California has taken legislative steps to address the sale of ‘ghost tickets.’ Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bipartisan bill, AB-1349, aimed at the ticket resale market for live events.
Understanding Ghost Tickets
‘Ghost tickets,’ or speculative tickets, are concert and sports tickets listed for resale before sellers have them. The new law prohibits advertising, listing, or selling tickets not in possession or without legal rights, unless allowed by the event’s presenter or venue.
Key Provisions of the Law
The law bars the use of software to bypass ticket limits, queues, and presale restrictions. It also targets ads and websites that make resellers seem like authorized ticket sources. Violators risk misdemeanor charges and penalties.
“Buying a ticket shouldn’t come with hidden risks or unfair practices,” said Gov. Newsom on X.
Concerns and Amendments
Despite signing the bill, Newsom expressed reservations. His signing statement highlighted concerns that the measure unfairly allows some ticket sellers to avoid certain obligations. He called for further refinement from Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-55).
Newsom did not specify which sellers he referred to, but his concerns align with last-minute amendments in the legislative session. Critics argue these changes exempt StubHub, a major ticket resale platform.
Industry Reaction
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) initially backed the bill but later urged a veto after amendments were made. NIVA’s executive director, Stephen Parker, warned the final version risks independent venues and fans’ economic security.
Live Nation initially supported the bill during its introduction last year. StubHub lobbied against it, investing $4.4 million over two years on legislation, including this measure. Ultimately, StubHub supported the final version, while Live Nation’s response was unavailable.
Statewide Ticketing Efforts
Amid surging ticket prices for concerts and sports games, many legislative bills on event ticketing arise across the U.S. California joins states like Maryland, Minnesota, and Maine in restricting speculative ticket sales.
Another bill considered would cap resale ticket prices to 10% above face value. It stalled in the Senate Appropriations Committee in August.
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