Ticketmaster settles $6M lawsuit over deceptive pricing practices in Canada

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, specifically “drip pricing,” which involved 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 significance 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.”

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.

However, this compensation is only available to those who meet the criteria, and Quebec residents as well as current Ticketmaster employees are excluded. The credit is transferable but can only be redeemed once.

Lawyer Tony Merchant, representing the plaintiffs, estimated that up to 100,000 people in Saskatchewan and about one million across Canada could qualify for the credit.

With $4.3 million allocated to customer credits after legal fees of $1.725 million are deducted, the settlement reflects the broad impact of Ticketmaster’s pricing practices during that period.

Consumers will soon receive emails with instructions on claiming their credits. If eligible customers do not receive a notification, they are encouraged to contact the law firm for assistance.

This case serves as an important reminder of the need for transparency in ticket pricing, particularly in the event and concert sectors where service fees often complicate the process.

Though the settlement may seem small compared to larger corporate disputes, it represents a significant step forward in holding businesses accountable for unfair practices.

It underscores the power of class-action lawsuits in ensuring fair treatment for consumers and reinforcing the need for honest business practices, especially in industries like ticket sales that impact millions of people.

Overall, the settlement reflects the growing determination of consumers to protect their rights and push for greater transparency in the marketplace. It also demonstrates the essential role of the legal system in ensuring companies adhere to ethical practices, thereby restoring consumer trust.