Montana Online Sports Betting Guide 2024

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Online sports betting is legal in Montana, but the state only has one sportsbook: Sports Bet Montana. What does this mean for bettors, and what does the bookmaker have in store? We’ll cover all this and more in our guide.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Learn about Montana’s online sports betting laws and regulations
• Discover the best online sportsbooks in Montana.

Top Montana Sports Betting Apps

As you’ll know by now, there’s no legal competition for online sports betting in Montana. Sports Bet Montana has a monopoly on both online and retail wagers in the state.

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.

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:

Legal MT Sports Betting Launch Date	April 2019
State Regulator	Montana Lottery
Legal Age	18+
Tax Rate	8.5% on gross revenue from each licensed sportsbook
Fantasy Betting	❌
Retail Betting	✅
Horse Racing	✅
College Sports Betting	No specific prohibitions, even for college prop bets

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 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’s 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.

How to Bet on Sports in Montana

Betting with Sports Bet Montana is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Create an Account: Click “Create an Account” and fill out the registration form with your email address, username, password, and provide ID and social security numbers for verification.

2. Download the Mobile App: Visit the App Store or Google Play to download the Sports Bet Montana app. Log in using the credentials you created.

3. Locate Retail Partner: Visit your nearest Sports Bet Montana retail partner to access the platform. Log in at the location to access your account.

4. Browse Sports Markets: Use the app’s menu to explore available sports markets and select the events you’re interested in.

5. Place Your Bet: Choose your desired bet type, such as point spread, and enter your stake amount before adding it to your bet slip.

6. Manage Your Account: While wagers need to be placed at a physical location, you can manage account settings and deposits from home.

Popular Sports and Teams to Bet on in Montana

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 on in MT:

NCAA Divisions

Two of the most prominent college 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 market 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.

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:

• Horse Racing Betting: Horse betting is available at Montana’s two tracks—Great Falls Turf Club and Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. Additionally, you can also bet on races through online platforms.
• Retail casinos: It’s legal to play table and card games at various physical casinos across Montana, at sites owned by local tribes. 
• Sweepstakes casinos online: 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: Online bingo is not legal in Montana, but there are plenty of legal bingo halls you can visit within the state.

Tips and Strategies for Montana Bettors

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Montana Sports Betting Taxes

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 provides further information.

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