No, ticket scalping in Maine is illegal under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act, which prohibits reselling tickets above face value without explicit venue authorization. Violations may result in fines up to $10,000 under the 2023 amendments to the Maine Consumer Protection Act, with enforcement by the Office of the Attorney General.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Maine
- Face Value Restriction: Resale prices cannot exceed the original ticket price unless the venue permits secondary markets (e.g., authorized platforms like Ticketmaster Resale).
- Venue Authorization Requirement: Scalping is only lawful if the venue or event organizer explicitly allows resale through designated channels, per 5 MRSA § 207.
- Prohibited Locations: Scalping within 500 feet of a venue or public transportation hub is banned under municipal ordinances in cities like Portland and Bangor.
Maine’s enforcement has intensified since 2024, with the AG’s office targeting digital scalpers using bots to circumvent restrictions. Local law enforcement may also issue citations for in-person scalping near high-demand events. Buyers should verify resale legitimacy to avoid purchasing fraudulent tickets, as Maine does not recognize “gray market” sales as valid.