Montana Legal Sports Betting

Believe it or not, Montana was one of the first states to legalize sports betting after the federal ban on it was lifted in 2018. However, we’d stop short of saying it’s a “bettor-friendly” state. Montana has put some serious restrictions on its legalized betting market — and many bettors will be left hanging.

For these reasons, we strongly recommend bettors just do their gambling offshore when in Montana. It’s the perfect alternative to what’s currently allowed and best of all, it’s incredibly easy to set up. You’re going to want to keep reading this page for an in-depth guide to betting in Montana!

Quick Montana Facts

Is Sports Betting Legal In Montana?

It is. It was made legal in April 2019 with the passage of HB 725. However, don’t think this is a free market where there is multiple operators. No, no, not at all. There’s a monopoly on the system, as any and all sports betting must go through the Montana Lottery. So there are no traditional sportsbooks, only lottery retailers where bets can be made in person.

The lottery does have an online app of sorts called Sports Bet Montana. But here’s the thing: you can do everything on the app besides make actual bets — unless you’re in an authorized location (near a lottery ticket kiosk). So no at-home betting or anything like that. This rule really takes the wind out of the sails of betting in Montana, if we’re being honest.

Which again, is why we urge bettors to “take their talents” offshore instead. Because these sites aren’t located in the United States, they are free of US regulations or any state like Montana. So not only do offshore betting sites work perfectly fine, but even better in most cases as we’re about to explain in this article.

Latest Montana Legal Betting Updates

Dec 17, 2024 09:12 AM

Montana's sports betting handle saw a 7.25% year-over-year increase in November, reaching $7.4 million, according to the latest Montana Lottery report. However, this figure reflects a 2.1% decline compared to September 2024.

Montana Sports Betting Timeline

Best Sportsbooks In Each Category In Montana

Best overall	Name of Bookie
Best bonuses
Most unique bonuses
Top VIP program
Best reputation
Best sportsbook
Best casino
Best mobile app
Best for live betting
Best for new players
Best up-and-coming sportsbook

Top 7 Montana Sports Betting Sites

Offshore sportsbook options are plenty in Montana. However, if we could only suggest seven to use inside the state, it would undoubtedly be these ones:

1. BetUS - The biggest bonuses in the business and by a wide margin.
2. Bovada - Trustworthy brand and reliable mobile betting experience.
3. BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
4. XBet - Excellent mobile app for on-the-go betting.
5. BetNow - Generous bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
6. MyBookie - Elite rewards program for serious players.
7. Everygame - Long-standing reputation and ton of live betting opportunities.

#1 BetUS

Like free betting? Of course, you do. We mean, who doesn’t want free money to throw on sports bets? Well, this is why we recommend BetUS first for Montana bettors. They simply do promotional bonuses better than anyone else in the business.

Here are some examples. We’ll start with the BetUS welcome bonus. New users can claim up to $3,125 in free play off this deal. Want to know what the industry norm is? More like $1000 so BetUS is blowing that out of the water and then some.

Here's another eye-popping example: the $6,000 referral bonus. Yes, you read that right — six grand for bringing your friends or family on board to BetUS. In terms of dollar value, this is the highest we’ve seen on BetUS yet. It’s a stunning number and there’s even a prize raffle on top of this. The raffle gives out free game tickets and brand new tech products, as an example.

But it’s not just about the promotions at this site. No, no, no BetUS backs up its offers with an extensive range of betting options too. Whether you're into sports betting or casino games, there’s something for everyone, making all that free play go a long way.

All this adds up to make BetUS a killer option for Montana bettors. If you value free play — which helps derisk your bets — there’s no better option than BetUS.

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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BetUS

BetUS

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BetUS

#2 Bovada

When you hear "offshore betting," it might set off a few alarm bells. We get it — there’s something about the word "offshore" that feels like uncharted waters, especially in a place like Montana where handshake deals are still prevalent. But let’s put those concerns to rest because Bovada is as trusted as can be in this industry.

For one, Bovada is far from a newcomer. They’ve been around since the early 2010s, which is even before DraftKings and FanDuel. Since then, Bovada has amassed one of the largest betting user bases in the country. Ask yourself — would so many people stick around if Bovada wasn’t the real deal? Of course, not!

What really sets Bovada apart, especially for Montanans, is its no-nonsense approach. The platform is as straightforward as they come, with a layout that makes it easy to find your way around, place bets, and get your money in without a hitch. If you’re new to the world of online betting or just want a clean, reliable experience, Bovada is like the trusty old truck in your driveway — nothing fancy, but always gets the job done. Always!

For Montana bettors who appreciate simplicity and dependability with plenty of betting options, Bovada fits the bill. Unlike Sports Bet Montana, this platform makes betting as easy as can be.

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Bovada

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Bovada

#3 BetOnline

If you're after a sportsbook with more sports agambling options than you can ever imagine, BetOnline is your go-to spot. While others are still catching up, BetOnline is setting the pace when it comes to betting variety. It’s impressive compared to competing sportsbooks.

