As the 2023 NRL and NRLW Grand Finals edge ever closer, rugby league fans are reminded not to let the celebrations cloud their judgement when looking for last minute tickets to the big games.
While excitement is at an all-time high for the two matches, there are concerns illegal ticket resellers could become more prevalent as they attempt to take advantage of fans hoping to witness their team lift the Telstra Premiership trophies on 1 October at Accor Stadium.
Access to tickets is available directly through official ticket sellers and fans are urged not to purchase tickets through any other avenue.
In 2022, NSW Fair Trading acted against eBay, who were issued Penalty Notices after a number of NRL and NRLW Grand Final tickets appeared on the platform in breach of the NSW ticket scalping laws.
Several tickets were being resold on the site at up to 149 per cent of the original price and subsequently eBay was issued with $44,000 worth of fines.
In NSW, it is against the law to resell a ticket for more than 10 per cent of the original ticket price, including booking fees and ticket delivery.
People caught breaking these strict laws can face tough punishment. The maximum fine for breaking ticket reselling laws is $110,000 for a corporation or $22,000 for an individual.
Consumers who believe they have been scammed can lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading online or by calling 13 32 20.
Quotes to be attributed to Fair Trading's Executive Director Investigations & Enforcement Valerie Griswold:
"The 2023 NRL and NRLW final series have been spectacular, and this year's Grand Final promises to be a mouthwatering clash between the top two teams in both competitions.
"This excitement can be felt across the state, with Penrith, Brisbane, Newcastle and Gold Coast faithful already snatching up all 80,000 tickets.
"These matches should not be overshadowed by crooks who are looking to make a quick buck by taking advantage of hard-working fans.
"There are strict laws in place in NSW surrounding the reselling of tickets to live events, and punishments will be enforced for those found to be breaking these laws."
