TICKET Act

The Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act, or TICKET Act, aims to enhance consumer protection in the event ticketing market by requiring greater transparency from ticket issuers, secondary market ticket issuers, and exchanges. A core provision mandates that all advertised or displayed event ticket prices must be the total event ticket price , which includes the base price and all associated fees, presented clearly and conspicuously from the initial display through the entire purchasing process. Sellers must also provide an itemized list of the base price and each fee before a purchase is completed. The bill introduces a ban on speculative ticketing , making it unlawful for entities to sell, offer, or advertise tickets they do not actually possess. However, it allows for the sale of services to obtain tickets on behalf of an individual, provided these services are clearly distinguished from actual tickets and do not guarantee an event ticket. Additionally, the Act prohibits misleading affiliations, preventing sellers from claiming endorsement by a venue, team, or artist without express written consent, and restricts the unauthorized use of venue names in website domain names. Significant refund requirements are established for canceled or postponed events. If an event is canceled, purchasers are entitled to a full refund of the total ticket price. For postponed events, depending on the duration, purchasers may receive a replacement ticket or, for longer postponements, have the option of a full refund. All sellers must clearly disclose their guarantee and refund policies, including how fees are handled, before a sale is finalized. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these provisions and will also report to Congress on the enforcement of the Better Online Ticket Sales Act of 2016.