There are so many events around the country, so many tickets bought and sold, and only so much law enforcement bandwidth, its nearly impossible to pursue all scalpers breaking the law. I personally don't see a problem with ticket scalping. On this blog, I provide you with golden nuggets of information about lawyers, attorneys, the law and legal theories. Services Law, Real Additional rules may limit to amount above the original price that scalpers can charge for tickets, or require scalpers to pay fees. Effective:1/1/1975 Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. Ticket re-sellers use several different means to secure premium and previously sold-out ticket inventories (potentially in large quantities) for events such as concerts or sporting events. Secure previously guaranteed ticket buyers a full and immediate monetary refund for a canceled event. 16th Floor, Strawberry Square Generally speaking, however, states that do consider ticket scalping to be illegal will issue fines for up to $1,000 and/or a jail sentence for no longer than one year if the scalper is a first-time offender. If the official website for the event sells out, these sites promote themselves as a second chance. So, dont cry about ticket costs when the law is now there if you yourself cannot go you, can sell them. U.S. ticket resale laws vary by state. Scalpers also run the risk of not selling all of their tickets as well. has been one of the largest ticket resale platforms for Pennsylvania consumers. Why shouldnt I be able to sell the tickets at face value (which doesnt include all my upfront costs, BTW), or maybe even a little more if that is what people are willing to pay. You can learn more about Jaclyn here. However, identification of ticket holders is checked when entering and while standing in line, and most notably when progressing from the entrance queue into the studio space. The bill also requires the reseller to issue a refund if the ticket is incorrectly described at the point of purchase. In an effort to compromise on ticket scalping laws, licenses or permits are often required, and the decision to make scalping illegal is made by individual states or municipalities. In most of these states, scalping is considered a misdemeanor that may result in the offender getting a fine and up to one year in jail. Ticket scalping is permitted in some jurisdictions but not in others. Harrisburg, PA 17120, Phone: As a result, many websites are able to provide ticket scalping services online without real consequences even if its in violation of the law. She is a Trinity University alum with bachelors degrees in Communication and Spanish, and a Master of Arts Degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin. [2] The measure was taken in response to ticket scalping and resale markup of tickets on secondary markets and adopted during Miley Cyrus (2009) World Wonder Tour, although Ticketmaster first experimented it with AC/DC's Black Ice World Tour (200810). As a result, many fans who may already have a hard time buying tickets at face value may not be able to buy tickets through a scalper. The Assurance of Voluntary Compliance was filed in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas by Senior Deputy Attorney General Paul D. Edger. This interview aired onThursday, April 4, 2019. The resale of tickets is only permitted if an entertainment site or venue has provided an express authorization. Hard working middle class families like my own are hard pressed to do this. I sold the tickets to the Dallas Game because I had no interest in seeing the Cowboys play, and I knew that there were a lot of transplants from Texas who wanted to see the game. It is unlawful in several states, such as New York and California, to resell tickets for more than face value without a license. StubHub has been around a few years now already. Those who can enforce the law at races or football games include box office personnel, supervisors, venue managers, ticket agents, security agents, event promoters and seat holders. Its important to note that there are laws specifically prohibiting scalping for raceways and for the National Football League (NFL). 717-787-5211 Scalpers are selling free tickets to an international gourmet food fair this weekend, a major event under the HK$20 million (US$2.5 million) "Happy Hong Kong" campaign that aims to revitalise . Secure then changed their refund policy, without notice and against Pennsylvania law, to a mandatory store credit and refused to provide monetary refunds for canceled shows, according to the Office of Attorney Generals investigation. Secure Ticket Purchase thought they could walk away with consumers hard-earned money by surreptitiously changing their refund policy in the middle of a pandemic, said Attorney General Henry. There are more important problems than legal scalping from the common person. In response to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, most, if not all, concerts and events in Pennsylvania were canceled due to safety concerns. Scalping of game consoles is not illegal in the United States. I'm sure it's because of scalpers, because I found some selling seats on ebay. Obviously, the system is flawed. Your The new addition to the penal code enabled police to fight the ticket scalping of sports and music events (especially those scalpers that bought massive numbers of tickets for the sole purpose of resale), which were causing much distress to the public and enabled scalpers to evade paying taxes, but since no law strictly outlawed the practice, could not be legally fought prior to the new law. When scalpers buy large quantities of tickets, they take the risk of failing to resell all of them, losing money. This page was last edited on 30 March 2023, at 06:19. Not only can scalpers set the price however they want, but it may be difficult to determine whether the tickets are real and not counterfeit. The new section states that unlicensed persons reselling tickets at above face value will be subject to fines. I agree it is not fair. When I first moved to Phoenix, I bought Season tickets to the Cardinals in the Club Section. New York State law only permits prices