Ohio lawmakers propose new regulations on Ticketmaster, ticket resellers
COLUMBUS — Ohio legislators are advancing new measures to regulate ticket sales and combat price gouging by major platforms like Ticketmaster and secondary market resellers.
State lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation this week aimed at increasing transparency in ticket pricing and limiting deceptive practices that often leave consumers paying inflated prices for concerts and sporting events.
The proposed bill would require ticket sellers to disclose all fees upfront rather than adding them during checkout, according to Ohio Capital Journal. It would also prohibit the use of automated bots to purchase large quantities of tickets for immediate resale at higher prices.
Key Provisions Target Hidden Fees
Under the legislation, primary ticket sellers would be required to display the total ticket price, including all fees and taxes, from the beginning of the purchasing process. The measure specifically targets the practice of advertising low base prices only to reveal substantial additional charges at checkout.
“Consumers deserve to know the real cost of tickets upfront,” said one of the bill’s sponsors, according to legislative documents. “These hidden fee practices hurt Ohio families who are trying to budget for entertainment.”
The bill would also establish penalties for platforms that fail to clearly distinguish between face-value tickets and resale tickets when displaying available seats.
Bot Prevention Measures Included
The proposed legislation includes provisions to combat automated ticket purchasing, which allows resellers to quickly buy up large inventories before individual consumers can complete purchases.
Companies found using or facilitating bot purchases would face civil penalties under the proposed law. The measure would also require ticket platforms to implement reasonable security measures to prevent automated purchasing.
Secondary market platforms would be required to disclose whether sellers are individuals or commercial entities, giving consumers more information about who they’re purchasing from.
Industry Response Expected
The legislation comes amid growing national scrutiny of major ticketing platforms following high-profile technical failures and pricing controversies during recent concert tours.
Similar measures have been introduced in other states as lawmakers respond to constituent complaints about ticket accessibility and pricing practices. The Ohio bill joins a movement of state-level efforts to regulate the ticketing industry.
The proposed legislation must pass through committee review before advancing to floor votes in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly. Legislative leaders have not yet announced a timeline for committee hearings.
Consumer advocacy groups have expressed support for increased ticket sales regulation, while industry representatives have not yet commented publicly on the specific Ohio proposal.
Sources: Ohio Capital Journal
