According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 15 states prohibit ticket scalping in some way. The penalties for these offenses vary, but in most cases, they are considered misdemeanors with fines and jail time.
In general, scalping tickets is not illegal in the United States. Instead, the laws address the tactics people use to scalp tickets.
Many states have restrictions against reselling tickets above face value. These states include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
States That Allow Ticket Scalping
The states of Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania require online sellers to have a license to broker tickets. Additionally, many of these states limit the allowable markup to $3 or less.
States Where Ticket Scalping Is Illegal
In New York, selling a ticket at a price 200% of the face value of a ticket is considered a crime. In Texas, it is illegal to sell a ticket within 200 feet of a theater or within 50 feet of a sports stadium or arena. In Minnesota, scalping tickets in a theater lobby is illegal. In Ohio, scalping tickets for a movie in a theater is illegal. In Minnesota, scalping Adidas event tickets in a public stadium or arena is illegal. In California, scalping a ticket in a public park is illegal. In Arizona, scalping a ticket in a public building is illegal. In California, it is illegal to scalp tickets on the street or on a sidewalk.
The term “scalping” is a metaphor derived from the practice of hunters who have sought to profit from a quick resale of a sought-after animal. The term “scalping” has been widely used to describe the practice of reselling tickets for a profit on the secondary markets, despite the fact that the term originally derives from a practice among North American Native Americans. Scalping is legal in the United States of America.
In general, scalping is legal in the United States. In most states, scalping is a misdemeanor punishable by a small fine. In a few states, scalping is a felony punishable by a large fine and/or a prison sentence.
What Are The Negative Effects Of Ticket Scalping?
The primary negative effect of ticket scalping is that it makes it more difficult for the average person to obtain a ticket to a high-demand event. If people can’t get tickets, they can’t attend the event, and the event loses its appeal.
1) Ticket prices are increased by scalpers
2) Fans are forced to buy tickets from scalpers
3) Tickets are limited to only the most popular events
4) Fans are limited to buying tickets from scalpers
5) Tickets are limited to locations near popular events
6) Ticket prices are decreased because of competition
7) Fans are prevented from buying tickets online
8) Fans are forced to buy tickets from scalpers
9) Fans are forced to pay more money
10) Fans are unable to go to events
How To Spot A Ticket Scammer?
1. A ticket scalper offers to sell you a ticket well below the face value, but the seats are in completely different sections.
2. A ticket scalper advertises an event that is sold out and unaffordable.
3. A ticket scalper advertises a concert that has not yet been announced.
4. A ticket scalper is selling tickets at a much cheaper price to a sporting event that is also advertised on the stadium website.
5. A ticket scalper advertises a meet and greet as part of the offer to make the deal seem more legitimate.
6. A ticket scalper is selling an extra ticket for a concert for much below the face value.
Takeaway: Ticket scalping is not unlawful in all situations. It can be risky, but it can also be an easy way to make money if you know what you’re doing. This guide will help you understand ticket scalping laws and how to find legal arenas to scalp tickets.
