Cop This, Scalpers: Ticket Scalping Bots To Be Banned In NSW

Ticket scalping bots are set to be outlawed in New South Wales when legislation from the government is introduced this week. 

According to ABC, a reform to the state's Fair Trading Act will ban the software that automatically bulk buys tickets online and is often the cause to events and concerts selling out in minutes, only to be put back on resale websites at a much higher cost. 

Just this year, tickets to Aussie shows by acts such as Adele and Jerry Seinfeld were being resold on Viagogo for more than triple the original cost price.

In May, some tickets to Ed Sheeran’s 2018 national tour were being listed on the website for over $3,500; the most expensive tickets for the concerts were originally priced at $164.90.

"What we're seeing is ticket bot technology being used to sweep up tickets and deprive genuine fans of getting access to the concerts and sporting events that they want to see," Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Matt Kean, said.

"It's time that genuine fans got a fair go and were able to access tickets at a reasonable price.

"I'm sick and tired of consumers being ripped off by shonky operators trying to make a quick buck at the expense of genuine fans."

The news comes only months after it was confirmed that the Swiss-based Viagogo is being taken to court by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission for the alleged breach of Australian Consumer Law.