Ticketmaster, the online ticketing giant, has reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit, agreeing to compensate approximately one million Canadians who purchased tickets in 2018. The $6 million settlement, finalized on January 15, 2025, at Regina's Court of King's Bench, stems from allegations of deceptive pricing practices, particularly involving "drip pricing," which entails adding unexpected fees to ticket prices.
The lawsuit was initiated by Crystal Watch, who accused Ticketmaster of violating The Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act. While Ticketmaster did not admit to any wrongdoing, it opted to settle the matter out of court. Justice Graeme Mitchell, who presided over the case, emphasized the importance of the settlement, stating, "This case has proved to be a legitimate consumer protection lawsuit, which could only have been effectively prosecuted as a class action." This remark underlines the case's significance for consumer rights.
According to the settlement, customers who purchased tickets for Canadian events between January 1 and June 30, 2018, may receive up to $45 in credits for future ticket purchases on their Ticketmaster accounts. It's important to note, though, this compensation is only available to those who meet strict criteria, excluding Quebec residents and current Ticketmaster employees from eligibility. The credit, which is transferable, can only be redeemed once, adding another layer of specificity to the terms.
Lawyer Tony Merchant, representing the plaintiffs, estimated about 100,000 people in Saskatchewan and roughly one million across Canada might qualify for the credit. With $4.3 million allocated to customer credits after accounting for legal fees of $1.725 million, the settlement reflects the widespread impact of Ticketmaster's pricing practices during the specified period.
Consumers can expect to receive emails shortly with instructions on how to claim their credits. For those who do not receive notifications but believe they qualify for compensation, they are encouraged to reach out to the law firm for assistance. This class-action settlement serves as an important reminder of the necessity for transparency in ticket pricing, especially within the event and concert sectors where service fees frequently complicate the overall price.
Although the settlement amount may seem modest compared to larger corporate disputes, it offers a significant step forward in holding businesses accountable for unfair practices. It also highlights the power of class-action suits to advocate for consumer rights, reinforcing the demand for honesty within the business practices, especially for industries like ticket sales, which greatly impact millions.
The situation highlights the rising determination of consumers to protect their rights and advocate for greater transparency within the marketplace. The case also reveals the substantial role the legal system plays in ensuring companies adhere to ethical standards—this, thereby, aids in restoring consumer trust. All eyes will be on the ticketing industry to see if this will spur changes resulting in clearer pricing practices.