The live event ticketing industry has long been under fire for hidden fees, speculative ticket sales, and a general lack of transparency. These are issues that continue to frustrate fans and erode trust.
In an effort to address these concerns, the TICKET Act (Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now awaits Senate action.
On April 30, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bill with a bipartisan vote of 409-15, marking significant progress for ticketing reform. The proposed legislation mandates all-in pricing—requiring ticket sellers to display the full cost of a ticket, including fees, upfront—and aims to ban speculative ticketing practices.
As the TICKET Act awaits Senate consideration, the industry remains divided. Could this be the reform that reshapes ticketing or a missed opportunity?
In this article, we break down what the bill actually proposes, the controversial loopholes that have emerged, and how platforms should prepare for potential changes in compliance, user experience, and resale policy.
Introduction to the TICKET Act
The TICKET Act is proposed legislation aimed at increasing transparency in ticket pricing for live events. Its key provisions include:
- All-in Pricing: Ticket sellers must display the total price, including all fees, upfront.
- Fee Disclosure: A detailed breakdown of the base ticket price and all additional fees is required.
- Speculative Ticket Sales: The sale of tickets not yet in the seller's possession is prohibited.
- Bot Prevention: Measures against using automated software to bulk-purchase tickets are strengthened.
- Refund Policy: Clear disclosure of refund policies is mandated.
- Transferability: Tickets must be freely transferable or resold by purchasers.
The Primary Objectives of the TICKET Act
The TICKET Act is designed to address widespread consumer frustration with hidden fees, speculative ticketing, and a lack of clarity around pricing and refund policies. Its core objectives are to:
- Increase transparency in ticket pricing by requiring all-in pricing (including fees) to be shown upfront
- Protect consumers from deceptive practices like speculative ticket listings and unclear refund terms
- Promote fair competition among ticketing platforms by mandating uniform disclosure standards
- Improve the overall ticket-buying experience, allowing free transfer and resale of tickets and strengthening anti-bot protections
1. Increasing Transparency in Ticket Pricing
At the heart of the TICKET Act is the push for greater transparency in ticket pricing. The act mandates that ticket sellers display the total cost, including all fees, upfront. This "all-in pricing" approach eliminates the common frustration of unexpected price jumps at checkout.
Additionally, sellers must provide a clear breakdown of the base ticket price and all additional fees. This transparency allows consumers to make more informed decisions, easily comparing actual costs across different platforms or events.
The implications of this change could be significant, potentially shifting consumer behavior and forcing ticketing platforms to compete more directly on price and value.
2. Protecting Consumers from Hidden Fees and Misleading Practices
The TICKET Act goes beyond just price transparency to actively protect consumers from deceptive practices. It bans speculative ticketing, where sellers list tickets they don't actually possess, reducing the risk of consumers purchasing non-existent tickets.
The act also requires explicit disclosure of refund policies, providing consumers with clarity and protection in case of event cancellations or other issues. These measures could significantly reduce instances of fraud and provide consumers with more confidence in their purchases, potentially leading to increased trust in the ticketing industry as a whole.
3. Promoting Fair Competition in the Ticketing Industry
By creating a more level playing field, the TICKET Act aims to foster fair competition among ticketing platforms. The requirement for all sellers to display total prices upfront means competition will be based on actual prices rather than misleading advertising.
The act also strengthens measures against automated ticket-buying software, helping to ensure more tickets are available to genuine fans rather than scalpers.
These changes could give smaller ticketing platforms a better chance to compete with larger companies on the basis of actual pricing and service quality, potentially leading to more innovation and better services for consumers.
4. Improving the Overall Ticket-Buying Experience
Ultimately, the TICKET Act seeks to make buying tickets a less stressful and more enjoyable experience. It ensures tickets can be freely transferred or resold by purchasers, giving consumers more flexibility.
The simplified comparison process, thanks to all-in pricing, makes it easier for consumers to make choices across different events or platforms.
By eliminating hidden fees and misleading practices, the act aims to reduce the anxiety often associated with ticket purchases. These improvements could lead to increased consumer satisfaction and potentially higher attendance at live events.
Legislative Status of the TICKET Act
Originally introduced in 2023, the TICKET Act gained early bipartisan support but stalled in Congress until renewed momentum in 2025 reflected growing public and industry pressure to improve transparency and accountability in the ticketing ecosystem.
On April 9, 2025, the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously approved the act. Then on April 30, 2025, the House of Representatives officially passed the TICKET Act in a 409–15 vote, signaling strong bipartisan backing for ticketing reform.
