Montana Online Sports Betting Guide 2024
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Welcome to Montana, the Treasure State, where betting adventures await at every turn. But with so many online sports betting sites and retail locations, how do you strike gold?
Brace yourself as we unlock the secrets of Montana online sports betting. From decoding the law to unveiling the best MT sportsbooks and winning strategies, this isn’t just a guide—it’s your map to a world of excitement and potential riches.
Ready to hit the jackpot? Let’s explore the wild frontier of Montana sportsbooks.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn about Montana online sports betting laws, including what sports betting apps are legal in Montana.
- Find out how to get started at the state’s main sportsbook.
- Discover interesting facts about gambling in Montana.
- Uncover some retail betting locations you can visit within the state.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Montana?
Yes, online sports betting is legally available in Montana through a single regulated app called Sports Bet Montana. This app was launched after the state approved sports betting in 2019.
The legalization came with the passage of House Bill 725, which allows sports wagering both at physical locations and through the Montana sports betting app.
This means that while Montana bettors can log in and place bets using the app, they can only do so at authorized locations across the state. Surprisingly, betting from home using the app is not permitted.
Montana stands out in its approach to gambling, having legalized most forms of it well ahead of many other U.S. states. In contrast, some states still prohibit online betting and gambling altogether.
Here’s a quick timeline of Montana sports betting laws through history:
- 1937: Montana legalizes some forms of gambling, including casino table games and bingo, becoming one of the first states to do so.
- 1972: The Montana Legislature approves the Legal Gambling Initiative, which allows the state to operate various gambling activities, including a sports pool called “Sports Action.”
- 1986: The Montana Lottery is established, further expanding betting options in the state.
- 1992: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is enacted at the federal level, prohibiting most states from authorizing sports betting. Montana’s existing sports pool is one of the few exemptions.
- 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down PASPA, allowing states to legalize sports betting individually.
- 2019: Montana Governor Steve Bullock signs House Bill 725 into law, fully legalizing sports betting in the state. The bill authorizes sports wagering at licensed physical locations.
- March 2020: The Montana Lottery launches Sports Bet Montana, the state’s first and only regulated online sports betting app. Betting is allowed at licensed locations, but not from home.
Take a look at our complete guide to US states with sports betting for details.
10 Quick Facts About Montana’s Sports Betting Laws
Here are a few facts about the legislation you should know before you decide to bet on in Montana:
- Legislation: Montana is covered by a single act: the House Bill 725 (April 2019).
- Legal Age: 18+ for all sports betting activities.
- State Borders: MT is surrounded by states with conservative betting views (Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota) and Canada.
- Retail Bookmakers: Various licensed locations, with popular ones including:
- Halftime Sports Bar & Casino
- Diamond Jim’s Casino Russell
- Five Spot Bar Casino
- Taxes: There’s 8.5% on gross revenue from each licensed sportsbook (SB 330).
- Betting Locations: Sports Bet Montana app usable only at authorized locations, no home betting. The mobile app is accessible at over 300 licensed locations statewide.
- Tribal Casinos: Legal casino gaming is available at tribal casinos.
- Online Casinos: Banned, except for social and sweepstakes casinos.
- Regulation: Montana Lottery oversees sports betting through Sports Bet Montana app.
- Unique Fact: Montana was one of the few states exempt from the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, allowing it to maintain a sports pool called “Sports Action” even before the broader legalization of sports betting.
How to Bet on Sports in Montana?
Getting started with Sports Bet Montana is pretty straightforward. Here’s how I registered and started betting.
- Create an Account: I clicked the “Create an Account” button, and I was taken to a simple registration form, where I had to fill out an email address, and enter a username and a password. I then needed to provide my ID and social security numbers.
- Download the mobile app: I bet from an iPhone, so I headed to the App Store, searched for Sports Bet Montana, and downloaded the official app. I then opened up the app and logged in with my details above.
- Search for sports markets: To start betting, I had to go to my nearest Sports Bet Montana retail partner. Once there, I logged in and started looking through the sports available. This was effortless to do from the simple menu bar.
- Select and set a bet: I then chose an NFL market and tapped a point spread I thought would be worth a wager! Once I’d confirmed how much I wanted to wager, I added the bet to my slip. Before placing your bet, make sure you check the available Montana sportsbook promos.
I can manage all my account options and make deposits from home, but when it comes to placing bets, I always need to head to a physical location.
