No, ticket scalping in Kentucky is illegal under KRS 230.215 unless conducted through licensed platforms or venues. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission enforces strict anti-scalping rules, particularly for horse racing events, with penalties including fines up to $1,000 and potential criminal charges for repeat violations. Recent 2026 compliance shifts require digital scalping platforms to register with the commission, altering prior exemptions for third-party resellers.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Kentucky
- Licensing Requirement: KRS 230.215 mandates that all ticket resale activities for horse racing events must be conducted through licensed brokers or authorized venues. Unlicensed scalping is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
- Price Caps: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission imposes a 10% markup limit on resold tickets for live racing events, with violations subject to immediate confiscation and fines.
- Venue-Specific Rules: Churchill Downs and Keeneland enforce additional local ordinances prohibiting street scalping within a 1-mile radius of their properties, enforced by Louisville Metro Police and Fayette County Sheriff’s deputies.
Non-racing events (e.g., concerts, sports) fall under broader consumer protection laws, where scalping is permitted only if tickets are resold at face value or below. The Kentucky Attorney General’s Office monitors compliance, collaborating with local law enforcement to prosecute illegal operations. Digital platforms like StubHub must comply with Kentucky’s 2024 digital ticket resale laws, which require transparent pricing and seller verification.