Schneiderman Proposes Bill To Address Use Of Ticket Bots [VIDEO]

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says he'll propose legislation to address the rampant illegal use of automated software or "bots" to purchase tickets to concerts and sporting events.

It would stiffen penalties for the use of ticket bots and prohibit brokers from selling tickets they know have been illegally acquired using bots.  The bill would also increase the civil penalties for violations of the law and make the use of ticket bots criminal offense.

The legislation draws on findings from the Attorney General's multi-year investigation into the difficulties New Yorkers face getting access to tickets to popular events at face value.

“For too long, unscrupulous ticket brokers have used illegal bots to scoop up tickets for popular events, denying ordinary fans the chance to buy tickets at face value,” said  Schneiderman. “By strengthening New York’s anti-ticket bot law, this bill will give fans a fairer shot at purchasing tickets to see their favorite performers.”