Ticket scalping is now legal in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – As of today, it’s legal to scalp tickets in Minnesota.

Illinois, Florida and New York are other states that have recently wiped out long-standing prohibitions against reselling tickets above face value.

Supporters of the repeal say the prohibition is hard to enforce in a day when ticket brokers can operate as easily in cyberspace as they can on a stadium sidewalk. Until now, it has been a misdemeanor in Minnesota to ask for more than the printed ticket value — punishable by possible jail time and fines. . .

Supporters also say it will generate more competition and drive down consumer costs, though some lawmakers were skeptical of that claim when the repeal was debated. They fear it will open the door for corporations to speculate on games and other events.