Well y’all, it finally happened—President Trump just signed an executive order aimed at cleaning up the wild west that is concert ticketing, and he did it with Kid Rock by his side (because of course he did).
On March 31, the White House issued the “Combating Unfair Practices In The Live Entertainment Market” order, calling for what it claims are commonsense reforms to the live event ticketing industry. The move has already earned bipartisan support and a few cautious claps from both indie venues and even the behemoth, Live Nation.
Here’s What the EO Actually Does:
- Cracks down on ticket scalpers by making sure they’re reporting all that juicy resale profit to the IRS.
- Tells the FTC to ensure price transparency from start to finish in the ticket-buying process.
- Directs regulators to start enforcing the BOTS Act (you know, that law that’s been gathering dust since 2016).
- Calls for scrutiny of anti-competitive behavior by big players in the live entertainment space—including venues, ticketing agents, and their combos (hi, Live Nation-Ticketmaster).
The FTC had already approved some price transparency rules back in December, and those will kick in mid-April. This EO just puts even more heat behind the enforcement.
Who’s Backing It? Pretty Much Everyone.
Live Nation, yes—that Live Nation, came out in support of the move, saying they’re all for resale caps, stricter BOTS enforcement, and more protections for fans.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) also backed the EO, pointing out that scalpers and monopolistic practices are squeezing artists and independent stages to the brink. In their words: “These actions will help address the two problems jeopardizing the well-being of artists, independent stages, and fans.”
So What Does This Mean for Fans?
If all goes to plan, we could be looking at:
- Fewer surprise fees at checkout
- Less bot interference on onsale days
- More chances to buy tickets at face value
Whether this EO actually changes the game or just makes a lot of noise remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the heat is officially on, and both ticket scalpers and industry giants are in the spotlight.
More About the BOTS Act of 2016:
Alright, y’all, gather ’round. Let’s talk about the BOTS Act of 2016—because nothing says “fun” like federal legislation, right? But seriously, if you’ve ever tried snagging tickets to see your favorite country artist and found them sold out in seconds, only to see them pop up on resale sites for triple the price, this one’s for you.
What’s the BOTS Act, Anyway?
Officially known as the Better Online Ticket Sales Act, the BOTS Act was signed into law in December 2016. Its main goal? To put the kibosh on those pesky ticket bots—software programs that gobble up event tickets faster than you can say “Garth Brooks.” These bots bypass online security measures to hoard tickets, which scalpers then resell at outrageous markups. The act makes it illegal to use such software to circumvent ticket purchase limits and also bans the resale of tickets obtained this way.
Why Should You Care?
Imagine this: You’re all set to buy tickets for the latest country music festival. You’ve got your coffee, your credit card, and your trigger finger ready. But as soon as tickets go on sale, they’re gone. Poof! Vanished into the digital abyss. Minutes later, you find them on resale sites at prices that make your wallet weep. That’s the handiwork of ticket bots. The BOTS Act aims to level the playing field, giving real fans a fair shot at buying tickets without having to mortgage the farm.
Enforcement: A Work in Progress
While the BOTS Act was a step in the right direction, enforcing it has been about as smooth as a gravel road. In January 2021, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission announced their first actions against violators of the act. Three ticket brokers faced settlements for using bots to purchase thousands of tickets, which they resold for millions. These cases marked the beginning of federal enforcement efforts, but there’s still a long way to go.
The Ongoing Battle
Despite the BOTS Act, ticket scalping remains a thorn in the side of music lovers everywhere. Performing arts venues and ticketing platforms are constantly updating their defenses against these digital varmints. But as technology evolves, so do the tactics of scalpers. It’s a high-tech game of cat and mouse, and unfortunately, fans often get caught in the middle.
What Can You Do?
Stay vigilant, folks. Purchase tickets only from reputable sources, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true—they probably are. Support legislation and initiatives aimed at protecting consumers from unfair ticketing practices. And remember, every time you buy from a scalper, you’re feeding the beast. Let’s work together to keep live music accessible to the fans who truly deserve it.
Final Thoughts
The BOTS Act was a much-needed response to a growing problem in the ticketing world. While it’s not a perfect solution, it’s a start. As country music fans, we know the value of a live show—the energy, the connection, the memories. Let’s keep fighting to make sure those experiences remain within reach for all of us.
What do y’all think? Have you had run-ins with ticket bots or scalpers? Share your stories in the comments below. Let’s keep this conversation going and support each other in the quest for fair ticket access.