Top Montana Sports Betting Sites and Apps
As you’ll know by now, there’s not actually legal competition for online sports betting in Montana. Sports Bet Montana has a monopoly on both online and retail wagers in the state.
However, I promised you a breakdown of sportsbooks available in Montana – so here’s what I have to say about the only option available!
Sports Bet Montana
Website: sportsbetmontana.com
Despite being the only sportsbook option for Montana bettors at the time of writing, the SBM app is quite well-designed. It has a sharp, clean design, and the menus are all easy to access.
When I registered for an account and used the app at a retail stop, there wasn’t a valid welcome bonus active. That doesn’t mean the app doesn’t offer bonuses! In the past, I’ve seen SBM offer parlay bet boosts, where you can get a bit of credit back from multi-choice betting slips.
So, keep your eyes peeled for a Montana sports betting free code or two to be released in the near future.
Popular Sports and Teams in the Montana Betting Scene
While Montana doesn’t host any professional sports teams, the state boasts a vibrant college sports scene, with plenty of betting opportunities at various locations in the state.
Montana has chosen to continue allowing college prop betting, despite some opposition. This means those interested in betting on local sports can focus on the amateur circuit. Fortunately, there are numerous up-and-coming college teams and athletes to watch and potentially bet on.
Let’s see below, the popular sports to bet in MT:
To discover what is a prop bet, check our linked guide.
NCAA Divisions
Two of the most prominent colleges sports betting options in the state are the University of Montana Grizzlies and Montana State Bobcats.
Both the Grizzlies and Bobcats field men’s and women’s basketball teams, with the Grizzlies also competing in softball and men’s soccer. Both colleges participate in the Big Sky Conference.
The MSU Billings Yellowjackets offer a wide range of college sports, competing in the Great Northwest Conference. Their athletes participate in men’s and women’s basketball and soccer, as well as baseball and softball.
NAIA Divisions
In the NAIA Divisions, several schools represent Montana, attracting the interest of Montana sports bettors.
Prominent teams in Montana include the Western Bulldogs and the MSU Northern Lights for football and men’s and women’s basketball.
For softball and both men’s and women’s soccer, the Carroll Fighting Saints and the Providence Argonauts are notable.
These are just some major athletics programs in Montana, with more to discover as you explore the state’s sportsbook app.
Neighboring States
Montana sports bettors also have sports and betting markets options in neighboring states:
- In North Dakota, the Bismarck Bucks play professionally in the Indoor Football League (IFL).
- Idaho features minor league teams like the Boise Hawks in MiLB’s Pioneer League and the Idaho Steelheads in the ECHL, despite the state’s anti-betting stance. Idaho also has a strong college athletics scene.
While Montana may not have many big-name professional teams, the excitement at the college level is palpable. Betting on college sports provides insights into future stars.
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
Montana’s sports betting scene is significantly influenced by interest in college sports, although the exact impact is not statistically quantified. However, recent reports indicate a substantial increase in betting activity within the state.
According to the American Gaming Association, sports betting in Montana grew by 12% between 2021 and 2022, generating approximately $7.2 million in revenue and $2.7 million in profit for the Montana Lottery. This growth is largely attributed to the expansion of the Sports Bet Montana app.
Additionally, the number of retail betting sites increased by around 50 in 2022. This expansion has contributed to the overall growth and profitability of Montana’s sports betting scene. It remains to be seen whether this upward trend will continue in the coming years.
Upcoming Events
Looking for local sports and betting events in Montana? Our last Montana sports betting updates will soon be online. Don’t forget to bookmark TrustnBet and come back to this page often.
Are There More Gambling Options in Montana?
Until retail and online sports betting expands in MT, there are a few ways you can gamble in-state:
- Brick-and-mortar casino gambling: It’s legal to play table and card games at various physical casinos across Montana, at sites owned by local tribes.
- Social and sweepstakes casinos: The only legal way to play online card games, table games, and slots from home is to join a social casino. These sites use their currency and don’t require a deposit. However, there are still cash prizes.
- Montana Lottery: The Montana Lottery regulates a series of lotto and luck-based games, both online and offline. It’s completely legal for you to take part in these events.
- Bingo: Retail bingo has been legal in Montana for decades! Sadly, that’s not the case online, but there are plenty of legal bingo halls you can visit within the state.
Maximizing Your Bets
Betting on sports in Montana requires a particular mindset. Plus, you need to make sure you’re always accounting for taxes! Check our top tips below, or visit our dedicated page to learn more about how to become better at sports betting.
