Ticketmaster Lawsuit Settlement Credits Expected in 2025
A long-standing legal battle against Ticketmaster is finally coming to an end with a judge expected to approve a settlement of over $6 million before the end of the year. Regina-based lawyer Tony Merchant launched a class-action lawsuit in 2018 over deceptive ticket pricing practices, particularly what he referred to as “drip pricing.”
“Drip pricing means you think you’re paying $229 for a ticket, but then you’re hit with additional fees like a stage fee or a parking fee,” explained Merchant. “It’s like you’re on the computer, expecting to pay $229, and suddenly, it’s $290. It’s unfair because once you’re in, it’s hard to start over, and all the tickets might be gone.”
The settlement will result in Ticketmaster credits being issued to individuals who purchased tickets in Canada between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2018. The judge overseeing the case in a Regina courtroom indicated that formal approval of the settlement is expected before Christmas, with notifications about the credit likely to be sent out to eligible recipients by 2025.
Merchant detailed the process for claiming the credit, noting that eligible individuals would receive an email prompting them to click and redeem. For those who may not receive an email, they can reach out to the law firm to verify eligibility.
Live Nation Entertainment, the defendant in the case, has maintained its innocence but agreed to the settlement totaling $6,027,000 in credits. Depending on the number of participants, those eligible could receive a credit of up to $45 to be used towards a future ticket purchase. While $45 may not secure tickets to major acts like Taylor Swift, Merchant emphasized the importance of seeking restitution for affected individuals and putting a stop to deceptive practices.
According to Merchant, approximately 100,000 people in Saskatchewan and one million people across Canada are eligible for the settlement. CTV News has contacted Ticketmaster and Live Nation for additional comments on the settlement.
