MontanaSB 55569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Generally revise gambling laws

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Crime to advertise illegal gambling

The law makes it a crime to purposely or knowingly advertise or ask someone to join an illegal gambling operation or to use an illegal device. Offenders are charged under state gambling penalty laws.

Felony for illegal online gambling

The law makes running an illegal internet gambling site a felony in Montana. Penalties can be up to $50,000 and up to 10 years in prison for each violation. The Department of Justice can revoke all gambling licenses and bar new ones. This covers sites run in the state and those run offshore but available to people in Montana.

Gambling fines fund state Justice Department

All fines and penalties for gambling-law violations now go into the Montana Department of Justice operating budget. This changes where the money is kept. It does not change who pays or how much the fines are.

Ban on money-based online casinos

The law bans online casino sites that let people bet or get paid with money in Montana. Sites that do not allow any form of money are allowed. The rule does not cover simulcast facilities, advance deposit wagering with a licensed hub, the state lottery, or qualifying nonprofit raffles. Tribal class II and class III gaming on Indian lands that follows federal law is also not covered. Platforms must not knowingly transmit or receive gambling information or allow money bets or payouts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Vince Ricci
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Curtis Schomer
Republican • House
Gayle Lammers
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 269 • No: 27

House vote • 4/23/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 88 • No: 11

House vote • 4/22/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 93 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 40 • No: 8

Senate vote • 4/4/2025