The legislation targets several long-standing consumer frustrations:
- Banning hidden fees and requiring all-in pricing
- Requiring clear distinction between tickets and ticket procurement services
- Cracking down on deceptive URLs and misleading websites
- Prohibiting speculative ticketing (with exceptions for "concierge services")
- Addressing illegal bot use and calling for FTC enforcement assessment
- Establishing refund requirements for canceled events
While many organizations—including the Sports Fans Coalition—praised the bill's advancement, groups like the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) expressed serious concern about loopholes that could undermine consumer protections.
The "Concierge Service" Loophole
One of the most controversial aspects of the TICKET Act, as passed by the House, is its treatment of so-called "concierge services" or "ticket procurement services."
While the bill explicitly bans speculative ticketing (the practice of selling tickets that sellers don't yet possess), it creates a carve-out that allows platforms to offer "services" to acquire tickets on behalf of consumers.
Critics argue this provision creates a significant loophole that effectively allows speculative ticketing to continue under a different name.
For example, Vivid Seats offers a "Seat Saver" program that allows consumers to purchase tickets to high-demand events before those tickets are actually on sale. Under the TICKET Act as currently written, this practice would remain legal as long as it's marketed as a "service" rather than an actual ticket sale.
Stephen Parker, executive director of NIVA, said, "Unfortunately, the inclusion of a 'concierge service' carveout, as written in the TICKET Act, would undermine the speculative ticket ban." He stated, "Concierge services should not be a loophole for companies like Vivid Seats to claim they are offering a service while selling 'tickets' they don't possess to unsuspecting fans."
NIVA and NITO have both called on the Senate to close this loophole before passing the legislation. They argue that states across the country have proven that strong, loophole-free ticketing consumer protections work, and Congress should build on that momentum rather than creating federal legislation with weaknesses that could undermine state-level protections.
Additional concerns raised by reform advocates include:
- Lack of itemization requirements: While the bill mandates all-in pricing, critics note it doesn't require detailed fee breakdowns that would show consumers exactly what the artist sets versus what ticketing platforms add in fees.
- Weak enforcement mechanisms: The bill calls for FTC assessment of BOTS Act enforcement, but doesn't provide significantly enhanced enforcement powers or penalties. Since the BOTS Act was passed in 2016, the FTC has brought only one enforcement action despite widespread illegal bot use.
- Secondary market protections: The bill doesn't adequately address predatory practices by secondary resellers or provide strong enough protections against deceptive resale sites.
The Fans First Act: Complementary Legislation with Stronger Enforcement
The Fans First Act has bipartisan sponsorship and was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in December 2023.
As of 2026, it remains before the committee and has not yet been scheduled for a vote. Together with the TICKET Act, these bills represent the most serious legislative movement in years toward protecting fans and restoring trust in the U.S. ticketing market.
The Fans First Act focuses on three core priorities:
- Ticket Sales Transparency - Requiring sellers and resellers to disclose comprehensive information about ticket costs and seat locations
- Consumer Protection - Mandating full refunds for canceled events and creating accountability mechanisms
- Stopping Bad Actors - Targeting predatory resellers and deceptive practices with clear penalties. What sets the Fans First Act apart, according to its supporters, is its emphasis on enforcement.
The bill includes:
- Clear penalties for violations
- A consumer complaint reporting website where fans can file grievances
- Stronger enforcement mechanisms to back up the regulations
- More comprehensive protections against predatory secondary market practices
In April 2024, over 280 prominent musicians signed an open letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, urging support for the Fans First Act. This represents one of the largest coordinated artist advocacy efforts in recent memory.
Signatories included Billie Eilish, Green Day, Chappell Roan, Diplo, Lorde, Cyndi Lauper, and many more. "We are joining together to say that the current system is broken: predatory resellers and secondary platforms engage in deceptive ticketing practices to inflate ticket prices and deprive fans of the chance to see their favorite artists at a fair price," the letter read.
The artists emphasized that illegal bots, speculative ticket listings, and deceitful advertising cause "real harm" by severing the relationship between artists and fans ["which forms the backbone of the entire music industry"] and allowing resellers to profit more than the artists themselves. "Predatory resellers should not be more profitable than the people dedicating their lives to their art," the letter stated.
Effects on Pricing
The TICKET Act is expected to have far-reaching effects on both the primary and secondary ticketing markets:
Primary Market Effects
- Transparency in Pricing: The all-in pricing requirement will force ticket sellers to be upfront about the total cost, including fees.