above face value by the greater of $5 or 10%. I was able to live like the wealthy, eating at the premium buffets, extra wide seats, full bars with lounges and player meet and greets, all for less than the price of a pair of cheap seats for the season. Its surely not becasue the many concert going fans want it available. New Jersey state law provides that tickets cannot be scalped or resold for an amount that is more than twenty percent or three dollars of the original ticket price, whichever of the options is greater when applied. Bus. If you want to ensure that you do not have to pay over face then get season tickets. Customers have argued that this generates an unfair advantage for the scalpers, adding to an already controversial practice, and many sites have begun implementing anti-bot measures to combat such tactics. Harrisburg, PA 17120 Estate For example, let's say I purchased a pair of tickets for $100 on eBay. If you dont or cant pay the price then dont go. After that, they resell them with inflated prices. Last Updated on May 27, 2009 by By Alfred Branch Jr. Just because scalping is a non-violent crime without a victim does not mean that scalpers do not get arrested or are ignored. LegalMatch Call You Recently? Approximately 16 of the 50 states have a law that makes scalping illegal. Online auction sites like eBay only enforce state ticketing laws if either the buyer and/or seller resides in the state where the event is taking place. Another thing is, yes, you should not wait until the last minute. This legislation aimed to control the location, price, and nui-sance effects. Prior to Rendell, a Democrat, signing the bill, the State Senate unanimously approved the measure, which had been sponsored by Republican State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson. This is why scalping often occurs in close proximity to events, such as concerts or baseball games, but not within the grounds or stadium. (2) Ticket scalping is a violation. While it may at first seem like the shift from purchasing physical tickets for events to buying digital versions would have dissuaded scalpers, the problem has only continued to get worse with technological advancements. Why are tickets different? The New York Times reported that this could help the agency determine demand for a given event and more effectively compete with ticket re-sellers.[41]. There are many ways that scalping can take place, such as: Lets look at scalping for various types of events and methods. Everyone has access to the tickets at the same time, scalpers and non-scalpers alike. There are many full-time scalpers who are regulars at particular venues and may even have a pool of loyal buyers. In rare circumstances, scalpers may sell tickets for seats that do not exist or have obstructed views, making enjoyment of the event difficult or impossible. Four states North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio and Virginia leave the issue up to local municipalities. The unfair part of scalping is when scalpers buy up a large amount of tickets, making it impossible for enough customers to buy the tickets they want at the affordable price. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, there are no particular laws prohibiting ticket scalping; nevertheless, certain types of scalping, such as utilizing automated software to acquire huge volumes of tickets, may be prohibited. This little known plugin reveals the answer. The book examines the general situation, public opinion and legal perception of scalping for four distinct periods: 1850-1899; 1900-1917; 1918-1949 and 1950-2005. Why is scalping made legal? I was lucky enough to find two tickets to the first Phillies game vs Cleveland that year but it just wasnt the same. This year I will probably not make it Thanks again Ed Spendell. Jaclyn holds a J.D. (This may not be the same place you live). Although scalping is not illegal per se, event organizers and venue organizers do not allow scalping within the stadium grounds or at the event. During the live show, call210-614-8980, emailthesource@tpr.orgor tweet at@TPRSource. Another reason why scalping should be made illegal critics argue is that scalpers dont necessarily care for their clients. Ticket scalping is the act of buying tickets in an automated manner, using bots ( scalper bots) to later resell them for an increased price. Of course, one has to be over the age of, say, nine, emotionally speaking, to appreciate the absolutely beautiful way the system works, which may be why some folks find it "unfair." Gen. Laws Ann. 19891 Ticket Scalping scalping,9 while others restrict or define the maximum resale profit. The Keystone State joins Connecticut and New York as the most recent states to legalize ticket scalping, but requires resellers have a presence in the state. Lastly, to learn more about ticket scalping laws in your county, you may want to consider hiring a local criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. I checked ticket exchange and the cheapest ticket (it has to be a $90 ticket because its in the cheap section) is being resold for $207/ticket. For example, some states prohibit the scalping of tickets if a scalper is 1500 feet or closer to the entrance of a venue where a resold ticket can be used. In the other states, you may not have any state laws but you have a few states that regulate scalping at the municipal level. There are some games where I eat the entire amount of the ticket, because for whatever reason no one can attend. A couple of days later, I sell the same tickets for $150 on StubHub. If I loved the Cowboys, and I had just moved from my home state, you charging $500 per ticket would be like playing my emotions against me. Using the internet, scalpers are able to disguise themselves as more reputable ticket sellers, which can cause confusion for anyone trying to buy tickets. The Commonwealth alleged that Secure had been selling tickets online for years without following the requirements for online ticket sales. Ch. Online ticket resellers may bypass the licensing requirement by having a business presence in the Commonwealth, registering with the Department of State, and guaranteeing