Ticket scalping, also known as ticket touting, is the resale of tickets for events such as concerts, shows, and sports matches at prices often higher than the original face value. Laws regarding ticket scalping vary across Europe. Here is an overview of the legality of ticket scalping in some major European countries:
United Kingdom
Ticket scalping is legal in the UK. The resale of tickets is not regulated, and scalpers can resell tickets at any price they choose. There are no limits on the amount scalpers can charge above face value. Some event organizers try to discourage scalping by canceling or blacklisting tickets that they identify as being resold, but this is not enshrined in law.
Germany
Ticket scalping is illegal in Germany under the ‘Act Against Unfair Competition’. The law prohibits the resale of tickets at more than the original face value. Scalpers can be fined up to €100,000 for violating the law. The law is intended to protect consumers from exploitation. However, it can be difficult to enforce in practice.
France
In France, ticket scalping is illegal and can be punished with fines up to €15,000 and imprisonment for up to 1 year. A 2016 law reinforces the illegality of ticket resale for more than face value. The law states that any price higher than face value constitutes scalping. Organizers can also legally cancel tickets suspected of being resold.
Italy
Ticket scalping is prohibited in Italy under a 2017 law. The law bans the resale of tickets for more than their original price. Violators can face administrative fines between €5,000 and €180,000. The extent to which the law is enforced varies across different cities and regions.
Spain
Spain has no national law specifically prohibiting ticket scalping. However, some regional governments have introduced their own legislation. Catalonia passed a law in 2020 that banned reselling tickets at over 15% above face value. The Balearic Islands prohibit reselling tickets for more than their original price. Enforcement levels vary.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has no laws restricting ticket resale above face value, thus making scalping legal. The absence of regulation allows scalpers to resell tickets freely at any price. Some big Dutch ticket agencies like TicketSwap provide platforms for scalpers to resell tickets.
Sweden
Ticket scalping is legal in Sweden. There is no legislation limiting what price tickets can be resold for. Swedish consumers have repeatedly called for regulation of ticket scalping, but so far no national laws have been passed.
Denmark
Ticket scalping is legal in Denmark. Tickets can be resold at any price as there are no laws prohibiting or limiting the practice. Some event organizers try to prevent scalping by putting names on tickets or requiring ID, but scalping continues.
Poland
Ticket scalping is legal and unregulated in Poland. Tickets can be resold freely at any price. Some opposition politicians have proposed legislation to limit scalping, arguing it exploits consumers. But currently there are no laws restricting the practice.
Belgium
Belgium has no national laws prohibiting ticket scalping. In the absence of regulation, reselling tickets above face value is generally legal. However, some regional authorities have introduced local measures. For example, the Brussels Parliament voted in 2018 to ban reselling tickets for more than 110% of the original price.
Conclusion
Across Europe, ticket scalping laws vary widely. Some countries like Germany and France have clear national laws banning the resale of tickets above face value. Others like the UK, Sweden and Denmark have no scalping restrictions at all. Enforcement levels also differ. The lack of a unified approach across Europe means consumers face a patchwork of rules when trying to buy tickets.
Overview of Ticket Scalping Laws in Major European Countries
| Country | Law |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Legal – No restrictions |
| Germany | Illegal – Can’t resell for more than face value |
| France | Illegal – Can’t resell for more than face value |
| Italy | Illegal – Can’t resell for more than face value |
| Spain | No national law, some regional bans |
| Netherlands | Legal – No restrictions |
| Sweden | Legal – No restrictions |
| Denmark | Legal – No restrictions |
| Poland | Legal – No restrictions |
| Belgium | No national law, some local bans |
In summary, the legality of ticket scalping varies significantly across Europe due to the lack of unified legislation at the EU level. Some countries strictly prohibit reselling tickets above face value while others impose no restrictions whatsoever. Consumers need to research the specific rules in place in the country and region where they plan to buy or resell tickets.
