for all, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, with ongoing communication to inform customers of these changes.
This action follows the passage of the provincial budget bill by the Ontario government, which includes the imposition of a price cap on resale tickets. The bill was granted royal assent on Friday after receiving public complaints about resellers acquiring tickets for popular events, such as last year’s World Series and Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, and reselling them at significantly higher prices than their original face value.
Recent amendments to the 2017 Ticket Sales Act were announced by the government last month, subsequent to the premier’s commitment to reviewing legislation in response to exorbitant World Series resale ticket prices in Toronto. Despite initial opposition, Ticketmaster, StubHub, and SeatGeek are adapting to comply with the new law, which affects various ticket resale platforms. StubHub expressed concerns about potential ticket fraud risks for fans due to price caps, while SeatGeek is evaluating the legislation and advocating for favorable outcomes for fans.
Although the new law is viewed as progress by some, questions linger about its practical implementation. While the regulation seeks to make ticket access more predictable and accessible for consumers, concerns persist about the potential negative impact on ticket resale platforms. The effectiveness of the law will hinge on enforcement measures, including potential fines for non-compliance, to deter unlawful reselling practices.