Tips and Strategies for Montana Bettors
- Manage your bankroll carefully: Spending blindly on sports betting could result in disaster. Always set clear limits and, where possible, even set up a separate account or card just for your betting activities. Sports Bet Montana offers a responsible gambling service where you can limit how much you bet and even exclude yourself from the app.
- Develop a betting mindset: A good betting mindset considers facts and figures, not emotions and gut instincts. Try to look carefully into the sports and teams you want to bet on. Have a favorite sport or team? Immerse yourself in that world and keep track of their form.
Doing so helps you to make more reasoned, informed betting decisions. You’re never guaranteed to win on any kind of sports bet, but you’ll be in a stronger position with data behind you. - Try different sports: There are numerous sports betting markets available through Sports Bet Montana. If you’re an NFL fan, try to mix up football bets with athletics, tennis, or even NHL.
This helps to keep your betting varied and interesting, so there’s less of a risk that you’ll get bogged down and chase losses.
Understanding Taxes and Payouts
In Montana, the state collects an 8.5% tax on the adjusted gross receipts of all sportsbook operators, which is the revenue minus management fees.
When it comes to your personal winnings, you must report any earnings from online and retail sports betting as part of your income when filing your annual tax returns with the IRS. These winnings are subject to the same income tax rates as your regular earnings.
According to sports betting legislation, sportsbooks in the US are legally required to notify the IRS of any winnings over $600. However, it is good practice to keep all your receipts and report all your winnings, regardless of the amount.
Typically, you will need to fill out a Form W2-G to report your betting income. If you are unsure about what to file or how to proceed, it is recommended to consult a tax advisor.
→ Our guide to sports betting taxes by state provides further information.
What About Physical Sports Betting Locations?
As mentioned above, Sports Bet Montana is authorized to operate in retail locations. However, not all locations listed on SBM’s website are legal sports betting guaranteed.
The following Montana sports betting locations are authorized to run Sport Betting Montana betting and are set up and ready to go!
Five Spot Bar Casino
This SBM-authorized gaming center is based on North Woodard Avenue in Absarokee and is well known for its betting scene and cocktail menu.
Facebook page: facebook.com/5spotbar
Five Spot Bar is worth the stop when passing through and the staff is awesome!
Jim E., Google Review
Diamond Jim’s Casino Russell
This Montana Lottery partner in Missoula offers gambling, SBM access, and on-site rewards. It’s very popular with locals and scored a four-star rating out of five on Google.
Website: diamond-jims-casino.com
Awesome, and friendly service. Best games. Great music, and a nice place to unwind after work.
Daniel M., Google Review
Halftime Sports Bar & Casino
This sports bar is located in Great Falls and serves a selection of lovely food and cocktails alongside large sports screens and casino options. It has proven popular, with one visitor leaving a very positive review:
Website: halftimesportsbar.net
Best casino sports bar in town by far…
Paxton Tutor, Google Review
So, Will You Bet from Montana Tonight?
Now that you know sports betting is legal in Montana, and how, you’re set to explore Montana’s sports betting scene with Sports Bet Montana. Why not register and take a look before visiting a physical licensed location? Your overall betting experience promises to be exciting with the MT app.
Feeling confident? Great! For more insights into safe betting, check out our Betting 101 section.
Montana Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Montana?
Yes. In 2019, sports betting became legal in Montana (House Bill 725).
How can I bet online in Montana?
You can practice sports betting online in MT, but only through the state’s sole online sportsbook, Sports Bet Montana. Note that you must be physically present at an authorized location to place bets using the app.
Where can I find legit betting kiosks and locations in Montana?
There are over 300 licensed locations in Montana where you can find physical betting kiosks. These include bars, retail casinos, and other gaming centers authorized to offer sports betting.
How do I find an authorized Sports Bet Montana location?
The Montana Lottery website provides a list of all authorized Sports Bet Montana locations. You can use their location finder (Google Map links) to discover the nearest betting kiosk or licensed retailer.
What are the best Montana sportsbooks in 2024?
Currently, Sports Bet Montana is the only online sportsbook available in the state. For retail betting, popular locations include:
- Halftime Sports Bar & Casino
- Diamond Jim’s Casino Russell
- Five Spot Bar Casino
Can I play daily fantasy sports in Montana?
Unfortunately, no. Since there is no existing best online sportsbooks in Montana, this sports betting option is not presently available. If you’re seeking reliable platforms that offer a fantasy sports section, refer to our page on online sportsbook reviews for alternatives.
