Cracking Down on Ticket Scalping: White House Targets Unfair Practices

The live entertainment industry has long been a vibrant part of American culture, drawing in crowds with its diverse array of performances. However, the sector has been marred by the presence of ticket scalpers who engage in unfair practices to exploit fans and artists alike. Ticket scalping, facilitated by the use of bots and other deceptive means, allows scalpers to snatch up bulk tickets at face value and resell them at exorbitant prices on secondary markets, sometimes reaching up to 70 times the original price. This practice not only burdens consumers with inflated costs but also deprives artists of their rightful earnings, funneling profits solely to scalpers and ticketing agencies.

Recognizing the detrimental impact of such practices, the White House has taken a firm stance against ticket scalping. President Trump, in a recent executive order, emphasized the need to crack down on these exploitative behaviors that undermine the accessibility of arts and entertainment for the American public. The order directs key government agencies, including the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to enforce competition laws within the entertainment industry and combat anti-competitive behaviors that harm artists and fans.

Moreover, the order mandates the rigorous enforcement of the Better Online Tickets Sales Act to safeguard consumers from deceptive practices in the ticketing process. It also calls for enhanced price transparency throughout ticket purchases, particularly in the secondary market, to prevent price gouging and ensure a fair marketplace for all stakeholders. Additionally, efforts will be made to evaluate and address any unfair, deceptive, or anti-competitive conduct in the secondary ticketing market, safeguarding the interests of both consumers and artists.

To ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations, the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General are tasked with overseeing the operations of ticket scalpers, guaranteeing adherence to the Internal Revenue Code and other relevant statutes. Within 180 days of the order, a comprehensive report will be submitted to evaluate the progress made in implementing these measures and to propose any necessary regulations or legislation to protect consumers within the live entertainment industry.

By taking decisive action against ticket scalping and other exploitative practices, the White House aims to foster a more equitable and consumer-friendly environment within the live entertainment market. This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to promoting fair competition, enhancing consumer protection, and preserving the integrity of the arts and entertainment sector for the benefit of all stakeholders.