Real-money online casinos aren’t legal in Montana. And after Governor Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 555 (SB 555) into law on May 12, 2025, sweepstakes casinos are now off the table too. That leaves players in Big Sky Country with limited options when it comes to online gambling.
In this guide, we’ll explain what this new law actually means for Montana players. We’ll also talk about what kinds of gambling are still legal here and help you find a way to play slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker on your phone.
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Online Gambling in Montana: A Quick Overview
Most forms of online gambling are off-limits in Montana. For example, iGaming sites (where you play things like online slots, blackjack, and poker) aren’t allowed. And sweepstakes casinos are banned, too.
However, you’ve still got a couple of options available. Right now, you can play online casino games for fun through social casinos. And then, there’s also Sports Bet Montana: the state-run sportsbook app operated by the Montana Lottery.
Check out the table below for a full breakdown of what’s legal and what isn’t:
🎲 Type of Gambling | 👍 Is It Legal? | 🔞 Age Requirement |
---|---|---|
Real-Money Online Casinos | No ❌ | N/A |
Social Casinos | Yes ✅ | 18+ (sometimes 21+) |
Sweepstakes Casinos | No ❌ | N/A |
Online Poker | No ❌ | N/A |
Online Sports Betting | Yes ✅ (Sports Bet Montana; must be located at an approved retail location) | 18+ |
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | No ❌ | N/A |
Online Horse Race Betting | Yes ✅ | 18+ |
Online Lottery Games | Yes ✅ (through third-party courier apps) | 18+ |
Montana Online Casino Timeline: Latest News & Recent Events
October 2025
SB 555 officially takes effect, forcing sweepstakes casinos out of Montana. Violators now face felony charges, fines of up to $50,000, and the possibility of prison time (up to 10 years).
August 2025
A federal judge tosses out a lawsuit against VGW Holdings, the company behind Chumba Casino. The case challenged its sweepstakes model, but the proceedings ended abruptly after VGW asked for dismissal.
May 2025
Governor Greg Gianforte signs Senate Bill 555, making Montana the first state to ban online sweepstakes casinos. The law also covers offshore gambling operators.
April 2025
Montana’s Department of Justice (DOJ) warns residents about fake gambling platforms posing as Town Pump, Lucky Lil’s, and Kwataqnuk Resort. Officials say that scammers use these look-alike sites to steal credit card information.
March 2020
Sports Bet Montana launches as the state’s only legal online sportsbook. Run by the Montana Lottery, the app offers betting on sporting events but does not include slots, poker, or any other casino-style gambling.
May 2019
Governor Steve Bullock signs HB 725, making retail sports betting and mobile wagering legal in Montana. Online casino games aren’t part of the law and remain off-limits.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Montana?
No. At least not when it comes to online casinos.
If you’re in Montana, you can’t put real money on slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, or poker through the internet. Big names like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, or Caesars aren’t allowed to run casino apps here.
The reason is written right into the state constitution. Article III, Section 9 says: “All forms of gambling, lotteries, and gift enterprises are prohibited unless authorized by acts of the legislature or by the people through initiative or referendum.”
Put simply, if lawmakers or voters haven’t approved it, it’s illegal. And online casinos haven’t been approved yet.
Montana Sweepstakes Casinos: Legality & How They Work
For a while, sweepstakes casinos gave Montanans a way to play online without using real money.
They ran on two types of coins: Gold Coins, which were just for fun, and Sweeps Coins, which could be redeemed for cash prizes.

But in 2025, that option disappeared. Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 555, and Montana became the first state to ban sweepstakes casinos.
The law targets “any platform, website, or application that knowingly transmits or receives gambling information, allows consumers to place a bet or wager using any form of currency, and makes payouts of any form of currency.”
It doesn’t say “sweepstakes” by name, but it bans the exact system these sites use. And the penalties for violators are steep:
- Felony charges
- Fines up to $50,000
- Up to 10 years in prison
That’s just per offense, too. As a result, most sweepstakes casinos (Stake.us, Chumba, Pulsz, McLuck, and others) have already stopped accepting Montana players. And the rest are expected to leave before the law takes effect on October 1, 2025.
Comparing the Best Montana Online Casinos
Real-money casinos aren’t allowed in Montana, and sweepstakes casinos are now banned too. So what’s left? The only online option is free-to-play social casinos that don’t use the sweepstakes model. These sites let you spin slots or try out table games without spending a dime.
There’s a catch, though… you can’t win any real money. Everything is for fun only. Still, if you’re just looking for entertainment, there are a few solid choices out there. Below, I’ve compared three of the best options available to Montana players:
🎰 Best MT Online Casinos | 🎉 No Deposit Bonus | 🎮 Number of Casino Games | 📱 Mobile App |
---|---|---|---|
1. BetRivers.net | 250 FREE Virtual Credits | 900+ | No ❌ |
2. MyJackpot | 150,000 Gold Coins & 1 Joker Card | 100+ | Yes ✅ |
3. Hard Rock Social Casino | 300,000 Virtual Coins & 1 Heart | 250+ | Yes ✅ |

