Province Introduces Tougher Enforcement Measures Under Ticket Sales Act
TORONTO — The Ontario government is moving to strengthen enforcement against illegal ticket resellers by increasing administrative financial penalties and expanding public disclosure measures aimed at businesses and individuals accused of violating provincial ticket resale laws.
The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement announced Thursday that new enforcement measures under the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, will come into effect on June 10, 2026. The changes are part of the province’s broader consumer protection agenda and are intended to curb inflated resale prices for tickets to concerts, sporting events and other live entertainment.
Under the updated framework, the maximum administrative penalty for repeat offenders will rise to $25,000 from the current limit of $10,000. The province will also permit the designated director under the legislation to publicly identify ticketing businesses facing enforcement action.
The government said the measures are designed to discourage exploitative resale practices that drive up costs for consumers and reduce ticket availability for fans.
Government Targets Exploitative Ticket Resale Practices
“We’re delivering on our promise to bring in bold enforcement measures that crack down on resellers who exploit fans and drive up costs for families,” said Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “By increasing penalties and holding offenders publicly accountable, we’re helping ensure Ontarians can attend the events they love without needing to worry about being ripped-off by exploitative resellers.”
The enforcement changes build on commitments outlined in the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, which included measures to prohibit the resale of tickets above their original purchase price.
Under Ontario’s resale ticket price cap, it is illegal to sell or facilitate the resale of tickets at prices exceeding the original all-in purchase cost. The cap includes the face value of the ticket as well as all related service fees, taxes and charges paid by the original buyer. Additional fees associated with the resale transaction are also regulated under the legislation.
The law applies both to individuals reselling tickets and to digital platforms facilitating ticket resales for events held in Ontario.
According to the ministry, the strengthened administrative penalties will provide regulators with another tool to address non-compliance in the secondary ticketing market.
Enforcement Actions Already Underway
In addition to administrative penalties, businesses that fail to comply with the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, may also face compliance orders or prosecution. If convicted, individuals can face court-ordered fines of up to $50,000, while corporations may be fined up to $250,000.
The ministry said officials recently conducted inspections of 27 major secondary ticketing platforms to assess compliance with provincial requirements. Enforcement actions are currently being pursued where appropriate, including the issuance of compliance orders.
The province also confirmed that, beginning June 10, information regarding compliance and enforcement actions against ticket sellers and businesses will be published on Ontario’s Consumer Beware List.
The public disclosure initiative is intended to improve transparency and help consumers identify businesses facing regulatory scrutiny.
Province Says Measures Will Improve Access to Live Events
Ontario officials argue the enhanced rules will help address long-standing concerns about speculative ticket purchasing and excessive resale pricing, particularly for high-demand sporting and entertainment events.
“Live sporting events create unforgettable experiences for fans, families and communities,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “These measures will help ensure tickets are available to the people who want to be in the stands cheering on their favourite teams and athletes, rather than being snapped up by unfair pricing gouging.”
The government maintains that the combination of resale price caps, increased penalties and expanded enforcement visibility will create a fairer marketplace for consumers across the province.
Understanding Administrative Penalties
The province noted that administrative penalties differ from criminal or court-imposed fines. Administrative penalties are civil sanctions intended to encourage compliance with legislation and may be imposed directly by a government agency or regulator.
Such penalties remain subject to an appeal process.
By contrast, court-ordered fines are imposed following a prosecution and conviction through the judicial system.
Ontario’s latest measures reflect growing scrutiny of the secondary ticketing market, where consumers have frequently raised concerns about inflated prices, automated ticket-buying practices and limited access to high-demand events.
With enforcement powers set to expand next week, the province is signalling a tougher regulatory approach toward ticket resellers operating in Ontario.