Sure, you’ll find staples like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You can also dive into niche sports like cricket, rugby, and even ping pong. We have no idea if those sports have any following in Montana, but the main thing we’re trying to get across is BetOnline leaves no stone unturned with its betting menu. Any and all sports betting can be done at Bovada.

That’s great and all, but here’s another biggie: BetOnline’s well-priced lines. These are right on the mark, similar to what you see in Las Vegas casinos. You won’t ever feel like they’re squeezing you with inflated odds. It’s just straight-up, competitive pricing that bettors should always get.

Montana bettors will also appreciate how quick BetOnline is at getting new lines up. As soon as the final whistle blows, the next game’s lines are seemingly already up. It’s a huge advantage if you like getting your bets in early and staying ahead of the crowd.

The last thing we’ll say is BetOnline is that it's truly an all-in-one betting destination. No need to use multiple betting apps because BetOnline can cover it all.

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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BetOnline

BetOnline

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BetOnline

#4 XBet

Montana’s famous Winter weather can make in-person betting laws feel like a real drag when a blizzard sweeps by. Welp, XBet comes to the rescue, delivering one of the best mobile betting experiences around. Forget braving the Winter storm to place bet, just count on XBet anytime and anywhere.

XBet’s mobile platform is truly elite. The first thing you’ll notice is the sleek look. Unlike competing apps which look outdated, XBet is modern and heck, even forward-looking. It’s not just looks though because the app also performs well too.

The app’s clean and user-friendly design lends itself to easy-to-make wagering. No endless scrolling, no confusing menus — just a seamless experience that lets you get straight to the action. Not only that, but the app just works super fast. Where some apps buckle under pressure, especially during live betting, XBet rarely misses a beat. Crashes or lags are hard to come by.

Another thing we love about XBet’s app is how accessible it is. There are no downloads needed from the Apple or Google Play Stores. You can jump right into the action straight from your mobile browser. Whether you’ve got a smartphone or tablet, the platform scales perfectly to your device, offering a hassle-free experience every time.

We’ve tried out hundreds of betting apps, and we’re telling you, XBet is among the very best at on-the-go gambling. With its sleek design and top-tier performance, it’s a platform built to keep up with the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle that suits Montana bettors perfectly.

Our score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Xbet

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Xbet

#5 BetNow

In an industry full of copycats, BetNow is carving out its own lane. It’s really, really tough to stand out in the crowded world of online gambling, but BetNow manages to do just that.

What sets BetNow apart from the pack? It’s their approach to promotions. They give more bonus variety than just about any competitor. We're talking four different welcome bonuses, three reload deals, and three separate rebate programs. Plus, they have other smaller bonuses too.

Again, this is not the norm. Most betting sites stick with one standard bonus and call it a day. BetNow breaks that mold, giving bettors options that cater to different styles and preferences. Whether you're a newbie just getting your feet wet or a seasoned pro looking for an edge, BetNow’s flexible promotions let you find the right deal for your style.

We have to mention one of those promotions specifically though, and that’s BetNow’s sportsbook rebate program. The site is giving back 2 percent on net losses in the sportsbook. This is completely unheard of. Seriously, we don’t know another platform that offers a sportsbook rebate.

That deal just goes to show you how different BetNow really is. We’re definitely for it, and we think Montana bettors — who act and think in their own way too — will appreciate BetNow’s approach.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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BetNow

BetNow

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BetNow

#6 MyBookie

If you’re after a betting platform that’s got it all, MyBookie is hard to top. This isn’t a one-trick pony, that’s for sure. Sports, casino, horse racing, poker — whatever you’re into, MyBookie has you covered.

Let’s first focus on the crown jewel, the sportsbook. With a massive selection of sports, leagues, and bet types, you're bound to find exactly what you’re looking for. But the appeal of MyBookie goes well beyond just sports betting.

Their casino is also loaded with hundreds of games. Most of these are slot machines, but there’s also an abundance of table games too. Speaking of which, if poker is more your speed, their dedicated poker room is always buzzing with action. The poker room is frequented by players all over the world.

All of these betting platforms are tired to together through MyBookie’s VIP rewards program. Unlike many platforms that dangle a one-time bonus, MyBookie rewards you consistently. Every single bet you place, whether it’s on sports, casino games, or poker, racks up reward points. And the more you play, the more you earn. No limits, no caps — the rewards just keep stacking up.

We only recommend MyBookie to bettors who are in it for the long haul. That’s the only way you’ll get mileage out of the VIP rewards program. Miles and miles of it if you’re serious and consistent.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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MyBookie

MyBookie

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MyBookie

#7 Everygame

Everygame brings a European touch to the betting scene that stands out from the usual U.S.-based bookmakers. With roots that stretch back decades (they were formerly known as Interrops), Everygame isn’t just riding the wave of modern sports betting — they helped build the damn thing too.

One immediate perk about betting at Everygame is its live betting experience. Their in-play feature is smooth and responsive, handling the pressure of real-time odds with ease. You can’t always say this about competitors, which can error out trying to keep up with real-time action.

