Ontario has taken a big step to strictly limit how much tickets can be resold for. Under new amendments to the Tickets Sales Act, resellers will no longer be allowed to charge more than the original “all-in” purchase price, which includes the base ticket cost along with all service fees, taxes, and additional charges.
The change directly targets price gouging in the secondary market, where tickets for popular concerts, sporting events, and live performances are often listed at several times their original value. By capping resale prices, the provincial government says it aims to create a more transparent and fair system for consumers who are frequently priced out of high-demand events.
Major platforms like Ticketmaster have already begun adjusting to the new rules. The company confirmed it has started removing resale listings that exceed the permitted price, and it plans to allow users to relist tickets once they comply with the updated legal requirements. The law applies to both individual sellers and businesses that facilitate ticket resales, with penalties reaching up to $10,000 for violations.
Ontario’s approach places it among the stricter jurisdictions globally. Within Canada, Québec already enforces similar rules, banning above-face-value resales unless authorized by event organizers. Internationally, countries like the United Kingdom are moving in a similar direction, while the United States generally allows resale prices to reflect market demand, focusing instead on preventing unfair purchasing practices such as the use of automated bots.
Despite its consumer protection goals, the policy has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue it will reduce exploitative pricing and make events more accessible. Critics warn it could reduce ticket availability on official platforms and push some resales into less regulated channels.
MacGowan and Bruce Springsteen, 2023 Victoria Mary Clarke*
