Yes, ticket scalping is legal in Missouri under state law, but local ordinances and event-specific policies impose critical restrictions. Missouri Revised Statutes § 407.935 permits resale at or above face value, yet municipalities like St. Louis and Kansas City regulate secondary markets through venue licenses and event-day rules. The 2026 Kansas City Municipal Code amendments now require scalpers to obtain a $50 annual permit, mandating visible identification badges during high-demand events. Violations risk misdemeanor charges with fines up to $500.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Missouri
- Face Value Caps: Resale prices cannot exceed 10% above original ticket cost under § 407.935, except for events with <200 attendees where no cap applies.
- Local Permits: St. Louis requires a $25 annual permit from the Metropolitan Police Department, while Kansas City’s 2026 updates demand badges for all resellers operating within 1,000 feet of regulated venues.
- Venue Restrictions: Most major venues (e.g., Enterprise Center, Busch Stadium) prohibit scalping within their property lines, reserving enforcement authority for private security and local law enforcement.
Non-compliance triggers penalties under municipal codes, not state law. Event organizers often collaborate with local police to monitor violations, particularly during Cardinals games or St. Louis Blues matches. Buyers should verify reseller credentials via the Missouri Attorney General’s consumer protection portal to avoid fraudulent transactions.