full refunds to customers if the event is canceled or the tickets are defective. Most major league teams now cater to those having more than enough money to purchase season tickets at any cost. Seven states Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania require a special license to resell tickets. Even though individuals may be located in a state where scalping is illegal, the websites remain operational nonetheless. [23], In the Republic of Ireland, there are at present no laws against ticket touting, and it is common at online outlets such as Premiertickets.ie or Needaticket.ie. In essence, scalpers know very well that many fans may make a purchase decision based on emotions or irrational thinking at the moment they are purchasing the tickets. Pennsylvania Governor Signs Law Allowing Ticket Resale. I choose to put the money out upfront be because I enjoy watching certain games, and I want to make sure I can get in to see those games. Currently, there are no federal laws that prohibit the scalping or resale of tickets. Then why should you be upset when you have to pay more for an event that everyone wants to go to. Glastonbury Festival, which sold out 137,500 tickets within less than two hours in 2007,[42] introduced a system in the same year whereby tickets included photographic ID of the original buyer, to enforce non-exchangeability. If you must purchase tickets from a third party, pick a safe and reputable platform like Ticketmaster or StubHub, which offer buyer protections and ensure ticket authenticity. I have to further the disgust on this issue since I was not able to get online today to try to get on of the few tickets available for the Pens next home playoff game coming up on Sunday. In the United States, the laws regulating ticket scalping varies from one state to another. If you find ticket scalpers close to raceways and the NFL, you may likely see a higher level of enforcement by the police authorities and others, such as: Considering the level of supervision taking place at raceway games and the NFL, scalpers tend to stay away from such events or conduct their activities with a higher level of care. Internet sites that resell tickets are regulated, tax-paying websites that capitalize on fans eagerness to buy tickets at any cost. Ive always saw you as one that was able to find a way to get things done, and done fairly. A ticket scalper may purchase a large number of tickets and then resell them to anyone willing to pay a higher price for the ticket. Such is life. Email: There is a lack of symmetry in logic when it comes to the argument of creating fair, open markets as in an ideal system of capitalism, one creates a product and others are free to create a competing, similar product of their own volition (infers not stealing the design of the first creator) then that in principle is what we know as a fair and open market. I thought I'd share the rules with you, considering scalping without a license IS a crime. They get together, negotiate a deal, and everyone walks away with what they want. However, even with anti-scalping laws, scalping activities tend to take place in person, online, and for major events. So instead of complaining next year just buy a season ticket package and throw away the tickets you can not use, or you could be glad there are brokers that just ask you to pay for one or two events a year that you really want to go. Many hazards are linked with purchasing scalped tickets, including the possibility of purchasing counterfeit or invalid tickets, paying inflated rates, and being defrauded by dishonest scalpers. If there are state, municipal, or local laws prohibiting scalping, then the act of buying and reselling tickets for a profit will be illegal. Laws about ticket scalping vary by state, and there is no federal law that prohibits the practice. While there are no federal laws against ticket scalping in the United States, many states have their own restrictions against the practice. I was looking to go to Game 4 of the World Series. One common concern with resale is with scam artists selling fake tickets to unsuspecting buyers. Total extortion. In this article, I will break down the question Is Scalping Illegal so you know all there is to know about it! But, what scalpers do is take the product of someone else, and either through organically existing scarcity or as a result of higher demand to serve the purpose of scalping, then position themselves in a way as part of the supply chain. The fact that it is a business to make tickets scarce and then sell them off at outrageous prices is appalling. In the United Kingdom resale of football tickets is illegal under section 166 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 unless the resale is authorized by the organizer of the match. [24][25] Ticketmaster, Ireland's main ticket seller, runs a service called Seatwave which resells tickets, some at wildly inflated prices. Other brokers partner with online ticket exchanges. My point is, this law will further the distance between the haves and have nots. The Flyers and Penguins both sold playoff strips for the 2008 playoffs. [14] There may be individuals who wish to attend a popular event (and decide to sell their tickets later) and those that buy tickets in large quantities in order to resell their tickets for a profit. Do you receive unwanted calls? Did stubhub just get a batch of tickets to sell at their escalated prices? Some brokers offer advice on the best way to buy tickets starting with the box office and working with a broker if tickets aren't available through the box office.[9]. Why should I have to pay a higher price than the next person because someone else was greedy? I could go on and rant but there wouldnt be enough space or time. They want your money, you want their ticket; open market regulates the price based on supply/demand. And you think that the people who buy the tickets with no gaurantee of either being able to use the tickets or recouping their investment should subsidize your going. Their risk is not being able to find a buyer, the buyer's risk is paying more than standard.

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