Limited forms of gambling are legal in Montana. The state lottery operates the standard types of games. It also has a sports betting monopoly. Video gambling and poker games are permitted. These establishments are at bars throughout Montana. Tribal casinos may only have slots, video poker, video keno, and bingo. Charities can participate in casino nights with poker, keno, and bingo games. Live horse racing and simulcast wagering are also available in the state.
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Montana casinos
Gambling, not overseen by the Montana Lottery or the Board of Horse Racing, is regulated by the Gambling Control Division. This includes live card games, sports pool boards, and video gambling machines. These activities are permitted at licensed establishments with an alcoholic beverage license.
Video gambling machines may offer video poker and keno games. Live card games include poker, but not house-banked games. Blackjack, craps, and roulette are illegal in the state. This includes tribal gaming locations and charity nights. Approved poker games include Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha High-Low, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Low (Razz), Seven Card Stud High-Low, Lowball, and Draw High. With additional authorization, tournaments are also permitted at licensed establishments.
A poker pot may not be larger than $800 in Montana. If a pot gets larger than that after raises are called, the action is backed out of the pot until the pot is no higher than $800.
There are over 1000 video lottery casinos in Montana. These offer a variety of video poker, bingo, and keno games. These devices must return at least 80 percent and no more than 92 percent. Video gaming casino establishments may have up to 20 terminals. The tax rate is 15 percent. The maximum bet is $2. The maximum win on a single hand is $800.
Tribal gaming
Montana has seven Indian reservations. Class III compacts exist with five of these tribes. The other two have Class II gaming. Class II gambling allows for the same poker, bingo, and video gaming machines permitted at bars. However, casinos with compacts can also offer Class III gaming machines. This includes slots, video poker, and video keno.
Tribes with a Class III gaming compact
- Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation
- Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation
- Crow Tribe of the Crow Indian Reservation
- Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation
- Northern Cheyenne Tribe of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
Tribes with Class II gaming only
- Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation
- Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation
Sports betting in Montana
Sports betting is offered through the Montana Lottery. Wagers can only be placed at approved retail locations. This includes bets placed using the mobile app. While wagers can be prepared online or using the mobile app anywhere, bets must be placed on the property of an authorized sportsbook location.
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests are illegal. It is one of only a few states that does not permit DFS. Other states include Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. However, pari-mutuel wagering is permitted on fantasy sports pools.
Online gambling options in Montana
Pari-mutuel wagering is available through mobile betting apps. Most other gambling is restricted to retail locations. This includes purchasing lottery tickets and placing sports wagers.
Montana horse racing
The Board of Horse Racing oversees live and simulcast horse racing. Simulcast wagering is available on greyhound dog racing and horse races. Advance deposit wagering (ADW) is also available. Approved operators include Am Wager, Day at the Track, Game Play Network, Hollywood Races, OffTrackBetting, NYRA Bets, TVG, Twinspires, and Xpressbet.
Two live horse racetracks
There are two active racetracks in the state. Both host six live race days each year. Live races are held in May at the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Meet. Then, in July, the Great Falls Turf Club hosts live racing, including the Montana State Fair. Pari-mutuel wagering is permitted at these live racing events.
Montana state lottery
The Montana Lottery offers instant games, scratch-off tickets, and draw games. Drawings include Big Sky Bonus, Lotto America, Lucky for Life, Mega Millions, Montana Cash, and Powerball. Players club members are eligible for bonus play or second chance drawings on select games. Lottery players must be at least 18 years of age.
Montana gambling FAQs
Are casinos legal in Montana?
Yes. There are multiple tribal casinos. Poker games and video gambling machines are also permitted at bars.
What is the minimum age to gamble in Montana?
The minimum age for gambling is 18 years of age.
Are sportsbooks legal in Montana?
Yes. Sports betting is available through the Montana Lottery.
Is mobile sports betting legal in Montana?
Yes. Mobile sports bets are accepted through the Sports Bet Montana app.
What types of online gambling are legal in Montana?
Pari-mutuel bets can be placed online or using approved mobile apps.
Are live horse races held in Montana?
Yes. Two horse racetracks each host six live racing days.
Can you wager on horse races in Montana?
Yes. Pari-mutuel wagering is approved at live racing events. Simulcast betting is also permitted, including ADW apps.
Is there a state lottery in Montana?
Yes. Scratch-off, instant, and draw games are available.
How old must you be to play lotto games in Montana?
Players must be at least 18 to purchase or redeem lottery tickets.
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Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by John Mehaffey