By regulating resales and investing in anti-bot technology, ticketing companies can protect the integrity of ticket sales, prevent scalping, and ensure a fair and transparent ticketing process.
WHAT ABOUT ANTI-SCALPING LAWS?
Real-name registration has also been mooted to discourage ticket scalping by linking tickets to specific individuals. Pop band Mirror implemented this for their 2022 Hong Kong shows, though this reportedly contributed to longer waiting times to access the website.
Online scalping also persisted, as some tickets were obtained through channels like a lottery that did not require real-name registration.
Still, why not a similar system in Singapore or one using Singpass for verification? It could, in theory, help verify ticket purchases and prevent scalping bots from running amok. But making it difficult for non-residents and visitors to get tickets could backfire if it makes Singapore less attractive as a regional concert hub, drawing fewer acts or having fewer shows.
The crucial role of enforcement has also been thrown into the spotlight, with calls for national anti-scalping laws in Australia and Brazil (where a Bill nicknamed the Taylor Swift law was introduced in June). But there are downsides to legislation against scalping, which we need to consider.
Legislation may not only be seen as interfering with the free market, but it can also be resource intensive as it requires close cooperation between authorities, ticketing platforms, and event organisers. Worse still, it may drive the market underground or push scalpers to adopt more sophisticated methods, making it harder to detect.