Frequently asked questions

What is a declared event?

A declared event is an event where a major event ticketing declaration has been made under the Major Events Act 2009 by the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. The following provisions apply for a declared event:

• It is illegal to sell or advertise tickets for resale at more than 10% above face value.
• Individual ticket resale advertisements must include:
  • The face value (original price displayed on the ticket)
  • The intended resale price
  • Seating location details (if applicable).
• Ticket package sellers must be authorised by the event organiser (a list of authorised sellers can be found on the event organiser’s website). Ticket package advertisements must include:
  • Seller’s name
  • ABN/ACN
  • A statement confirming authorisation by the event organiser.

Failure to comply with these provisions can result in penalties ranging from $1,018 to $610,530, depending on the nature and severity of the offence.

How much can I resell my ticket for?

For ticket holders wanting to resell their tickets to a declared major event, the ticket can be resold at the original price printed on the ticket (face value) plus 10%.

Example:

• Face value = $100
• Resale price = $110 or under.

Can I resell a ticket using an auction platform where a buyer offers a higher price than the advertised price?

It is recommended to avoid auction platforms for reselling tickets to avoid the risk of a ticket being sold over the 10% threshold and breaching the legislation.

What are the penalties for advertising or reselling tickets above the 10% limit for a declared event?

It is an offence to advertise or resell a ticket to a declared major event for more than 10% above its face value. Penalties apply and can range from $1,018 to $610,530, depending on the seriousness and nature of the offence.

How do I report a ticket listing for a declared event that appears to breach the requirements of the Major Events Act 2009?

You can report a ticket listing for a declared event if it:

• is advertised or sold for more than 10% above its face value
• does not include the required ticketing details (e.g. original and intended sale price, section, row, seat number)
• is being sold as part of an unauthorised ticket package

You can report the suspected offence for investigation if you believe any of these requirements have been breached. An Authorised Ticketing Officer will assess the matter and determine whether a violation has occurred.

Can I report a ticket issue to the resale website directly?

Yes. You can report an advertisement issue to the resale website directly. They will often have a 'report' function, which will allow you to report suspicious or non-compliant advertisements.

Do Victorian ticket scalping laws apply to tickets purchased outside Victoria?

Yes. All events that are listed as declared major events are subject to the Victorian ticket scalping legislation regardless of where the ticket is purchased. For example, a ticket purchased in Western Australia to the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne, is subject to the same laws as in Victoria.

Is dynamic pricing allowed under the Major Events Act 2009, and how does it affect ticket scalping provisions?

Dynamic pricing allows event organisers to adjust ticket prices in real time based on factors such as demand and availability. This means ticket prices may go up or down and can vary from one moment to the next.

The application of dynamic pricing is at the discretion of the event organiser. Using dynamic pricing is not in breach of the ticket scalping provisions under the Major Events Act 2009.

However, it remains an offence to resell tickets for more than 10% above the purchase price paid for declared events, regardless of whether that price was set using dynamic pricing. Consumers should always check the original price displayed on the ticket to ensure that any resale complies with the law.

What is the difference between ticket scalping and a ticket scam?

Please read How do I report ticket scams and fraudulent activity online?

How do I report a ticket scam?

Please seek assistance and report the incident to the appropriate authorities if you have been affected by a ticket scam or purchased a fraudulent ticket:

• Victoria Police - Cybercrime, fraud, scams and online safety
• Consumer Affairs Victoria - Report an issue 
• Australian Competition & Consumer Commission - Report a consumer issue
• Scamwatch - Report a scam

What enforcement powers do Authorised Ticketing Officers have?

Authorised Ticketing Officers (ATOs) are empowered under the ticket scalping provisions of the Major Events Act 2009. ATOs have enforcement powers equivalent to those of police officers under the Act. Their primary role is to support Victoria Police in ensuring compliance with the legislation and monitoring illegal ticket resales.

ATOs have the authority to issue infringement notices for breaches of ticket scalping laws, with penalties ranging from $1,018 to $610,530, depending on the severity of the offence.  For serious or repeated offences, ATOs may initiate legal proceedings against offenders.