Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
US Ghost Adventures expands nationwide as rivals accuse its founder of misconduct
Lance Zaal has expanded US Ghost Adventures into a large US ghost-tour business, with tours in more than 250 cities and towns and more than 1,000 guides, according to the company’s website.
The company has also bought several sites known for their ghost stories, including the Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts and historic houses in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Based in New Orleans, Zaal lives in the Lalaurie Mansion, a property associated with the history of slavery.
Competitors accuse the company of unfair practices, including copying tour content and designs, steering negative reviews toward rivals and misclassifying workers as contractors.
The accusations have led to a growing number of lawsuits against the company, while Zaal has denied predatory behavior and says he is committed to preserving historic sites.
Zaal has also filed copyright and defamation cases against rivals and threatened legal action.
The ghost-tour industry is facing a fight over competition as US Ghost Adventures continues to expand.
US Ghost Adventures has expanded its ghost-tour business to more than 250 cities and towns over the past half-decade, according to its website.
The company employs more than 1,000 guides and has bought several historic properties associated with hauntings and murders.
Founder Lance Zaal faces allegations from competitors and industry insiders including copying tour content, misclassifying workers and redirecting negative reviews.
Zaal has denied predatory behavior and says he is committed to historic preservation.
The allegations have led to lawsuits against the company, while Zaal has also filed copyright and defamation suits against rivals.
- Who
- US Ghost Adventures, led by founder and CEO Lance Zaal, and its competitors.
- What
- The company is expanding its ghost-tour business nationwide. Competitors and industry insiders have accused Zaal of misconduct.
- When
- Over the past half-decade, according to the article. The article was published October 25, 2026.
- Where
- More than 250 cities and towns across the United States.
- Why
- Zaal has said he wants to build an empire. The article does not state a specific reason for the allegations.
US Ghost Adventures and Lance Zaal
Competitors and industry insiders
Business conduct
US Ghost Adventures and Lance Zaal
Zaal has denied predatory behavior and emphasizes his commitment to historic preservation.
Competitors and industry insiders
They accuse him of conduct including borrowing local tour content, copying merchandise designs and redirecting negative reviews.
Competition and lawsuits
US Ghost Adventures and Lance Zaal
USGA called competitors bullies trying to restore monopolies or eliminate competition; Zaal has filed copyright and defamation suits.
Competitors and industry insiders
Competitors and insiders describe Zaal as vindictive, predatory and a bully; lawsuits have been brought against USGA.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Tour locations
- More than 250 cities and towns
- Guides
- More than 1,000
- Properties
- Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts, Villisca Axe Murder House in Iowa, McInteer Villa in Kansas, and two historic houses in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
- Lalaurie Mansion
- Zaal’s primary residence in New Orleans’ French Quarter
- Ghost detection kit
- Ultimate Ghost Hunt Kit For Two listed at $629.99
1 source
What people are saying
Lance has said he wants to build an empire, and that's what he's doing
This gang of competitors are the bullies. So desperate to restore their monopolies or do whatever they can to eliminate their competition