Yes, ticket scalping is legal in Massachusetts under specific conditions, but it is tightly regulated to curb fraud and protect consumers. The Commonwealth permits resale of tickets at or below face value plus a reasonable service fee, while capping markup to 10% above face value for most events. Local authorities, including the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and municipal police departments, enforce these rules, with recent 2026 amendments tightening transparency requirements for online platforms.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Massachusetts
- Price Caps: Resale prices cannot exceed 10% above the original ticket’s face value, excluding fees. This applies to events with over 1,000 attendees, per Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140D, § 5.
- Licensing Requirements: Professional scalpers must obtain a license from the city or town where sales occur. Boston, for example, mandates a $50 annual permit issued by the Police Department’s Licensing Unit.
- Disclosure Mandates: Online resale platforms must display the original ticket price, resale price, and fees upfront. Violations trigger fines up to $5,000 under the 2026 Consumer Protection Act amendments.
Enforcement prioritizes consumer protection, with the AG’s Office collaborating with the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation to audit compliance. Local police may seize unlicensed inventory or issue citations for price violations.