Ontario doubles fines for illegal ticket resellers to $25,000
New enforcement powers take effect June 10 as the province cracks down on ticket scalpers selling above face value.
Ontario is sharply increasing financial penalties for illegal ticket resellers, announcing new enforcement powers that will levy fines of up to $25,000 against repeat offenders who sell event tickets above face value.
The tougher measures take effect June 10, building on Ontario's recently enacted ban on reselling tickets for more than their original all-in purchase price — a law that has already reshaped the resale landscape.
Under the updated rules, the maximum administrative penalty for violating the Ticket Sales Act, 2017 will more than double — from $10,000 to $25,000. For the first time, the province will also publicly identify ticketing businesses facing enforcement action, adding accountability.
The ministry says officials have recently inspected 27 major secondary ticketing platforms for compliance and have already issued some compliance orders. Beyond administrative penalties, non-compliant businesses can still face court-ordered fines of up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for corporations if convicted.
Beginning June 10, the province will publish information about compliance and enforcement actions on Ontario's Consumer Beware List. The government says the combination of a resale price cap, higher penalties, and public disclosure will restore fairness to the ticket-buying process.