Rome’s Colosseum Ticket Scandal: Italian Authorities Crack Down on Tourists Getting Gouged

Tourists hoping to check the Colosseum off their bucket lists just got some long-awaited relief. Italian authorities have wrapped up a sweeping crackdown on ticketing schemes that left visitors frustrated—and often broke—trying to get inside Rome’s most famous ancient arena.

According to the Italian Competition Authority, travel agencies had been deploying all kinds of sneaky tactics to make it nearly impossible for regular folks to snag basic online tickets. Instead, would-be gladiators were funneled toward inflated ‘bundles’ loaded with extras like mandatory tour guides and line-skipping perks, all for a steep price.

The investigation, which kicked off in July 2023, revealed that some companies were essentially hoarding tickets through automated bots, making legitimate online purchases almost a myth. Authorities said the Cooperative Culture Society, the main ticketing agency since 1997, reserved a hefty portion of tickets for their own tours and packages, cashing in big-time while travelers scrambled for leftovers.

A total of $22 million in fines was handed out, with the Cooperative Culture Society facing the biggest penalty—nearly $8 million. When you think about it, that’s probably more than the cost of a real Roman chariot, even with leather seats.

In 2023, the Colosseum drew more than 12 million visitors, making it Italy’s top tourist magnet. Americans made up a sizable chunk, with around six million traveling to Italy that year alone. Considering the demand, it’s no wonder certain companies saw dollar—or euro—signs instead of ancient ruins.

The Colosseum, built between 72 and 80 AD, is a six-acre marvel of Roman engineering, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater. These days, its biggest battle seems to be between tourists and ticket bots rather than gladiators and lions.

Italian officials say the new measures should finally let visitors buy tickets without having to buy into the upsell circus. Here’s hoping your next trip to Rome is more about history than haggling.