Massachusetts Closes in on Ticket Scalping Reform
· news
Ticket Price Tyranny: Massachusetts Takes Aim at Scalpers
Massachusetts Governor’s latest move to cap ticket scalping prices aims to address the live music industry’s most egregious issue. The “Great Divide Act” proposes capping resale prices at 110% of the original face value and limiting fees on secondary sites to 10%. While these measures may seem modest, they tackle a complex problem plaguing the industry.
The insidious aspect of ticket scalping is its ability to create artificial scarcity, driving up prices for fans willing to pay top dollar. This issue disproportionately affects lower-income communities, making concert tickets inaccessible to those who need them most. Policymakers have been hesitant to address this concern, citing concerns about “free market” principles or supply and demand.
In reality, the live music industry relies heavily on ticket scalpers as middlemen. These brokers make their money by buying up tickets at face value and reselling them for exorbitant sums, often without attending the event themselves. The proliferation of secondary ticketing sites and lack of transparency in the ticketing process have facilitated this racket.
Noah Kahan’s involvement in this issue is notable. As a singer-songwriter, he has used his platform to raise awareness about ticket affordability and advocate for change. His own experiences with ticket scalping – including using identity check software to prevent bots from buying up tickets for his tour – make him a vocal critic of the industry’s practices.
Massachusetts’ “Great Divide Act” is part of a growing trend of states seeking to regulate ticket scalping. Vermont and Maine have already passed similar laws, while California and New York are considering pending legislation. Washington D.C.’s council has unanimously passed its own bill.
However, these efforts raise questions about the effectiveness of piecemeal regulation. If multiple states address this issue independently, it’s unclear how a coordinated effort would look or whether it would make a meaningful difference. One thing is certain: until policymakers can address ticket scalping as a national issue, fans will continue to be priced out of the market.
The live music industry has always been about community – but in recent years, it’s become clear that this community is being sold short by those who profit from ticket scalping. As Kahan noted, “artists alone could not tackle the market manipulation of secondary resellers.” It’s time for policymakers to take a stand and acknowledge that ticket scalping is a class problem requiring a more comprehensive solution.
For now, Massachusetts’ “Great Divide Act” represents a glimmer of hope in an industry desperate for reform. As the live music world waits to see if this legislation will become law, one thing is clear: until policymakers can find a way to address ticket scalping on a national level, fans will continue to be left behind.
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
While Massachusetts' "Great Divide Act" is a step in the right direction, its efficacy will ultimately depend on effective enforcement and transparency. To truly tackle ticket scalping, regulators must ensure that resale sites can't circumvent price caps through complex fee structures or clever loopholes. Additionally, policymakers should consider implementing measures to curb the practice of "dynamic pricing," which allows ticketing platforms to raise prices in real-time based on perceived demand, further exacerbating the problem of artificial scarcity and inflated prices for consumers.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
One aspect of ticket scalping reform that's often overlooked is its potential impact on artists themselves. While capping resale prices and limiting fees are essential steps towards fairness, they may also inadvertently drive ticket sales to unregulated channels. Some argue that artists should have more control over how their tickets are sold, rather than relying on third-party sites. This raises questions about the role of secondary markets in supporting artists' livelihoods – a concern that's been largely absent from the policy debate so far.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
It's high time for Massachusetts and other states to take bold action against ticket scalpers. While capping resale prices at 110% of face value is a step in the right direction, we must also consider the economic incentives driving this industry. By limiting fees on secondary sites, policymakers are essentially propping up the business model that allows scalpers to profit from buying and reselling tickets without attending events themselves. What's next? Regulating ticket prices for specific venues or shows could be a more effective way to tackle price gouging and promote fair access to live music.