Michigan House votes to repeal ban against ticket scalping

The Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan House has voted to repeal Michigan’s rarely enforced ban against scalping tickets to games, concerts and other entertainment events.

The bill was approved 71-36 Wednesday and sent to the Senate. A similar attempt to legalize ticket scalping died in the Senate in 2014.

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The issue has pitted venue owners such as pro sports teams and public universities — which support the ban — against brokers who buy and resell their tickets mostly on the Internet and want the prohibition rescinded.

Scalping, or selling tickets above face value, is a misdemeanor that can lead to a maximum 90 days in jail or $500 fine.

The legislation also would institute penalties for possessing “bot” software that interferes with ticket sale operations over the internet.


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