The Ontario government is planning to introduce stricter regulations on ticket reselling for major events, including the FIFA World Cup, to combat scalping and ensure fair access for fans.
New Measures to Protect Consumers
According to sources, the province will announce new rules targeting ticket resellers who use automated bots to purchase large quantities of tickets and resell them at inflated prices. The crackdown aims to prevent price gouging and ensure that more tickets are available to the general public at face value.
Focus on FIFA World Cup
With Toronto set to host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the government is particularly focused on preventing ticket scalping for this global event. The new measures will likely include stricter licensing requirements for resellers, limits on the number of tickets that can be purchased, and enhanced penalties for violations.
Consumer Affairs Minister said in a statement, "We want to make sure that families and fans have a fair chance to attend these iconic events without being exploited by scalpers. Our proposed changes will put consumers first."
Industry Reaction
Ticket resale platforms have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their business models, but consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the move. "This is a long-overdue step to protect fans from predatory practices," said a spokesperson for the Ontario Consumer Protection Association.
The government is expected to introduce legislation in the coming weeks, with the new rules potentially taking effect before the World Cup begins.
