Ticket Scalping Laws: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know in 2025

 In 2025, ticket scalping laws vary by country and state, but the trend is toward tougher rules: bans on bots, stronger refunds and disclosures, and proposals or caps on resale mark-ups in places like the UK; the U.S. enforces the federal BOTS Act and new state licensing rules; and Australian states like NSW cap certain resales at around 10% above face value for declared events. Always check the law where the event happens and where you sell. 

Why this matters in 2025

High-demand tours, surprise onsales, and limited seating keep pushing fans into the secondary ticketing market. Governments and regulators have reacted with fresh guidance, new bills, and enforcement actions in the past 12–18 months—so the rules you knew in 2023 may not cover you now. In summary: greater consumer rights, reduced bots, and increased transparency. And if you’re planning to buy tickets legally through a trusted marketplace, using a Viagogo Discount Code can help you save while staying within the rules.

The global picture (simple and current)

United Kingdom

• What’s changing: The UK government consulted on “Putting fans first,” exploring ways to curb excessive resale prices, improve platform accountability, and boost enforcement. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has signaled support for a price cap on resales; industry pushback includes the prospect of platforms exiting the market if strict caps are introduced. 
• What already applies: UK law already bans ticket bots and requires clear seat information and honest marketing on resale listings. A new 2025 parliamentary briefing also summarizes consumer-protection enforcement and recent legislation touching secondary sales. 

What this means for you: Expect tighter price and disclosure rules; always show full seat details and avoid speculative listings (selling tickets you don’t actually own yet).

United States

• Federal: Using bots to circumvent security or purchasing limits on major ticket websites is prohibited by the BOTS Act; the FTC reminded the industry in 2025 that it has the authority to pursue civil penalties and has previously done so. A proposed Senate bill, the Fans First Act, would further toughen disclosures and refund rights if it becomes law. 
• States: Rules differ. Some states require reseller licensing, ban speculative tickets, or mandate clear pricing and refunds. New York is considering 2025 measures on licensing numbers and refund criteria for resellers using online marketplaces. Check your state before you list. 

What this means for you: If you’re a professional seller, get licensed where required and follow no-bot, no-speculative-ticket, full-disclosure rules. As a buyer, look for platforms that provide guarantees and comply with refund policies.

Australia

• Many states regulate resale for declared or “major” events. In NSW, reselling a declared event ticket for more than 10% above face value can trigger fines—up to AU$22,000 for individuals and AU$110,000 for corporations. Victoria also enforces a 10% limit for “major events,” though coverage depends on designation. 

What this means for you: Check whether your event is formally “declared.” If it is, the 10% rule likely applies.

Key definitions (keep it simple)

• Ticket scalping: Purchasing tickets in order to resale them for more money, usually in bulk. 
• Secondary ticketing platform: A marketplace where fans resell tickets to other fans. 
• Speculative listing: Advertising a ticket you don’t actually own yet. These are increasingly restricted or banned. 

Practical do’s and don’ts (buyers & sellers)

For buyers

• Use verified marketplaces with clear guarantees and refund policies. Look for seat numbers/sections and full price breakdowns before checkout. 
• Know local caps: Listings priced more than about 10% above face value should be avoided if you’re in New South Wales or attending a declared event in Victoria. 
• Watch for red flags: Vague seat info, “instant confirmation later,” or prices that violate local law. 

For casual sellers

• Check the fine print: Some primary tickets are non-transferable or require name changes; breaking terms can void the ticket. 
• Price within the rules: If your region caps markup, stay below the limit and keep a receipt/screenshot of the face value. 
• Be transparent: Include section/row/seat (if available) and accurate restrictions (e.g., mobile-only). 

For pro resellers

• Licensing & disclosures: States like New York require licensing and disclosure of license numbers on platforms; keep records for audits. 
• No bots—ever: The FTC can pursue civil penalties for BOTS Act violations; compliance programs matter. 
• Avoid speculative sales: Many jurisdictions and platforms prohibit listing tickets you don’t possess. 

Real-world examples (2024–2025)

• UK policy shift: The CMA publicly backed a resale price cap (reports cite ranges like 10–30% under discussion), a notable move after years of focusing on general consumer law. The debate includes warnings from platforms about unintended consequences. 
• U.S. enforcement drumbeat: The FTC reiterated BOTS Act penalties in 2025 and the Senate’s Fans First Act aims to standardize all-in pricing, ban deceptive practices, and strengthen anti-bot rules. 
• Australia’s caps in action: NSW publishes clear penalty amounts and guidance for consumers and sellers.

Compliance checklist (copy/paste)

• I verified local ticket scalping laws for the event location. 
• My listing shows true face value, section/row/seat (when available), and transfer method. 
• If in a capped market (e.g., NSW declared events), my markup ≤ 10%. 
• I’m licensed where required and have my number ready for platforms (e.g., NY). 
• No speculative tickets, no bots, and no deceptive pressure methods. 
• The customer support path and return policy are made clear. 

FAQs about Ticket Scalping Laws (2025)

1) Is ticket scalping illegal everywhere?
No. Some places cap prices (e.g., ~10% over face value for declared events in NSW or Victoria), others focus on transparency and anti-bot rules. Verify the local laws wherever possible. 

2) Are bots actually enforced against?
Yes. The U.S. FTC enforces the BOTS Act and can seek civil penalties. The agency published a 2025 refresher for businesses and has brought cases against violators. 

3) What’s happening in the UK right now?
The CMA is in favor of some kind of price cap, and the government held consultations on resale regulations. Final rules aren’t set yet, but momentum is toward stronger consumer protection. 

4) I’m a casual seller—do I need a license?
Often no, but it depends. Some U.S. states impose licensing for professional resellers or certain practices. New York is moving on 2025 rules around reseller licenses displayed on marketplaces. 

5) Can platforms ban speculative listings?
Yes, and many do. Laws and regulators also discourage or prohibit selling tickets you don’t yet own or control.