Gambling in Montana
Like many other states, Montana has had an on-off relationship with gambling, frequently switching between legalizing various forms and banning it completely. This often means that specific areas of gambling need to be checked for their current status, which can often be complex.
The Best Cities for Gambling in Montana
If you are looking for a Montana casino, every county in the state has places to gamble. Montana is home to some fantastic gambling destinations, which you can find out more about below:
Billings Casinos
Billings has 95 casinos with over 1,500 slot and gaming machines between them. Try the Crystal Lounge Casino for 24/7 poker or the Magic Diamond Casino King for video poker, video keno and line games.
Helena Casinos
The state capital needs a mention, boasting 17 casinos. The Last Chance Casino and Restaurant has a wide variety of some of the best slot machines, while Montana Lil’s specialises in video poker and keno.
Great Falls Casinos
Great Falls has 75 casinos. The Magic Diamond II has a selection of exclusive games, gives higher payouts than its rivals, and awards random jackpots of upwards of $5,000 to players.
What Forms of Gambling Are Legal in Montana?
The good thing is that the Big Sky Country is quite straightforward and the Montana gambling laws are pretty black and white: casinos, licensed gaming establishments, the Montana Lottery and retail sportsbooks are all legal. For any form of online gambling Montana is very clear that it is strictly prohibited.
Montana has generated a lot of tax revenue from retail sports betting since officially legalizing it in 2019, so it would make financial sense if it extended this to online and mobile sports betting in the near future; however, there is no sign at the moment of the situation changing.
Considering that Montana casinos and physical gaming establishments have been legal for a long while without any sign of this extending online, it seems unlikely that you will be able to play online poker, slot machines or even the lottery anytime soon.
Montana Online Gambling Laws
Despite Montana’s fairly relaxed gambling laws compared with some other states, online gambling in any form is strictly prohibited. There is one exception to this: you can place sports bets online as long as you are placing them within the grounds of a licensed casino. Other than this, you cannot gamble online anywhere in the state.
Social casinos are legal in the state, meaning you can play online casino games and slot machines for fun but not for real money.
There is no indication that the legislation is due to be reviewed any time soon, despite success in other states when restrictions have been lifted in terms of increased tax revenue. If you are looking for legal sports betting Montana Governor Steve Bullock legalized sports gambling in May 2019, but only at retail betting kiosks and sportsbooks.
With the rise in mobile sports betting in other states, it may be financially beneficial for Montana to consider going back to the current legislation to look at loosening the restrictions; however, for now, there is nothing in the pipeline.
Online Poker in Montana
Online poker is strictly prohibited. If you are hoping to play poker at a real money online casino Montana is not the state for you.
Montana Sports Betting Online
Online betting is illegal in the state of Montana, with the only exception being that you can bet online if you are physically on the premises of a gaming establishment. Everything else, including sports wagers and casino games played online at home or mobile, is strictly against Montana law.
Tribal Gaming in Montana
There are ten Indian casinos in Montana, which are owned by seven tribes. There are also four Indian gaming establishments and over 100 state-licensed electronic gaming venues.
Montana Casinos FAQs
What is the legal gambling age in Montana?
The legal age for any form of gambling in Montana is 18.
Is online gambling legal in Montana?
Online gambling is strictly illegal in Montana; however, some gambling establishments allow you to gamble online on their premises, which is legal.
What is the most popular casino in Montana?
Montana has places to gamble in every county, so you are sure to find your own favourite. The Crystal Lounge Casino is one of the most popular casinos and hosts the only live poker game in downtown Billings. It also has karaoke.
When did Montana legalize gambling?
Gambling was completely outlawed in all forms in 1910, and prohibition was repealed in 1933. Since then, Montana has swung between declaring certain areas of gambling completely illegal and relaxing the rules within various regulations. As of now, the law is fairly simple: gaming establishments and casinos are legal and retail sports gambling is legal, but all forms of online gambling are illegal.
Is sports betting legal in Montana?
Retail sports betting is legal in the Big Sky State; however, when it comes to online sports betting Montana stands firm that it is illegal.
Does Montana have many casinos?
Yes, Montana has around 300 casinos, often within hotel resorts, and over 1,400 gaming establishments, usually in the form of video poker machines or slots in bars and restaurants. As a general rule, any venue that has a liquor license is likely to have facilities where you can gamble. The two licenses are issued together and are a good additional revenue stream for bars, restaurants and even truck stops. If you are looking to play at an online casino Montana law prohibits this.
Can slot machines be played in Montana?
You can play slot machines in any licensed gaming establishment or casino in Montana, but it is against the law to play slots online.
What is the best casino city in Montana?
Every county in Montana has places you can gamble. Billings has the most, followed by Great Falls.