1. BetRivers.net Casino4Fun
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 250 FREE Virtual Credits
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.3/5.0
BetRivers.net is basically the free-play version of the BetRivers Casino site, and it’s one of the better options for Montana players. There are close to a thousand slot games here from software providers you’re sure to recognize, like Konami, 3 Oaks, and NetEnt.

It’s not just slots either; you get a long list of table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and Texas Hold’em. Some of these table games even have live dealer versions available, which makes the whole thing feel a bit more real.
There’s also a “Sports Zone” section where you can make free picks on college and pro sports games. You can read our full BetRivers.net review to learn more.

2. MyJackpot.com
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 150,000 Gold Coins & 1 Joker Card
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.4/5.0
MyJackpot is another good choice if you’re looking to play online slots in Montana without spending anything. There are hundreds of games here, and a lot of them come with big jackpot prizes. You’ll also get daily free spins and regular promos that give you more ways to play.

The mobile app is free on both iOS and Android, and it works smoothly, so you can pull it up pretty much anywhere. Plus, customer support is great and ready to offer help whenever you need it. Check out our full MyJackpot Casino review for more info.

3. Hard Rock Social Casino
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 300,000 Virtual Coins & 1 Heart
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.1/5.0
Hard Rock Social Casino (also called Hard Rock Jackpot Casino) is the official free-to-play casino from the Hard Rock brand. There are more than 250 slot and table games you can try without spending a thing, and the mobile app is free to download on both iOS and Android.

One cool perk is that it’s linked to Unity by Hard Rock, the company’s rewards program. This means the time you spend playing online can actually count toward real-world prizes. Read our in-depth Hard Rock Social Casino review to find out more.
What Online Casino Games Can You Play in Montana?
Even though you can’t legally bet real money online, there are still plenty of ways to play casino games in Montana. Between tribal casinos, bars and taverns with gaming machines, and free-to-play social casino sites, pretty much every type of game is available in one form or another.

Slots
Slots are everywhere in Montana. Most tribal casinos and licensed gambling locations have video gambling machines that work a lot like regular slot machines.
And if you’d rather play from home, social casinos such as BetRivers.net have hundreds of online slots you can spin through just for fun.

Table Games
Blackjack, roulette, craps, and most other table games aren’t allowed at Montana retail casinos. The only real exception is poker, which you can play for cash in person at authorized poker rooms.
Online, though, it’s a different story; social casinos usually include a full lineup of virtual table games, even the ones you won’t find in person.

Video Poker
Video poker has simple rules and is super easy to find in Montana. You’ll see this low house edge game in bars, taverns, and other licensed locations across the state.
And if you’re more interested in online play, social casinos like BetRivers.net offer plenty of video poker options you can try out anytime.

Live Dealer Games
Some social casino sites even have live dealer games, where a real dealer is streamed to your screen. It’s not the same as playing for money, but it does bring some of that casino feel to your phone or laptop.

Specialty Games
There’s more variety out there than most people realize. Many social online casinos in Montana include extra game types like bingo, scratch cards, keno, crash multiplier games, Plinko, and other casual or arcade-style options… all playable for free!
Montana Online Casino No Deposit Bonuses
One of the best things about social casinos in Montana is that they all give new players a no-deposit bonus. Seriously… every single one. You can create an account and start playing right away without paying a cent. There’s no need to enter a credit card, link a bank account, or make any kind of deposit.
It’s an easy way to try out the games before spending anything, and it’s part of what makes online social casinos so popular here. If that sounds like something you want to take advantage of, take a look at the table below for some of the top offers currently available to Montana residents:
🎰 Montana Online Casinos | 🔥 No Deposit Bonus | 🎁 Promo Code |
---|---|---|
BetRivers.net | 250 FREE Virtual Credits | Click To Claim |
Hard Rock Social Casino | 300,000 Virtual Coins & 1 Heart | Click To Claim |
MyJackpot | 150,000 Gold Coins & 1 Joker Card | Click To Claim |
Fortune Coins | 650,000 Gold Coins & 1,400 Fortune Coins | Click To Claim |
Sportzino | 220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins | Click To Claim |
Yay Casino | 50,000 Gold Coins & 5.00 Sweeps Coins | Click To Claim |
Zula Casino | 10 Free Sweeps Coins & 120,000 Gold Coins | Click To Claim |
Want to dig a little deeper and find even more bonus offers? Head over to our full guide to Montana online casino no-deposit bonuses for a complete breakdown of what’s available right now.
Payment Options at Montana Online Gambling Sites
You can’t make real-money deposits or withdrawals at Montana online casinos. What you can do, though, is buy Gold Coins to use on all your favorite games. And the payment methods you’ll run into are pretty similar to what real-money sites use. Here’s what to expect:

