Ontario has reportedly issued its first fine to a ticket reselling platform under the province’s anti-scalping law. SeatGeek Canada was fined $25,000 in late August for various violations, including selling tickets above face value, failing to disclose original purchase prices, and facilitating transactions without proof of the original price. The fine marks a significant development as the province cracks down on illegal ticket reselling practices.
A spokesperson for the Ontario Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery confirmed the fine but did not provide details on the specific event linked to the violations. According to the province’s consumer-beware website, all ticket sellers in Ontario must adhere to the legislation prohibiting the resale of tickets above face value. Violators face fines of up to $250,000 and potential public disclosure of their actions.
While SeatGeek has been warned about the law and is attempting to comply, its vice-president of government affairs did not confirm whether the company intends to pay the fines or challenge them. The company cited difficulties in determining the original ticket prices, especially for tickets obtained through season ticket holders who lack access to that information.
Similarly, StubHub Canada faced questions about ticket listings for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) that appeared to exceed face value. The company argued that it lacks the necessary data from original ticket purchases to verify prices and ensure compliance with the law. StubHub emphasized the need for clear guidelines from the government on how sellers can validate a ticket’s original price.
On another platform, Vivid Seats also encountered listings for TIFF events that seemed to surpass reported fan prices. The company stated that it has been actively engaging with Ontario officials to align its practices with the province’s ticket resale regulations and ensure compliance. Both StubHub and Vivid Seats are working towards meeting the requirements outlined in the new legislation to avoid potential enforcement actions by the province.
The province sent warnings to 27 ticket resale websites, including StubHub and Vivid Seats, indicating inspections for compliance with the anti-scalping law. Businesses failing to cooperate may face enforcement measures. While StubHub was added to the consumer beware list for non-compliance, Vivid Seats has made progress in addressing identified areas of concern. The ongoing dialogue between ticket reselling platforms and the Ontario government aims to clarify regulatory expectations and facilitate lawful ticket resale practices.