Yes, ticket scalping is legal in Pennsylvania under specific conditions, but municipalities retain authority to impose stricter local ordinances. State law permits resale at or above face value, provided transactions occur outside restricted venues. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection monitors compliance, with enforcement escalating for fraudulent practices.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Pennsylvania
- Face Value Resale Allowed: Scalpers may sell tickets at or above original price under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7312, but below-face-value sales are prohibited unless the venue permits it.
- Local Ordinance Variations: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh enforce additional restrictions; for example, Philadelphia bans scalping within 500 feet of event venues, while Pittsburgh limits resale to licensed brokers.
- Licensing Requirements: Brokers operating in commercial venues must secure a Pennsylvania Secondhand and Older Merchandise Dealer license, with annual renewals mandated by the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs.
Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense under the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, with venue-specific exclusions applying to high-demand events (e.g., Eagles games). The 2026 legislative session proposes amendments to clarify digital ticket transfer rules, potentially expanding venue operator control over resale platforms.