Credit & Debit Cards
Most online casinos in Montana accept major cards like Visa and Mastercard when you’re buying Gold Coins. Payments usually go through right away, but sometimes banks block them, so don’t be surprised if a transaction gets declined every once in a while.

Bank Transfers
Some Montana casino sites also let you move money straight from your bank account. It’s a somewhat slower option but usually dependable and straightforward once it’s all set up.

E-Wallets
PayPal, Skrill, and Venmo are pretty common, too. These services sit between your bank and the site, which adds a bit of security and keeps your card info off the platform. Not every casino site supports them, but many do.

Cryptocurrency
A handful of platforms even accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies as payment options. Transactions are quick and fees are low, though you’ll need a digital wallet and at least a basic understanding of how crypto payments work.
How to Get Started at Montana Online Casinos
Getting started at a Montana online casino doesn’t take very long. Here’s how the process usually works:
- Pick a site: Start by choosing a social casino you want to try. And double-check that it lets Montana residents sign up and play (because some don’t). I’d recommend BetRivers.net if you’re having a hard time deciding. But there are plenty of other great options out there, too.
- Create your account: Fill out a quick registration form with some basic info about yourself. It only takes a minute or so. You usually won’t need to verify your identity since you’re just playing for fun.
- Claim your free bonus: All social casinos in Montana give new players a no-deposit bonus when they sign up, so you’ll get free coins to start playing right away.
- Make a purchase (optional): You never have to spend anything, but you can always buy extra Gold Coins if you want to extend your play.
- Start playing games: Once you’re in, you can play: Slots. Blackjack. Roulette. Baccarat. Craps. Video poker. Keno. Live dealer games. And more.
Other Legal Ways to Gamble Online in Montana
Online casinos aren’t an option in Montana, but that doesn’t mean every kind of online gambling is banned. There are still a few things you can do legally.

Sports Betting
Sports betting has been legal here since 2020, but it works differently than in most places.
There’s only one Montana online sportsbook (Sports Bet Montana), and it’s run by the state lottery. Big national apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, and ESPN BET can’t operate here.
Another catch: you can’t bet from home. To place a wager, you have to be inside one of the approved Sports Bet Montana locations, which are usually bars or casinos.

Horse Racing
Horse racing is handled under separate rules. Pari-mutuel betting is allowed, and you can place wagers online from anywhere in Montana.
Sites like TwinSpires, NYRA Bets, and FanDuel Racing are all licensed to take bets in the state.

Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports aren’t allowed. Montana is one of the few states that went out of its way to outlaw DFS contests.
Under state law (MCA 23-5-802), you can’t play paid fantasy games on DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog, PrizePicks, or any of the other apps.

Lottery Games
The lottery works a little differently. You can’t buy tickets straight from the Montana Lottery’s own site or app. Instead, services like Jackpocket let you order them online.
A local retailer prints the ticket, and you’ll see a scanned copy in your account so you can check the results later.
Montana Online Gambling Laws Compared to Nearby States
State | Online Casinos | Online Poker | Online Sports Betting |
---|---|---|---|
Montana | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | ✅ Legal (Sports Bet Montana only, at approved retail locations) |
North Dakota | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal |
South Dakota | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal |
Wyoming | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | ✅ Legal (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, & Fanatics) |
Idaho | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal |
Washington | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | ✅ Legal (Must be physically present at a tribal casino) |
Oregon | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | ✅ Legal (DraftKings Sportsbook only) |
Nebraska | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal |
Minnesota | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal |
Nevada | ❌ Illegal | ✅ Legal (WSOP.com) | ✅ Legal (in-person registration required) |
Retail Casinos in Montana
You can’t play real-money casino games online in Montana, but you can still gamble in person. Just don’t expect anything like Las Vegas. Instead of massive resorts, most gambling here takes place in small venues scattered across the state.
There are more than 1,400 licensed gambling locations. Most are neighborhood bars, restaurants, or taverns, each limited to 20 video gambling machines. You’ll usually find video poker, video keno, and video bingo. State rules also keep a lid on how much you can bet and how much a machine can pay out.

