Welcome to your ultimate guide for Montana sports betting! In this article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of sports wagering in Big Sky Country. From understanding the legal landscape and regulations to learning about the best sportsbooks available, we’ve got you covered. By the time we’re finished, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to place wagers and make informed decisions in the Montana sports betting scene. Now, let’s get started.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Montana?
The Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, removing a 25-year federal ban on sports betting in the United States. Less than one year later, Montana Governor Steve Bullock signed HB 725 into law, effectively legalizing sports betting in Big Sky Country and allowing the state lottery to control the entire operation.
The Montana Lottery could now host sports betting kiosks in licensed casinos, resorts, restaurants, bars, and other retail locations across the state. Online sports betting was also given the green light, but it was only authorized to take place inside these licensed establishments, with geolocation technology being utilized to ensure compliance.
In addition, Montana decided against a competitive market and instead opted for a government-run, monopoly mobile betting model. As a result, the state lottery developed Sports Bet Montana as the state’s only sports betting site and mobile betting app.
Today, wagers can be placed in Montana at authorized retail locations using sports betting kiosks or the Sports Bet Montana platform. Statewide mobile betting (i.e., the ability to place wagers from your home or any other convenient location within the state’s borders) is not offered and is unlikely to become available anytime soon.
Montana Sports Betting Rules & Regulations
The Montana sports betting scene is unlike that of any other U.S. state, and it can certainly be a bit confusing at first. However, you should have no problem getting the hang of it with a little guidance. We have provided a general summary of the Montana sports betting rules and regulations below.
- Sports betting is available to individuals who are 18 years or older.
- Wagers can be placed on both college and professional sporting events. There are no restrictions on in-state schools (e.g., the University of Montana or Montana State University) or prop bets involving individual college athletes.
- Retail sports betting is offered by using Montana Lottery sports betting kiosks at casinos, resorts, bars, restaurants, or other licensed retail locations in the state of Montana.
- Online sports betting is only available through the Sports Bet Montana website or mobile app and must take place at an authorized Sports Bet Montana location. No other online sportsbooks are allowed to operate in the state.
- The maximum amount for a single wager placed in person is $250, while the maximum amount for a single bet placed online is $1,000.
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests are not permitted in the state of Montana.
What Are the Best Montana Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?
The United States is home to a wide range of online sportsbooks and mobile betting sites, each with exciting promotions and special features that appeal to sports bettors of varying preferences and interests. Unfortunately, only one option is currently authorized to operate in the state of Montana: Sports Bet Montana.
Sports Bet Montana
- Launch Date: March 11, 2020
- Best Features: Variety of Betting Markets Offered & Solid Customer Service
- Worst Features: Below-Average Odds & No Welcome Bonus
Sports Bet Montana is a government-run entity and the state’s only available sportsbook. The platform launched in March 2020 and has received mixed reviews from customers over the years. On a positive note, Sports Bet Montana is very beginner-friendly and allows users to easily navigate between the wide variety of sports covered and bet types offered.
The platform is very secure, meaning customers can rest easy knowing that their information is well-protected and all transactions are completely safe. Another benefit of Sports Bet Montana is its excellent customer service. You will have plenty of different ways to get in contact with the customer support team, including a live chat option, and can expect a reasonably quick response at any time of the day.
However, you should also be aware of the disadvantages associated with Sports Bet Montana. For example, unlike all of the top U.S. sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel, etc.), Sports Bet Montana doesn’t provide a welcome offer to new customers. In addition, the odds are noticeably worse than what you’d find on other sports betting platforms around the country. These shortcomings are largely the result of a lack of competition in the market.
Other Mobile Sportsbooks
Montana is not expected to adjust its mobile sports betting model or open up the market anytime soon, but there is always a chance it could happen at some point. There may be interest from some of the top U.S. sportsbooks should an opportunity ever arise. DraftKings Sportsbook would be an exciting option for Montana bettors and would offer a generous welcome offer as well as frequent odds surges to enhance the overall betting experience.
