SB0318, titled the Prohibition on Bots Purchasing Tickets Act, would prohibit the use or creation of automated software programs (“bots”) to buy tickets in ways that exceed posted purchase limits, use multiple IP addresses or accounts to evade limits, or bypass online sales controls such as queues, waiting periods, presale codes, or other volume-limiting systems. The bill defines “bot” broadly as software that performs repetitive tasks and is designed to impersonate or replicate human activity online, while excluding ordinary browser autofill and password-management tools.
The bill also imposes a reporting obligation on owners and operators of event facilities, and on agents who conduct or facilitate ticket sales, requiring them to report known violations to the Attorney General within a reasonable time after discovery. Required reports must describe the violation, identify available information about the individuals or entities involved, and explain any steps taken or planned to prevent further violations. The bill applies to event facilities such as venues and convention centers, but excludes school stadiums, county fairs, hotels, and facilities primarily owned or operated by professional sports teams or franchises.
Impact
The bill would add a new prohibition on automated ticket purchasing to Illinois business and consumer protection law and would amend the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make violations an unlawful practice. That means enforcement would be available through the remedies, penalties, and authority already provided under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, giving the Attorney General and other enforcement mechanisms a basis to pursue violators. It would primarily affect ticket sellers, event facilities, ticketing agents, and consumers or resellers who use bots to obtain tickets.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text, the measure appears aimed at addressing a widely recognized consumer fairness issue in ticket sales and likely reflects a generally protective stance toward ordinary purchasers. The absence of recorded opposition or amendments in the provided context suggests no documented controversy in the materials supplied.
Contention
The main point of contention inherent in the bill is the scope of the bot definition and the reporting burden placed on event facilities and ticketing agents. Questions could arise over whether certain software tools or purchasing practices fall within the prohibition, especially where users rely on multiple accounts, IP addresses, or queue-bypass methods. Another possible issue is the carve-out for certain venues, including school stadiums, county fairs, hotels, and professional sports team facilities, which may create uneven coverage across different ticket markets.