The TICKET Act mandates transparent, all-inclusive ticket pricing, bans speculative ticketing, requires clear disclosures on ticket resales, and ensures refunds for canceled or postponed events.
Eric Schmitt
Senator
MO
The TICKET Act aims to increase transparency and protect consumers in the event ticketing market by requiring all-in pricing, banning speculative ticketing, mandating clear disclosures, and ensuring refunds for canceled or postponed events. This law requires ticket sellers to display the total price of tickets, including all fees, from the outset and prohibits the sale of tickets that the seller does not possess. Additionally, the act mandates clear disclosure of resale status and refund policies, providing consumers with more information and guarantees when purchasing event tickets. The FTC will be responsible for enforcing the act, ensuring compliance and protecting consumers from unfair practices in the ticketing industry.
TICKET Act Mandates All-In Pricing, Bans Speculative Sales for Event Tickets
The Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act aims to overhaul how event tickets are sold online, focusing on clearer pricing and fairer practices. Starting 180 days after enactment, the bill requires sellers to display the total ticket price—including all mandatory fees—right from the first time you see it advertised or listed. No more surprise charges popping up just before you hit 'buy'.
No More Sticker Shock: What You See is What You Pay
Under Section 2, that price displayed upfront must stick throughout the entire purchase process. Think about planning for that big concert or playoff game: the price you initially budget for should be the final price, covering the base cost plus service fees, facility charges, taxes, and anything else required to get the ticket. Before you finalize the purchase, sellers will also need to show you an itemized list breaking down the base price and each fee separately. This applies to tickets for events at venues holding over 200 people, covering most concerts, sports, and shows.
Real Tickets Only and Clear Resale Rules
Section 3 tackles 'speculative ticketing' – essentially, selling tickets the seller doesn't actually possess yet. This practice will be banned 180 days post-enactment. So, those listings for high-demand tickets that might not even exist? They're out. There's a narrow exception for services that help you find tickets, but they must be clearly marketed as a service, not a ticket, and disclose they don't guarantee you'll get one.
Furthermore, Section 4 requires anyone reselling a ticket (secondary market) to clearly state upfront that it's a resale. They also can't use logos or imply they're officially affiliated with the venue, artist, or team unless they actually have a written agreement. Using venue names misleadingly in website URLs is also restricted.
Getting Your Money Back When Plans Change
What happens if an event gets canceled or postponed? Section 5 sets clear refund rules, also effective 180 days post-enactment. If an event is outright canceled, you're entitled to a full refund of the total price paid. If it's postponed for six months or less, you should get a replacement ticket for a comparable spot if your original isn't valid for the new date. If the postponement stretches beyond six months, you get a choice: a full refund or a comparable replacement ticket (if the original is invalid). Sellers must clearly disclose their specific refund policy, including whether fees are refundable, before you buy.
Putting Teeth Into It: Enforcement and Oversight
This isn't just polite suggestion; the TICKET Act gives the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforcement power (Section 7). Violating these rules will be treated as an 'unfair or deceptive act or practice' under the Federal Trade Commission Act, meaning the FTC can investigate and penalize offenders. The bill also requires the FTC to report back to Congress within six months on how well the previous anti-ticket-bot law (the BOTS Act of 2016) has been enforced, suggesting an effort to learn from and build on past regulations (Section 6). The goal is a more straightforward and reliable ticket-buying experience for fans.