FanDuel Sportsbook has arguably the best mobile app among U.S. sportsbooks and is always looking to grow its platform and expand its reach across the United States. In addition, Caesars is one of the biggest and most reliable names in the sports betting industry, and it is currently available in Wyoming, Montana’s neighbor to the south and another state with a low population density.
How Can I Bet on Sports in Montana?
There are plenty of different ways for Montana sports betting enthusiasts to get in on the action. Here are a few of the best opportunities currently available:
Online Sportsbooks
As previously mentioned, online sports betting is available in Montana through Sports Bet Montana, the state’s only digital sportsbook. Users can register for an account, complete the verification process, make deposits, withdraw funds, and prepare wagers on their bet slip from anywhere, including their home or any other convenient location. However, they will need to be physically present at an authorized Sports Bet Montana location in order to place their bets.
Retail Sportsbooks
Montana residents will also have the option to place bets in person using the sports betting kiosks located at lottery retailers all over the state. These kiosks can be found at casinos, resorts, restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and plenty of other retail locations in nearly every city across the state. For example, there are dozens of authorized retailers in Montana’s three most populated cities (Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls).
Daily Fantasy Sports
Unfortunately, daily fantasy sports (DFS) is not an option for sports fans in Montana, as the state prohibited all paid online fantasy contests in 2019. As a result, DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and all of the other popular DFS platforms are not available in Big Sky Country. Montana is one of just a handful of U.S. states that have banned daily fantasy sports within their borders, the others being Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Washington.
Horse Racing
Betting on horse racing is also legal in Montana, and you will have several different options to choose from. You can place wagers on live horse races at the Great Falls Turf Club and Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, or you can visit off-track betting facilities that allow you to watch and wager on live horse races happening across the country via simulcast feeds. Lastly, you can use horse racing betting sites (e.g., TwinSpires or FanDuel Racing) to get in on the action.
Offshore Sportsbooks
Offshore sportsbooks, online platforms based outside of the United States, can be an option for Montana sports bettors, but it’s important to approach them cautiously. While they may provide a wider range of betting options and potentially more favorable odds, it’s essential to consider the risks involved. Offshore sportsbooks operate in legal gray areas and may not have the same level of regulation and consumer protection as domestic platforms.
Additionally, there may be challenges with depositing and withdrawing funds, potential issues with customer service, and a lack of recourse in case of disputes. Montana sports bettors should exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before considering offshore sportsbooks as an alternative option.
Visit Neighboring States
Lastly, Montana residents have the option to visit other U.S. states that have legal betting options available. North Dakota and South Dakota each offer several retail sportsbooks and could be an appealing option for those who live in the eastern half of Montana. In addition, Wyoming has four online sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars) and is a fantastic opportunity for those who live near the Wyoming-Montana border.
How To Sign Up & Start Betting in Montana
Time needed: 5 minutes.
Are you ready to sign up and start betting on all your favorite sports and leagues? Just follow the steps listed below.
- Visit Sports Bet Montana
Go to the official Sports Bet Montana website or download their mobile app to get started. This will be your gateway to accessing their sports betting platform.
- Register for an Account
Click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button to create a new account. Fill out the required information, which typically includes personal details such as your name, email address, date of birth, and sometimes your social security number. Choose a username and password to secure your account.
- Verify Your Information
After registering, you may need to verify your information. This process often involves providing additional documents to confirm your identity and age. It could include uploading a copy of your ID or driver’s license and proof of address.
- Make Your First Deposit
Once your account is set up and verified, you can make your first deposit. Sports Bet Montana will offer various payment methods, such as credit or debit cards, e-wallets, or online banking transfers. Select your preferred method and follow the instructions to fund your account with the desired amount.
