Yes, ticket scalping is legal in Switzerland but subject to strict regulatory oversight under the Federal Act on Unfair Competition (UCA) and local cantonal laws. Since 2023, platforms facilitating secondary ticket sales must comply with transparency and anti-bot provisions, while some cantons (e.g., Geneva) impose additional caps on resale prices. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) enforces these rules, with penalties for violations including fines up to CHF 100,000.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Switzerland
- Transparency Mandates: Sellers must disclose original ticket prices and fees under UCA Article 3, ensuring buyers are not misled about value.
- Anti-Bot Provisions: The 2026 amendment to the UCA bans automated scalping tools, requiring human verification for bulk purchases.
- Cantonal Variations: Geneva and Zurich cap resale prices at 150% of face value, while other cantons (e.g., Vaud) permit market-driven pricing but prohibit speculative resale of limited-availability events.
Enforcement targets both primary violators (e.g., bots) and secondary platforms (e.g., Viagogo) for deceptive practices. Non-compliance risks administrative proceedings by SECO or cantonal consumer protection agencies.