Ticket Scalping

As you are no doubt aware, there are laws relating to scalping tickets. Many ticket sellers and buyers alike are confused over what constitutes an acceptable sale and what type of sale is illegal. The answer depends not only on state law, but local ordinances as well.

Illinois state law is pretty simple. Generally, it is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell tickets for baseball games, football games, hockey games, theatre entertainments, or any other amusement for a price more than the price printed upon the face of the ticket and the price of the ticket must correspond with the same price as shown at the box office or the office of original distribution. Ticket agents, with the consent of the sponsor of the event, are entitled to collect a reasonable service charge in addition to the printed box office ticket price.

There are exceptions to the above rule for licensed ticket brokers who can legally sell tickets for over face value. A licensed ticket broker is one who is registered with the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, and who meets various state law statutory requirements.

If you sell tickets for over their face amount, you would be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and may be fined up to $5,000 for each offense. In addition, tickets sold or offered for sale for over face value may be confiscated and donated to charity.

Therefore, under state law, ticket holders are typically limited to selling their tickets for the face amount shown on the ticket. This is true even if you are selling the tickets to a licensed ticket broker.

As for the individuals purchasing the tickets for over face value, they can seek a civil remedy against the seller of the ticket of $100 for each ticket purchased. Purchasers should also be aware that tickets sold on the street might be counterfeit, lost or stolen tickets.

In addition to state laws regarding ticket scalping, there are certain local ordinances governing the sale of tickets. You should check these local ordinances before buying or selling tickets.

For example, the City of Chicago has an ordinance that makes it unlawful for any person, while located on the public way within 2,000 feet of a stadium or playing field, to sell, offer, or expose for sale, or solicit any other person to purchase tickets for any amusement produced or presented in that stadium or playing field. This Chicago ordinance also provides that any person violating this ordinance shall be subject to a fine up to $200.00.

Finally, be aware that season ticket holders may have additional restrictions on the resale of their tickets, and may lose their status as a season ticket holder if they violate these policies. Check with your season ticket policy before reselling your tickets.