The State of Sports Betting in Montana
Sports betting in Montana occupies a unique space in the American landscape. While it is legal, the market operates as a state-run monopoly, a model that differs significantly from the competitive, multi-operator markets seen in many other states. Legalized in 2019 and officially launched in March 2020, sports wagering is exclusively controlled by the Montana Lottery through its "Sports Bet Montana" brand. This arrangement means that popular national sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are not licensed to operate in the state. The legal age for placing a sports bet in Montana is 18.
The path to legalization saw Governor Steve Bullock sign bill HB 725 into law, which granted the Montana Lottery the authority to oversee and offer sports wagering. A competing bill that would have allowed for a more open, competitive market was vetoed. The governor cited a desire to enter the market conservatively as the primary reason for this decision, effectively establishing the current monopoly.
Available Sportsbooks: A Market of One
In Montana, the choice of where to bet is simple: all legal sports wagering is conducted through Sports Bet Montana. This single platform is available to bettors in two ways: through physical kiosks located in licensed establishments like casinos, bars, and restaurants, or via a mobile app.
However, the mobile betting option comes with a significant caveat. Unlike in states with fully mobile betting, Montana law requires bettors using the app to be physically present inside one of the licensed retail locations. Geolocation technology is used to enforce this rule, meaning you cannot place a wager from home, work, or anywhere else outside of an authorized venue. The app can be used from anywhere to manage your account, deposit funds, and view odds, but the final step of placing the bet must happen on-site.
Sports Bet Montana offers a standard array of sports to wager on, including:
- NFL
- NBA
- NCAA Football & Basketball
- NHL
- MLB
- Soccer
- Golf
- Tennis
- NASCAR
- MMA/UFC
- Boxing
Types of Bets Available
Despite the market's structural limitations, bettors in Montana have access to a full suite of common bet types. This allows for a comprehensive betting experience, even with a single operator. Available wagers include:
- Moneyline: A straightforward bet on which team or individual will win an event.
- Point Spread: A bet on the margin of victory. The favorite is given a handicap that they must cover for the bet to win, while the underdog receives points.
- Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total combined score of both teams in a game, wagering on whether the final number will be over or under the line set by the sportsbook.
- Futures: Long-term bets on outcomes that will be decided in the future, such as who will win the Super Bowl or the NBA Championship.
- Prop Bets (Propositions): Wagers on specific events or player statistics within a game that may not directly affect the final outcome.
- In-Game Betting: Placing bets on an event after it has already started, with odds that update in real-time as the action unfolds.
Tax Implications for Winnings
In Montana, as in the rest of the United States, gambling winnings are considered taxable income. Any winnings over $600 are subject to taxation. For state taxes, Montana requires withholding on lottery and gambling winnings that exceed $5,000, at a rate that corresponds to the state's income tax brackets. Federally, the IRS mandates a flat 24% withholding tax on gambling winnings that surpass the $5,000 threshold. It is crucial for bettors to keep accurate records of their wagers, wins, and losses for tax reporting purposes. You can often deduct losses to offset your winnings, but you cannot deduct more than you have won.
Mobile vs. Retail Betting Options
The distinction between mobile and retail betting in Montana is a critical one for users to understand. The state operates on what can be described as a hybrid retail model.
Retail Betting: The primary method of wagering is through the network of Sports Bet Montana kiosks. There are hundreds of these terminals located in licensed venues across the state. Bettors can walk in, place their bets directly at the kiosk, and receive a physical betting slip.
"Mobile" Betting: The Sports Bet Montana mobile app allows for a degree of convenience, but it is not true mobile betting. Users can download the app on their iOS or Android devices, create an account, deposit funds, and browse betting lines from anywhere. However, to actually submit a wager, the user must be physically located within the premises of a licensed partner venue. This "on-property" mobile wagering system offers more flexibility than a kiosk but falls short of the "bet from anywhere" freedom available in other states.
Tips for Bettors in Montana
Navigating Montana's unique sports betting environment comes with its own set of strategies.
- No Line Shopping: With only one legal operator, the ability to "shop for the best line" is non-existent. This makes bankroll management even more critical, as you cannot seek out more favorable odds elsewhere.
- Use the App to Prepare: To make your retail betting experience more efficient, use the Sports Bet Montana app to browse odds and build your bet slip ahead of time. When you arrive at a licensed location, you can quickly place your prepared wagers.
- Know Your Locations: Before heading out to place a bet, check the Sports Bet Montana or Montana Lottery website for an updated list of authorized retail locations to ensure there is one convenient for you.
- Understand Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is Illegal: Unlike many other states, Montana explicitly prohibits paid Daily Fantasy Sports contests. Do not expect to use platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel for their fantasy offerings.
Responsible Gaming Resources
Montana provides several resources for individuals who may be struggling with problem gambling. It is essential to bet responsibly and within your means. If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach out to the following organizations:
- Montana Council on Problem Gambling: Offers a 24-hour confidential helpline at 1-888-900-9979 and provides resources and treatment referrals across the state.
- Gamblers Anonymous: Hosts meetings in various Montana cities for peer-to-peer support.
- Self-Exclusion: The Sports Bet Montana platform includes tools that allow users to set limits on their deposits and losses or to self-exclude from betting for a specified period.