- Changes in Advertising Practices: Sellers will need to adjust their marketing strategies to comply with the new transparency requirements.
Secondary Market Implications
- Restrictions on Speculative Ticket Sales: The prohibition on selling tickets not yet in possession will significantly impact the secondary market.
- Effects on Resellers: Resellers will need to adapt their practices to comply with the new regulations.
Consumer Benefits
- All-in Pricing Visibility: Consumers will be able to see the total cost upfront, enabling more informed purchasing decisions.
- Protection Against Fraudulent Practices: The ban on deceptive websites and speculative ticketing will help protect consumers from fraud.
Industry Response and Support
The TICKET Act has received vocal support from major industry players, though recent legal challenges have highlighted contradictions between public statements and business practices.
StubHub, a major secondary ticketing marketplace, has strongly supported the bill, stating: "StubHub applauds the House's overwhelming support of the TICKET Act, which protects consumers and preserves an innovative and competitive marketplace."
Vivid Seats similarly expressed support: "We believe the TICKET Act will not only improve the process of purchasing tickets to live events, but its comprehensive approach will increase transparency that has been needed for decades."
Live Nation Entertainment, which owns Ticketmaster and controls an estimated 70% of the U.S. primary ticketing market, has expressed support for the legislation, stating it looks forward to "working with policymakers to make these changes law."
However, all three companies have faced recent legal challenges related to the very practices the TICKET Act seeks to address. In September 2025, the FTC filed a lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, joined by seven states, alleging violations of fee disclosure requirements and the BOTS Act. In October 2025, Vivid Seats was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging deceptive "drip pricing" tactics and refund policy violations. StubHub has also faced lawsuits and state attorney general investigations related to ticketing practices and consumer protection concerns.
These legal actions underscore the gap between industry rhetoric and actual practices, and highlight why reform advocates argue that strong enforcement mechanisms are essential for meaningful change.
Many independent voices in the live events ecosystem remain unconvinced—or outright opposed to the bill in its current form.
"The TICKET Act still does not have the support of the people that actually put on the shows," stated the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). While NIVA commended the House passage as a step that "will help to improve the ticket buying experience for fans."
Executive Director Stephen Parker emphasized that the bill requires significant strengthening before becoming law. "On a bipartisan basis, the states and federal regulators have acknowledged an unchecked resale market is the problem. It's alarming Congress continues to fall further behind. The TICKET Act should not become law until Congress closes loopholes, makes the bill enforceable, and strengthens the BOTS Act."
NIVA's concerns center on the bill's failure to rein in speculative reselling and deceptive resale sites, which they argue continue to exploit fans while avoiding oversight.
Similarly, the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) expressed mixed feelings about the bill's progress: "The Ticket Act will be an improvement on the status quo and we appreciate Congress's dedication to this issue," said Nathaniel Marro of NITO. "However, we were disappointed that artist and creator voices weren't more present and represented in the process. More could have been done to protect consumers and fans against predatory resellers and create a safer ticket-buying process for everyone."
Key criticisms from reform advocates include:
- The "concierge service" carveout undermines the speculative ticket ban
- Lack of itemized fee disclosure prevents fans from seeing what artists actually set as ticket prices
- Insufficient enforcement mechanisms mean bots will likely continue to operate with impunity
- No enhanced penalties or state attorney general enforcement authority to deter bad actors
Despite the support from some major industry players, smaller venues, artist advocates, and independent promoters continue to push for stronger protections, broader enforcement mechanisms, and a more inclusive legislative process.
A Global Ticketing Reform Movement
While the TICKET Act represents the U.S. approach to ticketing reform, countries around the world have been implementing their own solutions to address similar problems. These international efforts demonstrate a growing global consensus that ticketing markets need stronger regulation and consumer protection.
United Kingdom: Ban on Reselling Above Face Value
In November 2025, the UK government announced sweeping reforms that go further than the TICKET Act in many ways.
Under the new rules, set to become law through primary legislation:
- Complete ban on profit-based resale: Tickets can only be resold at face value plus capped service fees
- Platform liability: Resale platforms are legally responsible for ensuring sellers comply with the law
- Enforcement by CMA: The Competition and Markets Authority will enforce the rules, with penalties up to 10% of global turnover for violating businesses
- Quantity restrictions: Individuals cannot resell more tickets than they were entitled to purchase initially
The UK reforms came after over 50 prominent artists—including Radiohead, Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Sam Fender—urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to protect fans from "pernicious" touts.
