Ticketmaster Implements Single Account Policy to Combat Scalpers Following FTC Lawsuit

Ticketmaster is banning multiple accounts. The major policy shift was announced in a letter to U.S. lawmakers. This move comes after a federal lawsuit accused the company of colluding with ticket scalpers.

The company will also shut down its TradeDesk platform. This tool helps professional ticket brokers manage their inventory. According to Reuters, these changes aim to restore fairness for fans.

FTC Lawsuit Alleges Widespread Abuse of Ticketing System

The Federal Trade Commission sued Live Nation last month. The lawsuit claims Ticketmaster worked with brokers to bypass purchase limits. This allegedly allowed scalpers to buy huge blocks of tickets for resale.

The FTC stated this practice harms consumers. It leads to higher prices and fewer available tickets. Live Nation executives have called the allegations “categorically false.”

New Policy Aims to Level the Playing Field for Concert Fans

Starting immediately, all users may only have one active account. The company will use AI and identity verification to enforce this rule. Brokers must also provide a taxpayer ID for resale listings.

This single-account policy marks a fundamental change. It directly addresses the core issue raised by regulators. The goal is to give genuine fans a better chance at face-value tickets.

The new Ticketmaster account limit represents the most significant consumer protection measure in live event ticketing this decade. This policy could fundamentally reshape how tickets are bought and sold.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the new Ticketmaster account policy?

Ticketmaster now allows only one account per user. The company is canceling existing duplicate accounts. This applies to all customers, including professional ticket brokers.

Why is Ticketmaster making this change now?

The change follows a recent FTC lawsuit. Regulators alleged the old system enabled scalpers. The new policy aims to create a fairer ticket buying process.

What is TradeDesk and why is it closing?

TradeDesk was a platform for brokers to manage ticket inventory. The FTC called it a tool for “unlawful ticket harvesting.” Ticketmaster says the reputational harm outweighed its business value.

How will this affect the average concertgoer?

Fans should theoretically have better access to tickets. It may reduce the instant sell-outs that benefit bots. However, enforcement success remains to be seen.

Is using multiple Ticketmaster accounts illegal?

It is not technically illegal under federal law. However, it violates Ticketmaster’s new terms of service. The company now considers it an abuse of their platform.