Yes, ticket scalping is legal in Connecticut under specific conditions, but it is tightly regulated by state statutes and local ordinances. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) enforces rules to curb fraud while permitting secondary market sales. Recent 2026 compliance shifts require digital platforms to verify seller identities, limiting unchecked resale practices.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Connecticut
- Licensing Requirement: Connecticut mandates a $50 annual license for ticket resellers operating in-person or online, issued by the DCP. Unlicensed sales may result in fines up to $1,000 per violation.
- Price Cap Exemption: Resale prices cannot exceed 10% of the original ticket’s face value unless the event organizer explicitly permits higher markups. Violations trigger cease-and-desist orders under C.G.S. § 52-570b.
- Transparency Mandates: Digital resale platforms must display the original ticket price, resale markup, and seller’s license number. Failure to comply risks platform deactivation under 2025 DCP enforcement guidelines.
Local municipalities, such as Hartford and New Haven, impose additional restrictions on street vending and unsanctioned resale zones near venues. The DCP’s 2026 enforcement priorities target undisclosed bot usage and bulk ticket purchases to prevent market manipulation. Violators face escalating penalties, including license revocation and criminal misdemeanor charges for repeat offenses.