Montana Gambling Law

Montana managed to become one of the most welcoming gambling states. However, after a look at Montana gambling laws you’ll realize that there are still plenty of games that are illegal, especially when conducted online.

Casino Gambling and Betting in Montana

Montana’s gambling history is rich and unique among the states. In the 19th century, when gambling got out of hand, all of its forms were banned. However, the Hickey Act of 1937 pulled the ban from gambling in Montana. After the implementation of the Act, counties were authorized to license some casino games at specific locations. According to US gambling news, legal gambling in Montana has boosted the economy, despite the fact that most forms of games were still illegal. Revenues aside, gambling was once again outlawed in 1950.

Big changes came around in the 70’s: the state passed the Card Game, Bingo, Raffles and Sports Pool Act, which legalized gambling in Montana, regulated by the state’s legislature. Since then, some of Montana’s gambling laws have evolved, while others remain banned. The government established the Gambling Control Division for centralized licensure, administration and enforcement of Montana gambling laws.

Montana’s are among the most permissive of US gambling laws. The state allows for casino games, bingo, poker, lotteries, and pari-mutuel betting on horse racing and more. The maximum payout of casino games was set at USD 800. Currently, there are more 1400 legal gambling destinations in Montana.

Online Gambling in Montana

As you can see, Montana gambling laws are really encouraging when it comes to land-based games. The situation is the exact opposite when it comes to online gambling in Montana. They belong to the group of states that explicitly outlawed internet gambling. Internet gambling in Montana gambling law is described as “the conduct of any legal or illegal gambling enterprise through the use of communications technology that allows a person using money […] to assist in the placing of a bet or wager.” Some US gambling news sources say that players might still play at offshore internet casinos. However, when the laws are this specific on the topic of internet gambling, there’s almost no legal loophole to refer to.

Lotteries in Montana

Lotteries are legal in Montana and lottery revenues are used to support local economies and other important state programs. The Montana Lottery is an enterprise fund, which means that “the Lottery receives no funding from the state of Montana but rather generates money for the state General Fund.” Players can choose from scratch cards, Powerball, Mega Millions, and more. The opportunity to purchase Montana Lottery tickets online is not available.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Montana

Fantasy sports are legal in Montana but only those conducted by the Montana Lottery: “It is lawful to conduct or participate in a fantasy sports league [..] that is operated under a parimutuel system of wagering [and] regulated.” Players can build their team at Montana Sports Action retailers and by the end of the football week they might win some cash.
On the contrary, online fantasy sports in Montana are explicitly outlawed. “It is unlawful to wager on a fantasy sports league by telephone or by the internet,” puts the Montana gambling law. Therefore, not one online daily fantasy sports site accepts Montana residents.