Scalpers facing crackdown
TICKET scalpers plotting to cash in on AFL finals games face mega-fines under a new anti-gouging crackdown.
It can be revealed all 2018 AFL finals staged in Victoria, as well as 2019’s Anzac Day marquee clash between Essendon and Collingwood, will be declared under the state’s tough anti-scalping laws.
Previously only the AFL Grand Final had been subject to the law aimed at protecting rank and file fans from price gougers.
Tickets to the MCG in September are set to be the hottest in the country, with Victorian powerhouses Richmond and Collingwood currently the top two teams on the ladder.
The extended safeguards are set to be confirmed by the State Government today.
Depending on the offence, Victoria Police will prosecute scalpers with penalties ranging from $806 to $483,500.
Authorised ticketing officers supporting police will be given powers to seize tickets and issue infringement notices.
Fans who unwittingly purchase tickets from scalpers will escape penalty.
It is understood the 2019 Australian Open will soon join the blockbuster footy games on the list of declared major events under the new antiscalping laws.
Under the laws it will be an offence to resell or advertise tickets for more than 10 per cent above the purchase price.
AFL fixturing boss Travis Auld said protecting the finals and next year’s Anzac Day clash was a win for fans.
“We know fans are the lifeblood of our game and continually work to ensure the game is affordable and accessible to all,” Auld said.
“We’re supportive of the Victorian Government’s decision to declare the 2018 AFL finals series and the 2019 Anzac Day match under the Major Events Act, so footy fans have
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“Footy fans are fed up with ticket scalpers preventing them from attending their team’s finals, but we’re determined to ensure as many fans as possible get the chance to attend these blockbuster matches,” acting minister for tourism and major events Philip Dalidakis said.
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Ticket gouging has long caused problems in finals. Last year secondary website Ticketmaster Resale advertised tickets to the first week of the finals for $700, and Geelong fan Robert Draper bought two tickets valued at $35 each for $290 on Ticketmaster Resale.
But when Mr Draper and his dad arrived at the MCG turnstiles for the qualifying final, their passes were rejected with several hapless fans turned away each year.