Seller resources
Is ticket reselling legal? (high-level overview)
Many fans wonder whether they're actually allowed to resell tickets they can't use. The short answer is that laws differ by location and event — and this page is only a general overview, not legal advice.
Nothing here is a substitute for professional legal advice. Always check the rules that apply where you live and the specific terms of your tickets before selling.
General patterns in ticket resale laws
In many countries and regions, reselling tickets that you lawfully purchased is allowed, but there can be important restrictions, such as:
- Limits on how much you can mark up prices for certain events.
- Requirements to be licensed as a ticket broker if you resell frequently or at scale.
- Rules about where resale can happen (for example, not within a certain distance of a venue).
- Special protections for certain types of events, such as charity shows or youth sports.
On top of formal laws, marketplaces themselves have their own policies, which you agree to when you list or buy.
Event terms and platform policies also matter
Even if local law allows resale in general, event organizers and marketplaces can set additional rules. For example:
- Some tickets may be non-transferable or limited to face-value resale.
- Some marketplaces only allow resale through official channels and forbid off-platform transfers.
- Violating terms can lead to cancellations or account actions even if the underlying law is permissive.
Before you list, it's smart to read the event's terms and your marketplace's resale policy so you know what's allowed.
Practical steps before selling
If you're unsure about the rules for your situation, consider:
- Checking reliable resources that summarize ticket resale laws in your region.
- Reviewing the original ticket terms and the resale policy for your marketplace.
- Speaking with a qualified attorney if you need advice about what the law allows where you live.
Once you're confident that resale is permitted for your tickets, you can use the ticket resale payout calculator and other seller resources here to think through fees and payouts.
Next, learn more about: how to sell tickets (beginner's guide) · ticket seller fee comparison