Government analysis suggests these measures will save UK fans approximately £112 million per year, with typical markups on secondary market tickets exceeding 50%.
Richard Davies, founder of face-value resale platform Twickets, described the proposals as a "landmark moment for consumer protection in live entertainment."
However, secondary ticketing platforms like Viagogo have warned that price caps could push transactions to unregulated markets, potentially increasing fraud. "Evidence shows price caps have repeatedly failed fans, in countries like Ireland and Australia fraud rates are nearly four times higher than in the UK," a Viagogo spokesman stated.
European Union: Comprehensive Digital Regulation
The European Union has taken a multi-faceted approach to ticketing reform through several interconnected regulations:
Digital Services Act (DSA): The DSA, which came into force in 2022, requires digital platforms, including ticketing marketplaces to take responsibility for transactions on their services. This includes:
- Preventing the sale of counterfeit tickets
- Enforcing transparent pricing rules
- Cooperating with law enforcement
- Implementing measures against illegal resale practices
Digital Markets Act (DMA): The DMA targets "gatekeeper" platforms with dominant market positions, imposing obligations designed to prevent abuse of market power and promote fair competition. For ticketing, this means:
- Large platforms cannot favor their own services over competitors
- Data portability requirements to allow users to move between platforms
- Fairer access to platforms for smaller ticketing businesses
- Reduced compliance burdens through harmonized rules
Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network: Since 2019, the EU has worked to standardize ticket resale rules across member states through the CPC Network. Key requirements include:
- Sellers must disclose clear information about tickets, including original face value
- Tickets can only be resold above face value with explicit event organizer permission
- Platforms must prevent counterfeit ticket sales
- Cross-border enforcement mechanisms for consumer rights violations
France: Strict Authorization Requirements
France's 2012 consumer protection law established one of the strictest regulatory frameworks in Europe:
- Tickets can only be resold through platforms authorized by event organizers
- Resale prices cannot exceed the original price by more than 10 percent
- Government-operated ticket verification system to prevent fraud
- Heavy penalties for unauthorized resale platforms
Germany: Ticketgesetz
Germany's Ticket Law takes a similarly stringent approach:
- Resale for profit is generally prohibited without event organizer authorization
- Tickets can only be resold through official channels
- Inflated pricing is illegal
- Significant fines for platforms that enable unauthorized resales without proper transparency
Spain: Organizer Authorization Model
Spain requires event organizer approval for any above-face-value resales:
- Platforms must provide clear information about pricing and original sellers
- Secondary ticketing platforms have legal obligations to prevent fraudulent activities
- Requirements to report suspicious activities to authorities
- Consumer protection law mandates accurate disclosure
Blockchain and Technology Solutions: GET Protocol
While governments pursue legislative approaches, some organizations are exploring technological solutions.
The GET Protocol (Guaranteed Entrance Token) is a blockchain-based ticketing system primarily used in Europe that aims to achieve transparency and fraud prevention through technology rather than regulation.
Key features include:
- Ticket authenticity verification through blockchain
- Control over secondary market with resale price caps
- Complete transparency in ticket distribution and pricing
- Smart contracts that automatically enforce rules
Since 2026, the GET Protocol had been used for more than 4 million tickets across various events in Europe and Asia.
Although still relatively niche, blockchain-based models represent an alternative approach that could complement or operate alongside regulatory frameworks.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its potential benefits, the TICKET Act faces several implementation challenges and uncertainties:
Legislative Uncertainty
As of early 2026, the bill remains pending in the Senate. While it has received bipartisan support in the House, Senate passage is not guaranteed. The "concierge service" loophole and enforcement concerns could lead to amendments or further delays. Some senators may push for stronger consumer protections before moving the bill forward.
Technical Implementation Hurdles
Many ticketing systems will need significant upgrades to comply with all-in pricing and enhanced transparency requirements. A 2022 survey by Pollstar found that 63% of venues were concerned about the costs of updating their ticketing technology. Smaller venues and regional promoters may face particular challenges in implementing the technical changes required.
Secondary Market Impact
The act's restrictions on speculative ticket sales could significantly affect the secondary market—though the effectiveness of these restrictions will depend heavily on whether the "concierge service" loophole is closed. According to a 2025 report from TechNavio, the North America secondary tickets market size is valued at $19.97 billion. Any disruption to this market will have significant economic implications.
Enforcement Concerns
Ensuring compliance across the diverse ticketing landscape will be challenging. The Federal Trade Commission, likely responsible for enforcement, will need adequate resources to monitor and penalize violations effectively.