In addition, Montana has 14 tribal casinos operated by the state’s seven federally recognized tribes. Ten are larger properties, while four are smaller gaming parlors.
Unlike tribal casinos in some other states, these don’t run table games like blackjack, roulette, or craps. The focus is more on slot-like electronic gaming machines and bingo.
Poker is the exception. Live poker rooms are legal here, and you’ll see tables in some tribal casinos and at a handful of smaller licensed venues. Altogether, Montana has more than 16,000 video gambling machines, and you’ll find them in every county.
Now let’s take a look at a few of the biggest, most popular retail casinos in Big Sky Country:

Gray Wolf Peak Casino
- 📍 Address: 20750 US-93, Missoula, MT 59808
- 📞 Phone Number: (406) 726-3778
Gray Wolf Peak Casino is just outside Missoula and owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
It has over 300 slot machines, with progressive jackpots that can climb pretty high. Along with the gaming floor, there’s a sports bar and even a golf simulator, so it’s easy to spend a whole afternoon there.

Glacier Peaks Hotel & Casino
- 📍 Address: 46 Museum Loop, Browning, MT 59417
- 📞 Phone Number: (406) 338-2274
Glacier Peaks Hotel & Casino is in Browning, about 12 miles from Glacier National Park and 40 minutes from Alberta. The casino has hundreds of slot machines along with regular bingo nights.
It also offers the Glacier Rewards Club, which lets you earn points you can put toward meals, hotel stays, or more time at the machines.

Northern Winz Hotel & Casino
- 📍 Address: 11275 US-87, Box Elder, MT 59521
- 📞 Phone Number: (406) 395-5420
Northern Winz Hotel & Casino sits on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation in north-central Montana and is run by the Chippewa Cree Tribe. The casino has a little over 240 Class II machines, with titles from IGT, AGS, Grover, and others.
There’s also a restaurant called the StarLight Grill, and regulars usually join the Players Club since it comes with free play for signing up, weekly cash offers, and match-play promos.
Montana Responsible Gambling
Gambling is fine when it’s just for fun. The problems come when it eats up more money or time than you planned. Best approach? Decide on a limit first, stick to it, and don’t try to chase back what you lose.
If things ever get out of hand, don’t worry. There’s help available right here in Montana. The Montana Council on Problem Gambling has a 24-hour line at (888) 900-9979. You can find more helpful info and resources at mtproblemgambling.org.
In addition, Gamblers Anonymous has hotlines in Billings (406-860-8287) and Helena (406-431-1663) that you can call. And if you’re outside those areas, the national helpline 1-800-GAMBLER is always open.
The Future of Montana Online Casinos: What’s Next?
When will Montana legalize online casinos? It’s the question everyone keeps asking. And the truth is, it’s probably not happening anytime soon. A few things are standing in the way:
- New laws would be needed. Lawmakers haven’t introduced any bills to make online casinos legal, and they’ve actually moved the other way. In 2025, they passed Senate Bill 555, which expanded the definition of “internet gambling” to cover online casinos and made them 100% illegal.
- There’s likely to be pushback. Tribal casinos and state-licensed gambling locations bring in a lot of money. If online casinos became legal, they’d see that as a threat to their revenue.
- Montana’s a small market. With a low population compared to other states, it’s not at the top of the list for big online gambling companies. That makes it less likely anyone will spend time or money trying to change the law.
- No nearby states have done it. There are no U.S. states with legal online casinos located close to Montana. The ones that have (think New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan) are on the other side of the country. That means there’s less outside pressure to make a change now.
Still, you can never say never. A few years ago, almost no one thought mobile sports betting would become legal here (and across most of the U.S.). And yet, it did. Change can happen fast, and if it ever does, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Montana Online Casino FAQs
For the most part, no. You can’t play real-money slots, blackjack, roulette, or poker on your phone or laptop. That said, online sports gambling is legal, but you have to be physically located at an authorized Sports Bet Montana location.
You sure can! You just have to be present in that state when gambling. For example, if you take a trip to Nevada, you can play online poker on your phone. Or if you travel to New Jersey, you can play online slots for real money while you’re there. But once you return home to Montana? You can’t anymore.
Technically, Montana law targets the operators of illegal online gambling sites, not individual players. But offshore casinos still operate outside U.S. regulations, so you’re taking a risk if you use them. Payouts aren’t guaranteed, and there’s pretty much nothing you can do if something goes wrong. If you want to avoid legal gray areas and protect your money, sticking with legal social casinos is the safer choice.