- Start Placing Bets
With your account funded, you are now ready to start placing bets. Explore the sports and betting markets available on the Sports Bet Montana platform. You can browse different sports events, view odds, and choose the wagers you want to make. Simply select your bet, enter the stake amount, and confirm your bet slip to place your wager. Remember that you’ll need to visit one of the authorized Sports Bet Montana retail locations to place your wager.
What Teams Can I Bet on in Montana?
Montana’s sports culture runs deep, with a passionate and devoted following for athletic endeavors. The enthusiasm and loyalty displayed by fans are a testament to the state’s love for sports, creating an atmosphere of excitement and fervor that permeates throughout the community. A few of the most popular teams among Montana sports fans are discussed below.
Montana Grizzlies
The Montana Grizzlies are a college football team representing the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. The team competes in the Big Sky Conference and has a passionate following that fills the stadium on game days, creating an electric atmosphere. The Grizzlies’ successes have contributed to their strong fan base and a sense of pride within the state.
Montana State Bobcats
The Montana State Bobcats, also a college football team, represent Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. They are the arch-rivals of the Montana Grizzlies and their matchups, known as the “Brawl of the Wild,” generate intense excitement among fans. The Bobcats have had their own share of success over the years, making them a popular choice for Montana sports fans.
Seattle Seahawks
While not a local team, the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL) have a significant fan base in Montana. Due to the proximity of Seattle to Montana, many sports fans in the state have adopted the Seahawks as their favorite NFL team. The Seahawks’ success in recent years, including a Super Bowl victory in 2014, has further solidified their popularity among Montana sports fans.
Portland Trail Blazers
The NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers are a popular team among Montana residents. Although Montana does not have an NBA team of its own, the Trail Blazers have gained a strong following in the state. Their games are frequently televised in Montana, providing fans with the opportunity to closely follow and support the team. The Trail Blazers’ passionate fan base and exciting style of play have contributed to their popularity among Montana sports enthusiasts.
Strategies & Tips for Montana Sports Bettors
While there is no foolproof way to guarantee big winnings in the world of sports betting, you can increase your chances of long-term success by following these strategies and tips for Montana sports bettors:
- Do Your Research: Knowledge is key when it comes to successful sports betting. Stay updated on the latest news, team performances, player injuries, and any other relevant information that may impact the outcome of a game. Utilize reliable sources, follow expert analysis, and keep an eye on statistics to make informed betting decisions.
- Stay Objective: While it’s natural to have favorite teams, it’s important to maintain objectivity when placing bets. Don’t let personal bias cloud your judgment. Assess each game objectively based on available information and statistics to make rational decisions.
- Follow Betting Trends: Pay attention to betting trends and line movements. Significant shifts in odds or heavy betting on one side can indicate valuable information or public perception. While it’s important not to solely rely on trends, they can provide insights and help you make more informed betting decisions.
- Control Your Emotions: Emotions can impact decision-making, leading to impulsive and irrational bets. Avoid letting emotions dictate your wagers, especially after experiencing a winning streak or a string of losses. Stay calm, stick to your strategies, and make logical choices based on sound analysis.
- Learn From Your Past Results: Analyze your betting history to identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses. Keep a record of your bets, outcomes, and the reasoning behind each wager. This self-reflection will help you improve your strategies, avoid common pitfalls, and refine your overall approach.
Montana Sports Betting FAQ
Yes! Online sports betting is legal in Montana. However, all wagers must be placed at an authorized Sports Bet Montana location, which includes over 300 casinos, hotels, bars, and various retailers all over the state.
Montana requires sports bettors to be at least 18 years or older to participate.
Sports Bet Montana is the only online sportsbook currently authorized to operate in the state of Montana.
Although sports betting is legal in Montana, daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests are not. DraftKings, FanDuel, and all other DFS sites are not available in the state of Montana.
Yes! Betting on horse racing is legal in Montana. You can place wagers in person at Montana racetracks or off-track betting facilities across the state. You may also use online racebooks, such as TwinSpires or FanDuel Racing.