Instances of fans being stranded outside stadiums due to “ghost tickets” sold on resale platforms were prevalent during this year’s World Cup. Advocates are optimistic that the overwhelming negative coverage and dissatisfied fans will lead to long-awaited legislation against speculative ticket selling, a practice where tickets not yet in possession are sold on the open market.
On the state level, it seems progress is being made.
Since the World Cup began, Illinois, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C., have passed laws prohibiting speculative ticket sales. Additionally, Connecticut, Oregon, and Vermont have introduced bans on ghost tickets this year. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also announced plans to propose legislation to ban ghost tickets, alongside other consumer protection measures, on Thursday.
“It’s definitely catching the attention of politicians and legislators who are now keen to ban ghost and speculative ticketing,” remarked Scott Friedman, podcast host and co-founder of the Ticket Talk Network. “When such issues occur on a global scale, not just in the United States, change is inevitable.”
“There are numerous bills emerging nationwide,” noted John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecommunications, and fraud at the National Consumers League. “Most of them include some form of a ban on speculative tickets.”
Efforts are also underway at the federal level, although advocacy groups differ on the approach in Congress. Breyault and the NCL have been involved in advocating for the TICKET Act, which was approved by the House in April and advanced through the Senate Commerce Committee in June.
Supporters claim the legislation would eliminate speculative ticket sales and protect consumers from fraudulent ticket websites.
“In today’s political climate, where Republicans and Democrats often disagree on basic facts, achieving this is rare,” Breyault commented.
However, Stephen Parker, executive director of the National Independent Venue Association, criticized the TICKET Act’s provisions on ghost ticketing, suggesting they have significant loopholes. Music groups have also criticized the bill, arguing it permits speculative ticket sales by allowing sellers to promote ticket procurement services for tickets they do not yet have.
For now, Parker believes the most promising developments are occurring at the state level.
“This is happening nationwide, and we are witnessing legislators from both parties declaring enough is enough. If Congress isn’t taking action, we will, and we are incredibly appreciative of their efforts.”
