Original article published on Toronto Star (Canada) (08/01/18) by Brennan Doherty

The government of Alberta, Canada, has prohibited the use online ticket bots in an attempt to constrain ticket scalpers and inflated prices. "These new rules will ensure [fans] have a better shot at getting the tickets they want," says Minister of Service Alberta Brian Malkinson. The edict says vendors must practice "reasonable diligence" in detecting bots and canceling any tickets thought to have been purchased by bots, while the provincial government is collaborating with the local entertainment industry to probe bot usage. Sellers that do not comply with the new rules could be fined as much as $300,000 or potentially face up to two years in prison. The new regulations also should legally empower large primary ticket sellers to crack down on bot scalping. "Alberta's new legislation ... is a big step forward for consumers," says Ticketmaster Canada's Patti-Anne Tarlton. Alberta also is instituting new consumer safeguards, including the right to pursue legal action against ticket bot users if they miss a concert or lose money because of a bot purchase. In addition, ticket resellers must issue full refunds to customers if they purchase tickets for an event that is rescheduled.

Read the full story on the Toronto Star (Canada) website.