Notable Ticket Scalping Cases: Exploring Famous Cases and Legal Battles

Main Body: 1. The Bruce Springsteen Ticketgate Scandal In 2009, Bruce Springsteen fans were left outraged when it was revealed that Ticketmaster had redirected customers to its subsidiary, TicketsNow, where tickets were being sold at highly inflated prices. This incident sparked a public outcry, leading to a class-action lawsuit against Ticketmaster. The case raised questions about the relationship between ticketing companies and secondary market platforms, and ultimately resulted in Ticketmaster settling the lawsuit for $16.5 million. 2. The New York Attorney General vs. Ticket Resellers In 2010, the New York Attorney General's office launched an investigation into the ticket reselling industry, targeting brokers who used automated software to purchase large quantities of tickets for popular events. This practice, known as ticket botting, left many genuine fans empty-handed. The investigation resulted in settlements with several ticket resellers, including a $2.7 million settlement with StubHub. This case shed light on the need for stricter regulations to prevent unfair ticket purchasing practices. 3. The Hamilton Ticket Scalping Battle The hit Broadway musical, Hamilton, became a target for ticket scalpers due to its immense popularity and limited availability. In 2016, the show's producers took a stand against scalping by implementing a paperless ticketing system, requiring ticket holders to present the credit card used for purchase at the theater. This move aimed to deter scalpers who often resold tickets at exorbitant prices. The Hamilton case highlighted the innovative approaches that can be taken to combat ticket scalping.