Is Sports Betting Legal in Montana? Everything You Need to Know

Date: 26.06.2025

Legal Sports Betting Guide

In Montana, sports betting is legal, operating under a state-controlled model unlike any other. Legalized through House Bill 725 in May 2019, betting launched in March 2020, managed by the Montana Lottery and its partner, Intralot. The Sports Bet Montana app and over 100 retail venues, like bars and restaurants, offer wagering, requiring bettors to be 19+ and within state lines, verified by geolocation.

Montana’s sports betting scene hums in local taverns and through the Sports Bet Montana app, a state-run system unlike casino-heavy or fully online markets.

Legal since May 2019 via House Bill 725, the market launched in March 2020, generating $69 million in 2024 and $1.2 million in taxes.

The Montana Lottery oversees betting at retail venues and via mobile, requiring physical presence in licensed locations for final wagers.

In-state college betting, like the Brawl of the Wild, drives engagement, though college player props are prohibited. Offshore sites tempt some with broader markets, but legal options ensure safety.

From Big Sky to Big Bets: Legalization Journey

Montana seized the opportunity after the 2018 Murphy v. NCAA Supreme Court ruling, which struck down PASPA, freeing states to regulate sports betting.

House Bill 725, signed by Governor Steve Bullock on May 3, 2019, passed with strong support (House: 66-33, Senate: 31-19), leveraging the Montana Lottery’s infrastructure to avoid casino-centric models. Betting launched on March 9, 2020, with Sports Bet Montana and retail kiosks in bars and taverns, prioritizing rural accessibility.

A 2023 bill (HB 475) to expand online gaming failed due to concerns over gambling growth, cementing Montana’s state-run approach.

Over 70% of bets in 2024 were placed via mobile, reflecting demand, but the state maintains tight control, distinguishing it from commercial markets.

Montana’s Playbook: State-Run Regulations

House Bill 725 and the Montana Lottery enforce a unique framework:

Age and Location: Bettors must be 19+ and within state lines, with geolocation ensuring mobile bets are finalized in licensed venues (e.g., taverns, not parking lots).
Taxation: A 10% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) generated $1.2 million in 2024, funding education, public services, and $50,000 for problem gambling programs.
College Betting: In-state teams (e.g., Montana Grizzlies, Montana State Bobcats) are bettable, but college player prop bets are banned; high school sports and politics are also prohibited.
Licensing: Retail venues (bars, taverns) pay $100–$1,000 annually; Sports Bet Montana incurs no additional fees.
Federal Oversight: The 1961 Wire Act and 2006 UIGEA deter offshore betting, with Montana Lottery issuing warnings against sites like Bovada.

The Lottery ensures compliance with ID checks and geofencing, creating a controlled, community-based betting environment.

Recent Developments in Montana Sports Betting

[May 26, 2025]: Montana Makes History with Nation’s First Sweepstakes Casino Ban

[May 2, 2025]: Montana’s SB 555 to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos Awaits Governor’s Signature

Sports Bet Montana and Local Venues

Montana’s betting market centers on Sports Bet Montana and retail locations:

Sports Bet Montana: The state’s only mobile app, operated by Intralot, allows statewide registration but requires bet finalization in licensed venues (Sports Bet Montana). It offers a $250 first-bet bonus.
Retail Venues: Over 100 bars, taverns, and restaurants, like The Rialto in Helena or Silver Slipper in Missoula, host kiosks, with 91% of bets placed via machines in 2022.
No Commercial Operators: Unlike other states, Montana excludes DraftKings or FanDuel, keeping revenue local.
DFS Separation: Daily Fantasy Sports (DraftKings, FanDuel) are banned for betting purposes, regulated separately.

Retail venues make betting accessible in rural Montana, fostering a local vibe. Promotions, like $100 weekly parlay bonuses, boost engagement, though some criticize the app’s interface and odds (-118 to -125 vs. market-standard -110).

Betting Options: From Brawl of the Wild to NFL

Montana offers diverse wagering through Sports Bet Montana and kiosks:

Spreads
Moneylines
Totals (over/under)
Parlays
Prop bets (excluding college player props)
Futures
Live betting

Bettors wager on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and college sports, with $33 million on football and $30.8 million on basketball in 2024. In-state rivalries like the Brawl of the Wild ($156,719 in bets) are major draws.

High school sports, politics, and entertainment awards are banned. Esports betting awaits Lottery approval. The state-run model, with 70% mobile bets in 2024, ensures accessibility via geolocation and ID verification.

Local Impact, Big Returns

Montana’s modest betting market fuels local economies. The $69 million 2024 handle ($5.75 million in January 2025) generated $7.19 million in GGR and $1.2 million in taxes (10% rate). Funds support:

Education: Montana STEM Scholarship, public schools.
Public Services: Infrastructure, community programs.
Problem Gambling: $50,000 for treatment in 2024.

Retail venues, often small businesses, earned over $10 million in commissions, employing hundreds in Billings, Bozeman, and rural areas. Compared to Wyoming’s $10 million January handle, Montana’s market is smaller but stable, contributing $150 million to the economy in 2023 via lotteries and betting. The state-run model avoids casino reliance, boosting local engagement.

Offshore Betting: A Risky Gamble

Some Montanans use offshore sites like Bovada for convenience, broader markets (e.g., college player props), or better odds, but risks include:

Legal Risks: Violate Montana law and federal Wire Act/UIGEA, risking fines or account seizures, though individual prosecutions are rare.
Payment Issues: Delayed or withheld winnings with no recourse; high rollover requirements.
Data Security: No U.S. protections, increasing fraud risks.
Unfair Odds: Unaudited odds may disadvantage bettors.
No Safeguards: No responsible gambling tools, heightening addiction risks.

Montana Lottery’s 2024 warnings and cease-and-desist orders against Bovada emphasize legal platforms’ audited odds and protections. Sports Bet Montana and kiosks ensure safety.

Responsible Gambling: Safe Betting in Big Sky Country

The Montana Lottery mandates responsible gambling tools:

Self-Exclusion: Bans from Sports Bet Montana and retail venues for 6 months to 5 years.
Deposit Limits: Caps on mobile and kiosk betting funds.
Support Resources: Display 1-800-GAMBLER and Montana Council on Problem Gambling (1-888-900-9979) info.

Practical tips:

Budget Wisely: Bet 1–5% of disposable income (e.g., $10 from $200 monthly).
Avoid Chasing Losses: Don’t raise bets to recover losses.
Take Breaks: Pause every 30–60 minutes.
Understand Odds: Set realistic expectations.
Healthy Alternatives: Try hiking or local festivals for fun.

The NCPG estimates 2–3% of Americans face gambling issues. Montana’s Council offers 24/7 support, with $50,000 allocated for treatment in 2024. Limited online tools reflect the retail focus, but support is accessible.

Montana’s Betting Future

Montana’s market, with a $5.75 million January 2025 handle, remains stable under the Montana Lottery. No 2025 bills propose online or esports expansion, maintaining the state-run model after HB 475’s 2023 failure.

In-state college betting, like the Brawl of the Wild, drives engagement, with no stricter rules expected.

The 10% tax rate funds education, and potential AI enhancements for Sports Bet Montana could improve odds and user experience. Montana balances rural access with state control, positioning it as a unique betting market.