In recent years, the US has changed its stance towards sports betting as well as other forms of gambling. Since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, the floodgates have opened. Many states across the country have started to introduce their own laws and regulations governing gambling and mobile wagering. Montana is one of the many states that has now legalized real money gambling, with in-person, online, and mobile betting all now permitted within the state.
Although Montana has legalized sports wagering, there are still a lot of rules regarding gambling, and residents of the state don’t have access to the same online sportsbooks that have been launched in other states. However, fans of sports won’t mind too much as there are still lots of different events and markets to bet on at licensed locations. Read on to find out the full details on betting in MT state.
Which Forms of Betting Are Allowed in Montana?
The Treasure State joined a slew of other US states in legalizing sports betting in May 2019. Governor Steve Bullock signed the new law into action, and in 2020, the first retail sportsbook locations started taking bets. However, unlike a lot of other states to have legalized sports wagering, the law in the Treasure State is very restrictive towards internet gambling operators. In fact, for the next seven years, at least, no other operator is allowed to hold a betting license other than the Montana state lottery company Intralot.
These rules mean that residents of MT will only be allowed to bet at Sports Bet Montana, and the monopoly means that bonuses and odds won’t be as competitive as those found in other states. Despite the change in law towards betting, the state legislators don’t have any plans towards making online casinos or online poker legal. However, bars and taverns throughout the state are able to apply for a license to offer various games, including slots, keno, live poker, and more.
Betting Restrictions in Montana
Obviously, the most obvious gambling restriction in MT is that players can only sign up to bet at Sports Bet Montana. In addition to this, although mobile betting is allowed, it may only be done at a retail sportsbook location which is a bit of an inconvenience. The licensed site uses geolocation software to confirm your location before you can place a real money wager. All betting, as well as daily fantasy sports, is controlled by the state lottery.
Unlike in some other states, which require you to be 21, the minimum age to bet in Montana is 18. When you sign up to the sportsbook site, you’ll need to verify your age within 30 days by submitting a copy of your ID. Deposits can only be made using a debit card or ACH transfer, and withdrawals must be made using the same method.
The state-owned sportsbook offers a good selection of odds on major sports, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and more. In addition, it’s possible to bet on college sports, including those involving Big Sky Country teams. A wide range of wagering markets are also available, but maximum bets do apply on some options.
Montana Online Gambling FAQ
Are Online Sportsbooks Legal in Montana?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in the state. However, those in the state only have access to one sportsbook and can only bet at a terminal or using the app while inside one of the licensed locations.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Montana?
No, online casinos aren’t legal in the state, and there aren’t currently plans to change that. Tribal casinos are available, however, and many bars also have a license to offer casino games.
Sources:
- https://www.intralot.com/newsroom/intralot-congratulates-montana-lottery-for-the-launch-of-sports-bet-montana/
- https://www.ktvh.com/news/sports-betting-gains-forward-momentum-with-kickoff-of-nfl-season
