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Hong Kong’s ambition to become Asia’s “mega-event city” is being undermined by a glaring weakness: rampant ticket scalping. The Trevor Noah shows at MacPherson Stadium in October are the latest example. Tickets vanished quickly, only to reappear on resale platforms at many times the official price. Many fans were left empty-handed. Performers will face audiences distorted by profiteers, dealing the city’s credibility as a cultural hub another blow.

This is not simply about demand. The deeper problem is that Hong Kong seems averse to regulating scalping and bot-driven hoarding, in particular, by offenders overseas. Automated programs scoop up tickets the moment sales open, diverting profits away from organisers, venues and performers. Instead, they enrich a shadow economy of resellers. Each mega-event becomes a profiteering opportunity for scalpers and bot programmers.

The Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance is obviously outdated and not serving its intended purpose. The relevant fine is only HK$2,000, unchanged for decades, and does not apply to venues managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.