Potential for Unintended Consequences
There are concerns that all-in pricing could lead to higher base ticket prices as sellers adjust their strategies. A 2020 study in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization found that all-in pricing in other industries sometimes led to price increases as competition focused on total price rather than base price.
Additionally, if the "concierge service" loophole remains, speculative ticketing could simply rebrand under a new name rather than being eliminated, undermining one of the bill's core objectives.
Potential Industry Changes
Looking ahead, if the TICKET Act becomes law, it could lead to significant changes in consumer behavior and industry practices.
Increased Price Sensitivity
With clearer pricing information, consumers may become more discerning in their ticket purchases. A Deloitte survey found that 73 percent of respondents would be more likely to compare prices across different ticketing platforms if all-in pricing were mandatory. This could intensify competition and potentially place downward pressure on fees.
Industry Innovation
To remain competitive under the new regulations, ticketing companies may need to innovate. This could lead to improved user experiences, new pricing models, or enhanced value-added services. Companies may differentiate themselves through superior customer service, technology features, or loyalty programs rather than through opaque fee structures.
Shift in Marketing Strategies
With a focus on all-in pricing, marketing strategies in the ticketing industry may shift from emphasizing low base prices to highlighting overall value or unique experiences. This could encourage more honest and transparent advertising practices across the ecosystem.
Data-Driven Pricing
Greater transparency may accelerate the adoption of more sophisticated, data-driven pricing strategies. According to a 2022 PwC report, 68 percent of entertainment companies planned to increase their investments in data analytics for pricing optimization. All-in pricing requirements may push this trend further.
Potential for State-Level Innovation
If the federal TICKET Act passes with loopholes intact, states may continue to enact their own, stronger consumer protection laws. This could create a patchwork of regulations that companies must navigate, though it may also serve as a set of laboratories for testing different approaches to ticketing reform.
Consumer Trust Rebuilding
If successful and if loopholes are addressed, the TICKET Act could help rebuild consumer trust in the ticketing industry. A 2023 YouGov survey found that only 23 percent of U.S. adults trusted ticketing companies to treat customers fairly. For those who use ticket resale sites, 70% are at least ‘somewhat concerned’ they’ll encounter issues. Meaningful reform could reverse this trend, potentially increasing event attendance and contributing to a healthier live entertainment ecosystem.
Federal Regulatory Action
Beyond the TICKET Act, federal regulators continue to scrutinize the ticketing industry through antitrust enforcement, consumer protection rules, and public inquiries. These parallel efforts may ultimately have as much impact on industry practices as the legislation itself.
State-Level Action Already Underway
States are not waiting for federal legislation to address ticketing issues. More than 20 states and Puerto Rico introduced or passed ticketing-related legislation during the 2024 legislative session, creating a patchwork of consumer protections that companies must now navigate.
Examples of Enacted State Legislation
Arizona: Prohibited the use of bots to purchase tickets exceeding posted limits for online ticket sales.
California: Requires primary ticket sellers to include anti-trafficking notices with electronic ticket purchase confirmations.
Colorado: Prohibited event operators from denying access to individuals whose tickets were purchased through resellers, and mandated guaranteed refunds as specified.
Maryland: Requires secondary ticket exchanges, ticket issuers, and resellers to clearly disclose total prices, including all fees and taxes, throughout the entire transaction process. Additionally, requires identification of seat numbers and zones or sections.
Minnesota: Requires price and refund policy disclosures by operators, resellers, and online marketplaces, as well as prohibits resellers from selling multiple copies of the same ticket.
These state laws show that even without federal action, many jurisdictions are moving forward with their own consumer protections.
If the federal TICKET Act passes with loopholes intact, states are likely to continue implementing stronger rules, creating what supporters describe as valuable “laboratories of democracy” for testing regulatory approaches.
Final Word
The TICKET Act and Fans First Act together represent significant efforts to reform the ticketing industry in favor of consumer protection and transparency. With the TICKET Act having passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, it now awaits Senate consideration.
Regardless of the legislative outcome, the ticketing reform movement has already driven meaningful change. Major platforms have voluntarily adopted all-in pricing, over 280 musicians have publicly advocated for reform, more than 20 states have enacted their own consumer protection laws, and countries worldwide are implementing their own solutions.
Whether through federal legislation, state action, or international precedent, the future of ticketing is moving toward greater transparency, stronger enforcement, and better protection for fans and artists alike.
