Newsom signs law targeting expensive 'ghost tickets' to concerts and sporting events

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1349, a new law designed to target the prevalence of expensive 'ghost tickets' for sporting events and concerts. This legislative action specifically bans the sale of speculative tickets, which are often sold to consumers before the seller actually possesses them. According to coverage from sfgate.com and CalMatters, the law aims to protect buyers from the risks associated with these types of ticket resales. While the law is now enacted, Governor Newsom has indicated that more work is still required to fully address the issues surrounding the ticket industry. Reporting from TicketNews emphasizes that AB 1349 specifically enacts a ban on speculative ticket sales.

This legal framework is being highlighted alongside broader legislative efforts to curb deceptive ticketing practices. While the California law is a state-level action, other outlets like the Ripon Advance and Tri-State Alert report on corresponding efforts at the federal or regional level. These reports note that Senator Capito and others are looking at ways to crack down on phony tickets to games and shows, indicating that the problem of fraudulent ticketing is being addressed across multiple jurisdictions. The context for this legislation involves a growing concern over fake resales and the financial burden placed on ticket buyers. As noted by the Ripon Advance, there is bipartisan support for bills intended to protect buyers from these fraudulent practices.

The emergence of 'ghost tickets'—where tickets are listed and sold without the seller having a guaranteed seat—has created a volatile market for fans of live entertainment and professional sports. The push for regulation reflects a need to stabilize the resale market and ensure that consumers receive the access they paid for. Future developments will likely center on the implementation of AB 1349 in California and the progress of the bipartisan efforts mentioned by the Ripon Advance and Tri-State Alert. Observers will be watching to see if the federal approach supported by Senator Capito results in a national crackdown on phony tickets for shows and games. Additionally, since Governor Newsom has explicitly called for more work following the signing of the ban, further legislative updates or regulatory adjustments regarding the ticketing industry in California are expected to follow.