Ontario has reportedly imposed a significant fine on a ticket reselling platform, potentially the first instance under the province’s anti-scalping legislation. The fine, amounting to $25,000, was levied against SeatGeek Canada in late August. This enforcement marks a notable development in the realm of ticket reselling, particularly concerning events like the Toronto International Film Festival.
According to information on the province’s consumer protection website, SeatGeek Canada was penalized for various violations, including selling a ticket above its face value, failing to disclose the original purchase price of a ticket, and transacting without proof of the original price. The fine breakdown includes $10,000 for selling above face value, $5,000 for lack of price transparency, and an additional $10,000 for facilitating a transaction without verifying the initial cost.
Ontario’s Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery, represented by spokesperson Cristian Buzo Tingarov, declined to provide specifics on the event associated with the fines or whether further penalties would be issued. Tingarov reiterated the province’s strict stance on ticket resale laws, emphasizing that violators could face fines of up to $250,000 and public exposure.
Joe Freeman, the vice-president of government affairs at SeatGeek, refrained from confirming whether the company intends to pay the fines or contest them. Despite SeatGeek’s efforts to inform sellers about the legislation, they are seeking guidance from the province on compliance procedures.
Similarly, StubHub Canada raised concerns about verifying original ticket prices, citing challenges in obtaining such information, especially for tickets acquired as part of a package deal or without pricing details. The company stressed the need for collaboration with the government to address unresolved issues regarding price verification requirements.
On another platform, Vivid Seats faced scrutiny for listings that seemed to exceed reported prices, with a spot at a film premiere priced at $933 and tickets for other events reaching $483. Vivid Seats defended its compliance efforts, stating that ongoing discussions with Ontario authorities aim to ensure alignment with the province’s ticket resale regulations.
In response to alleged non-compliance, the province initiated inspections of 27 ticket resale websites, issuing warnings and emphasizing the importance of cooperation to avoid enforcement actions. While StubHub was flagged for potential violations, Vivid Seats indicated progress in aligning with regulatory standards, with ongoing efforts to meet compliance expectations.