UPDATE: UPAD has just launched “Rakija Gate,” the first Balkan anti-bot protocol, during a record-breaking ticket sale for Aleksandra Prijović’s New Year’s concert. The system was activated on November 16, 2025, in Zagreb, Croatia, amid a massive surge of automated traffic, marking a significant innovation in ticketing infrastructure.
This groundbreaking technology aims to protect genuine fans from the overwhelming bot traffic that often disrupts high-demand ticket sales. During the launch, UPAD’s advanced behaviour engine detected suspicious machine-generated purchase patterns that exceeded normal thresholds within minutes. Instead of allowing bots to compete with real fans, UPAD’s system rerouted this traffic into what it calls the “Rakija Pit,” a quarantine lane designed specifically for automated sessions.
“Only real humans survive rakija—automated systems don’t stand a chance,” stated a company representative, emphasizing the unique cultural reference embedded in the protocol’s name. While bots can endlessly attempt to purchase tickets in this quarantine area, they never reach the checkout stage, ensuring that actual fans can secure their tickets without interference.
This innovative approach not only addresses the rampant issue of bot-driven ticketing but also aims to set a new industry standard. UPAD will publish a public Event Digest that includes anonymized metrics such as queue composition, purchase success rates, and overall integrity scores. This initiative is intended to foster transparency and fairness in live-event access across the Balkans, where demand is rapidly increasing.
The launch of Rakija Gate represents a pivotal moment for the ticketing industry in the region, which has long struggled with automated interference. By prioritizing fairness and user experience, UPAD is positioning itself as a leader in cultural-tech solutions.
As the demand for live events continues to surge, UPAD’s commitment to innovation is crucial. “This is what artists, organizers, and fans deserve,” the representative added. “Not mystery. Not speculation. Actual numbers. Actual fairness. Actual presence.”
Fans and industry stakeholders alike are encouraged to watch for the upcoming Event Digest, which promises to shed light on how ticket sales are managed and secured moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as UPAD aims to reshape the ticketing landscape in the Balkans and beyond.
