No, ticket scalping in the Netherlands is prohibited under the Ticket Act (Ticketwet) of 2014, which criminalizes resale above face value without explicit authorization. The Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) enforces this, with penalties up to €900,000 for repeat offenders. Recent 2026 amendments tighten oversight, requiring secondary ticket platforms to verify seller legitimacy.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Netherlands
- Face Value Mandate: Resale must not exceed the original ticket price unless the organizer permits it (Article 5, Ticket Act).
- Authorization Requirement: Platforms like TicketSwap or Viagogo must obtain ACM approval to operate legally, with mandatory seller verification.
- Consumer Protection: Buyers must receive refunds if events are canceled or tickets are invalid, per ACM’s 2025 enforcement guidelines.
The Ticket Act aligns with EU consumer rights directives, but Dutch enforcement is stricter than neighboring jurisdictions. Organizers (e.g., Amsterdam Dance Event) often restrict resale via digital tickets with purchaser names. Violations trigger administrative fines or criminal prosecution under the Economic Offences Act. Secondary marketplaces must display ACM-issued licenses or face immediate shutdown.