Ontario Caps Ticket Resale Markups at 50%

Summary#

• This bill changes Ontario’s Ticket Sales Act to limit how much a ticket can be resold for on the secondary market (resale after the first purchase).

• The goal is to stop huge markups and make it easier for fans to afford tickets.

• Sets a price cap: a resold ticket cannot cost more than 50% above its face value.

• The cap includes all fees and service charges, but not taxes.

• Applies to anyone reselling a ticket and to platforms that help with resale.

• Takes effect as soon as it becomes law (on Royal Assent).

• Short title: Stop Ripping Off Fans Act (Ticket Resale Price Caps), 2025.

What it means for you#

• Fans and buyers

  • Resale prices should be lower than before for hot events.
  • Example: If a ticket’s face value is $100, the most you can be charged before tax is $150, including fees. Taxes are added on top.
  • You may see fewer tickets listed for sold-out shows if some sellers decide not to resell at the capped price.
  • Prices should be clearer because fees must fit under the cap.

• Ticket resellers (individuals and brokers)

  • You cannot list or sell a ticket for more than 50% above face value, counting your fees.
  • You may earn less per ticket than before, which could reduce how many tickets you choose to resell.
  • Trying to get around the cap by adding extra “service” fees will not work, since fees are included in the cap. Taxes can still be added.

• Online resale platforms and marketplaces

  • You must not allow listings above the 50% cap (before tax). The bill says “facilitate” sales, so platforms are included.
  • You may need to adjust pricing and fee settings to keep total pre‑tax costs within the cap.

• Event organizers and venues

  • May see fewer complaints about extreme markups.
  • Primary (first) sales are not changed by this bill; it only covers the secondary market.

Expenses#

• No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Protects fans from price gouging and makes live events more affordable.
• Puts a clear, easy-to-understand limit on resale prices, including fees, which stops hidden markups.
• Keeps more tickets within reach for families and young people, not just high-income buyers.
• Applies to both sellers and platforms, which helps close loopholes and makes the rule easier to enforce.

Opponents' View#

• May reduce the number of tickets available on resale, making it harder to find seats for sold‑out events.
• Could push some sales to unregulated or out‑of‑province markets, where the cap is hard to enforce.
• Limits how people can set prices for items they own, which some see as unfair or as market interference.
• Enforcement could be challenging, especially across different online platforms and private sales.