White House Cracks Down on Scalpers Ruining Live Shows
Published Date: 4/3/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The government is cracking down on unfair ticket sales in live entertainment to stop scalpers from charging crazy high prices and hurting fans and artists. New rules will make sure ticket sellers play fair, so fans can see their favorite shows without breaking the bank. These changes start right away and aim to protect your wallet and support artists getting their fair share.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Competition enforcement in ticketing
This order, signed March 31, 2025, directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce competition laws in the concert and live entertainment industry. The goal is to stop venues, ticketing agents, or combinations of actors from operating in ways that harm artists and fans.
BOTS Act enforcement with States
The FTC is directed to rigorously enforce the Better Online Ticket Sales Act (15 U.S.C. 45c) and to collaborate with State Attorneys General and consumer protection officers. The order targets scalpers who use bots and other unfair means to buy many face-value tickets and resell them at large markups (the order notes fans have paid as much as 70 times face value).
Crackdown on secondary market abuses
The FTC must evaluate and, if appropriate, take enforcement action to prevent unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive conduct in the secondary ticketing market. The order specifically directs attention to harmful conduct that disadvantages fans and artists.
Price transparency for ticket purchases
The FTC is instructed to take appropriate action, including proposing regulations if necessary, to ensure price transparency at all stages of the ticket-purchase process, including in the secondary ticketing market. This aims to make the full cost of a ticket clearer to buyers before they complete a purchase.
Tax compliance checks on ticket resellers
The order directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General to ensure ticket scalpers are operating in full compliance with the Internal Revenue Code and other applicable law. This focuses on making sure secondary sellers meet tax and related legal obligations.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11415 — Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security
The President is boosting America’s leadership in advanced AI by cutting red tape and teaming up with private companies to make AI safer and stronger. This means faster tech upgrades, better cyber defenses, and protecting American ideas from theft—all starting right away with key actions due within 30 days. If you work in government or AI industries, get ready for big changes that speed innovation while keeping our country secure.
2026-11314 — Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Into the United States
The U.S. is updating tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports to keep our national security strong. Big changes include higher taxes on metal products starting soon, affecting importers and industries using these metals. These moves aim to protect American jobs and industries while keeping prices fair.
2026-11181 — Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands
This new order makes it easier for people to enjoy federal lands by removing old, confusing rules about off-road vehicle use that are no longer needed. It affects anyone who visits or manages public lands, updating rules to match modern technology and laws. These changes start right away and aim to save time and money while still protecting the environment.
2026-11180 — Realigning United States Core Childhood Vaccine Recommendations With Best Practices From Peer, Developed Countries
The U.S. is updating its childhood vaccine schedule to match the best practices of other developed countries, focusing on fewer vaccines but keeping all current options available. This change aims to boost public trust and respect parents' rights while still protecting kids’ health. The new schedule will roll out soon, with no extra costs expected for families or the government.
2026-10817 — Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
This new rule updates how federal financial help is given and managed across many government agencies. It affects anyone who gets federal grants or aid, making the process clearer, fairer, and easier to follow. Changes kick in soon and could impact how money flows and how quickly folks get support.
2026-10481 — Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Belarus
The U.S. is keeping its national emergency with Belarus for another year because the Belarusian government still threatens democracy, human rights, and international safety. This means sanctions and restrictions on certain Belarusian officials and entities stay in place to protect U.S. interests. The emergency started in 2006 and was expanded in 2021, and it continues through June 16, 2027.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05845 — Addressing Risks From WilmerHale
The President is taking action against WilmerHale, a big law firm accused of harmful political and racial practices that threaten American values and security. Starting now, WilmerHale will lose access to federal contracts and taxpayer money to stop these risky behaviors. This move protects the public and ensures government funds don’t support unfair or dangerous actions.
Next: 2025-05908 — Establishing the United States Investment Accelerator
The U.S. government is launching the United States Investment Accelerator to help big investors (over $1 billion) cut through red tape and build faster across all 50 states. Starting within 30 days, this new office will make investing in America easier, boost jobs, and speed up projects by working closely with businesses and state governments. This means smoother rules, quicker permits, and stronger support for companies ready to grow here.