Montana Online Gambling | Is Gambling Legal in Montana?

What Type of Gambling is Legal in Montana?

Though Montana allows several forms of land-based gambling within its borders, it is presently far more restrictive toward online betting. Currently, residents can only gamble online through horse racing.

Fantasy sports betting is still illegal due to the state not recognizing games of skill as lawful gambling. Since the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, Montana has made very little amendments to further open the options for online wagering. State Statute 23-5-112 defines Internet gambling as ” including but not limited to the conduct of any legal or illegal gambling enterprise through the use of communications technology that allows a person using money, paper checks, electronic checks, electronic transfers of money, credit cards, debit cards, or any other instrumentality to transmit to information to assist in the placing of a bet or wager and corresponding information related to the display of the game, game outcomes, or other similar information.”

Online Horse and Greyhound Racing

Montana currently has three horse and greyhound racing tracks and eight other enterprises throughout the state to place wagers. Each gambling establishment is regulated and controlled by the Montana Racing Commission. Residents do not have to travel to any of the gambling centers to place a wager.

Due to modern technology, horse and greyhound racing enthusiasts can now stream any race from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, US-based horse and greyhound racing sites provide legal and safe gambling action for sports bettors.

Safe and legal horse and greyhound betting sites:

TVG

TVG is one of the largest sites in the racing industry, providing an interactive website as well as the leading television network for horse and greyhound racing. This site also acts as one of the largest sponsors in the industry, hosting several annual races and events for charity. TVG gives 24/7 horse and greyhound racing tips to members of all expertise levels. Sign up and deposit money to receive new member bonuses.

Twinspires

Twinspires also provides an excellent watch and wager platform for horse and greyhound racing. New users, as well as experienced veterans of the sport, have access to valuable handicap advice on any upcoming race. The site is simple to navigate and is very user-friendly. The new and improved application allows members to catch their favorite races and make wagers anywhere on the go. Join the TwinSpires family and receive a new member bonus.

Playing on Overseas Websites

Offshore sites sometimes can seem like a reasonable gaming option, but residents should know that they are both unsafe and unreliable. Unlike US gambling laws, foreign sites operate in countries with little to no gambling regulations, leaving them irresponsible for ensuring fair play or that full winnings will be paid out.

Although it is difficult for the state to enforce the law against offenders, any internet gambling that lacks proper state authorization is subject to a misdemeanor crime punishable by no more than a $500 fine. If you decide to break the law a second time, the punishment increases up to a $1000 fine and up to six months in county jail. As the number of offenses increases, the penalty increases as well.

Online Poker

Poker is widely accepted as a land-based gambling option but has not yet made its way to the Internet. The Montana Gambling Control Division has not yet put forth a proper license for online operators, and there is no word that the current stance is likely to change.

However, there is major tax revenue brought in by gambling enterprises. With such knowledge of gambling benefits, it is more likely than not that the popular table game will have an online presence in the future for Montana.

Online Sports Betting

Montana does not license, manage, or authorize any form of online sports betting. The state does not permit the game type in any land-based gambling establishments either. It is highly unlikely the state will change its views toward sports betting any time in the near future.

Residents should stay away from both underground bookies and offshore sportsbooks. Montana State Statute 23-5-509 reads that “Sports betting prohibited-(1) authorize betting or wagering on the outcome of an individual sports event; or (2) apply to gambling activities governed under Title 23, chapter 4. A person who purposely or knowingly violates or procures, aids, or abets in a violation of this part is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable under 23-5-161.”

Similar to the penalty increments offenders are subject to for Internet gambling, the punishment continues to increase when the offense occurs within five years of the previous conviction. It is always safest to gamble legally within both the state and federal law. Online horse and greyhound racing prove to give the same thrill as sports betting.

Online Fantasy Sports Betting

Although the state of Montana does not permit online fantasy sports betting, the popular sports betting alternative is legal in almost every other state across the country. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006 was in favor of online fantasy sports betting as a game of skill rather than of chance.

Congress saw that the game needs a sophisticated understanding of many variables for members to successfully play. Participants need to crunch numerous stats as well as take into consideration coaching strategies and play types. It may be the closest form of online gambling to become available to residents of Montana. With 57 million people playing in a fantasy sports league, the state may not far from joining the majority of the US on its legal stance.

Conclusion

Montana is a rather difficult state to deal with in regards to gambling online. However, it does give an exciting experience through legal online horse and greyhound racing. For casino-style gaming, it is always best to travel to a land-based facility rather than play on an illegal website. It is safest to stay within the confines of both federal and state law. Hopefully, gambling options will expand in the future, but for the time being, stay away from offshore sites and illicit enterprises. Remember your gambling limit and to enjoy the game. Have fun and good luck!