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Big News Alert: Maryland Anti-Speculative Ticketing Bill is now Law!

May 9, 2024 - By CashorTrade Team

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(L-R: Spencer Dixon (State Senator Dawn Gile's Office), State Senator Dawn Gile, Governor Wes Moore, Kevin Erickson (Future of Music Coalition), Audrey Fix Schaefer (I.M.P.), Jean Parker (Merriweather Post Pavilion), Delegate Adrienne Jones (Maryland Speaker of the House), Jordan Grobe (I.M.P.), Allison O'Brien (State Senator Dawn Gile's Office), Tom Coale (Perry, White, Ross & Jacobson) Courtesy of Merriweather Post Pavilion


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Today marks a groundbreaking moment in the world of concert ticketing, as Maryland Governor Wes Moore has taken a historic step by signing into law the bipartisan MD Senate Bill 539. This legislation, effective July 1, 2024, is a monumental win for consumers, Maryland venues, and the talented musicians gracing our stages.

CashorTrade, the pioneer of the face value ticket movement, is thrilled to announce our support for this groundbreaking initiative. We stand alongside Governor Moore, State Senator Dawn Gile, and the dedicated leaders who have tirelessly championed this cause. Together, we're putting an end to the deceptive practices of ticket scalpers who prey on unsuspecting fans.

Here's what you need to know about this game-changing bill:

  1. No More Speculative Tickets: Say goodbye to fake tickets and deceptive listings. The legislation cracks down on scalpers who advertise tickets they don't actually possess, protecting consumers from overpaying for non-existent seats.

  2. Accountability for Resale Platforms: Online resale platforms will now be held accountable under Maryland's Consumer Protection Act. Platforms could face penalties of up to $10,000 for the first offense and $25,000 for subsequent violations if caught selling speculative tickets.

  3. Transparent Pricing: Get ready for a transparent ticket-buying experience. The bill mandates clear and honest pricing throughout the purchasing process, ensuring fans know exactly what they're paying for.

  4. Stipulated Effective Date: Mark your calendars for July 1, 2024. That's when these crucial protections go into effect, safeguarding concertgoers from scalping schemes.

This victory wouldn't have been possible without the overwhelming support from across the entertainment sector. Together, we've sent a powerful message that gouging fans with inflated ticket prices will no longer be tolerated.

So, to all the music fans, event holders, artists, promoters out there, rejoice! Thanks to Governor Moore and our dedicated lawmakers, the future of concert ticketing in Maryland is brighter than ever. Let's keep the music playing, at prices that are fair and accessible to all.

Here is the list of organizations that worked hard to support the passage of SB539:

National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)
Future of Music Coalition
American Association of Independent Music (A2IM)
All Good Presents
Artist Rights Alliance
Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP)
Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC)
Cash or Trade
Elkton Music Hall
Eventbrite
I.M.P., Maryland-based Venue Operator and Concert Promoter
International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
Music Artists Coalition (MAC)
Music Managers Forum-US (MMF-US)
National Independent Talent Organization (NITO)
North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents (NAPAMA)
Performing Arts Alliance (PAA)
Ramshead Presents
Recording Academy
Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW)


More Good News

In the last year, Brando and Hannah signed CashorTrade onto the steering committee of FixTheTix.

What is the Fix The Tix Coalition?

It's a broad coalition of live event industry organizations and professionals led by the National Independent Venue Association to collectively advocate for a ticketing experience better than the nightmare many fans and artists currently navigate.

Proposed Legislation

The Fans First Act (S. 3457), which would help address flaws in the current live event ticketing system by increasing transparency in ticket sales, protecting consumers from fake or dramatically overpriced tickets, and holding bad actors who engage in illegal ticket sale practices accountable.

The TICKET Act (H.R. 3950), which unanimously passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. This bill addresses speculative ticketing and deceptive marketing.

250 Music Artists Sign On

Just recently, more than 250 major music artists signed a Fix The Tix Coalition letter to Congress in support of the Fans First Act (S.3457). This list includes our partner band Goose!... and Billie Eilish, Finneas, Dave Matthews, Cyndi Lauper, Lorde, Sia, Train, Fall Out Boy, Green Day, Graham Nash, Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers, Becky G, Julia Michaels, Major Lazer, Julien Baker, Chappell Roan, Ben Folds, Diplo, Indigo Girls, and many more.

Thank you all for your support over the years to build a sustainable solution. It has been an amazing journey and there is no limit to what we can accomplish. We are extremely grateful for the oppurtunity and are excited for a healthy summer of live events. See you on tour. Embrace the Face!

Are you an artist, event holder, ticketing company or fan that would like to partner or use our API to integrate? Submit the form and our partnership success team will reach out.


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