Yes, ticket scalping is legal in North Carolina under specific conditions, but it is tightly regulated to curb fraud and protect consumers. The state permits resale of tickets at or below face value or with a markup capped at 20% of the original price, excluding fees. Violations may trigger penalties under the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, enforced by the Attorney General’s Office. Local ordinances in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh impose additional venue-specific rules, such as mandatory disclosure of resale platforms.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in North Carolina
- Price Caps: Resale prices cannot exceed 120% of the original ticket value, excluding taxes and mandatory fees. This aligns with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-344, which criminalizes excessive markups.
- Venue Restrictions: Some venues, including those operated by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, prohibit scalping within 500 feet of event premises. Violators risk misdemeanor charges under local ordinances.
- Disclosure Requirements: Sellers must provide clear identification of the ticket’s original purchaser and face value on resale platforms. The 2024 amendments to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-344.1 now mandate this for digital resale transactions, with enforcement by the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division.
Non-compliance may result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation or criminal charges for repeat offenders. The 2026 legislative session is considering further restrictions, including mandatory licensing for high-volume resellers.