Lin-Manuel Miranda & Senator Chuck Schumer Team to Battle Ticket Bots

At a press conference held in New York City on Sunday, Senator Chuck Schumer and HAMILTON creator Lin-Manuel Miranda stood side-by-side to announce their joint efforts to pass legislation to combat internet scalpers known as "ticket bots." The highly sophisticated automated software used by third-party brokers snatches up tickets, and then re-sells them at inflated prices. Because they are computers, it is currently not considered illegal.

The proposed law, dubbed the Better On-line Ticket Sales Act of 2016, or the BOTS Act, will be introduced to Congress next month. It proposes that an investigative task force will be assigned to follow the owners of the online criminals and fine them $16,000 for every ticket they resell. Stated Miranda, "This is a very simple issue. There is no disincentive for people who use bots." Agreed the politician, "We need to sweep the stage of bots so that actual fans can enjoy 'Hamilton,' other hit Broadway shows and major concerts. Hackers and other bad actors are taking advantage of fans and we need to put a stop to it."

As HAMILTON continues to be the hottest ticket in town, ticket buyers have become increasingly frustrated in their inability to purchase tickets at fair market value, often paying hundreds of dollars above box office prices. Explains the Tony Award winner, "It's hard to get tickets to anything, but while you're typing in your capture code, that bot has already got the ticket that you're trying to get and it's just not fair. We need to at least begin to level the playing field."

Adds Schumer , "Just think, if the starting price for a ticket to Hamilton is $189 but the bots are selling for anywhere from $600 to $2000 a ticket, just think how much the people make. Consumers, the live theater and music industry, the ticket sellers, they're on our side. Everyone is on our side except these bots."

The Senator is hopeful that his legislation will be signed into law as swiftly as possible. "I hope that my colleagues in Congress will pass this bipartisan legislation so that consumers have equal access to these tickets," he said.

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Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas Garcia

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