Live bets can be found across NFL, NBA, MLB, or European soccer. Every major matchup is covered in these big leagues or sports. You probably won’t get in-play betting on more obscure sports, but that’s pretty much the case across the board, not just here.

For soccer fans, though, Everygame is really where it’s at. As we said, Everygame has a European background so naturally, they strongly support the sport they call football. From the Premier League to La Liga to international tournaments like the World Cup, it’s all there for the taking at Everygame.

Our score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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EveryGame

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EveryGame

Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Ceasars?

Don’t expect to find big-name sportsbooks in Montana. As we mentioned before, only Sports Bet Montana can offer betting in the state — and only at their kiosks. Until this changes, the big operators will be prohibited from doing business in the state. And here’s the thing: it looks like Montana is staying firm with its single-operator approach. There seems to be zero appetite to change things.

So for now, and likely for the foreseeable future, Montanans have two main options: use one of those damn kiosks to place your bets in person or turn to offshore sportsbooks. We’re certainly in favor of the latter option. If you need a few more reasons to go offshore, we’ll provide them in the next section.

Latest Montana Betting News

Nov 11, 2024 05:57 AM

Will Montana Sports Betting Revenue Increase by the End of 2024?

Aug 15, 2024 12:05 PM

How Does Montana Online Sports Betting Actually Work?

Jun 8, 2023 07:28 PM

Will Montana Online Sports Betting Laws Ever Loosen?

Dec 12, 2024 05:33 AM

Details of 2025 Missouri Sports Betting Launch are Starting to Trickle Out

Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In Montana

Let’s say you do opt to bet on Montana Sports Bet and at those kiosks. There are some markets you won’t be able to find. Fun markets like who’s winning the U.S. presidential election or award winners at the Oscars or WWE results. These are off limits to Montana bettors because state regulators don’t count them as real sports.

You know who doesn’t have these restrictions? You guessed it, offshore betting sites! Only those bookmakers freely offer betting on non-sport categories — not only in Montana, but the whole country. All other states police these bets the same way as Montana so think of offshore platforms as get out of jail cards.

Betting Apps In Montana

We can’t express our distaste enough for Montana’s lack of mobile betting apps — true ones that actually allow you to wager. Who has the time and gas money to drive to these kiosks all the time? We don’t and you’re probably the same!

This makes offshore betting apps even more appealing since they offer mobile counterparts. Now if you’re wondering how these mobile betting apps work in Montana, we’ve got all the info you need. We’ve dedicated an entire guide to help you understand it so you can save time and money from driving everywhere to wager.

Start Betting In Montana Today — Our Guides

While betting should always be about entertainment first (more on that later), there’s no harm in wanting to make some cash while you’re at it. Let’s be honest — random guesses aren’t going to cut it if you’re aiming to make a profit. Not when these bookies are using advanced computer models to create odds. So if you want to actually win more often than not, you’ll have to sharpen your betting skills. Here’s where to start:

• Top Betting Tips — want to make money wagering? Read this!
• Best Sports Betting Strategies — the above article is a college 101 class to this one, which take your betting to the next level!
• How Do Odds Work — self-explanatory here, learn everything there is to know about understanding betting odds.
• Types of Sports Bets — a complete primer to the various types of sports betting forms.
• Betting Odds Calculator — calculate how much money a bet or parlay pays out

Payment Methods Available For Montana Sportsbooks

Don’t think for a second that going offshore limits your payment options because that’s total nonsense. In reality, these sites offer all the payment methods you’d ever want. Here’s what you’ll come across to:

• VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on rhe majority of betting sites.
• Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
• Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play possible.
• Bank wire — The classic, no-nonsense way to fund your betting account.

History Of Montana Legalization Efforts

Montana has long contested the sports betting laws in the state, but in recent years have made more progress.

1992 and the PASPA Ban

The 1992 PASPA ban actually gave four states immunity, with Montana being one of them. The state was eligible to allow sports betting all this time. They allowed pool betting, a non-banking game, which is essentially a form of social gambling.

At last changes arrive in 2019

Finally, in 2020, legal sports betting arrived in Montana. Sports betting bill was passed by Governor Steve Bullock, making them the ninth state to legalize sports betting.

Betting on Montana Sports Teams

There are no professional sports teams based in Montana. It’s too desolate to support any team, little less one from the “Big 4.” This means locals are ofettt spread out in who they support. Though common allegiances go to Denver, Portland, or Seattle franchises since they’re technically the most nearby — though couldn’t be more culturally different than most Montana folks.

Betting on Montana NCAA Teams

When it comes to college sports, Montanans rally behind their homegrown teams, most notably the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats. Both schools have strong football traditions, with the “Brawl of the Wild,” their annual rivalry game, being a must-bet spectacle. While neither school is known for churning out NFL stars, the local support is unwavering, and betting interest spikes during this heated in-state rivalry.

Other Types Of Betting In Montana

Casino gambling is deeply ingrained into Montana culture. Deeply! We’re not kidding you when we say there’s hundreds, probably thousands of options to play casino-style games while inside the state. Many restaurants and bars offer electronic gaming machines. Theres also more than a dozen tribal casinos which serve the full Vegas experience with table games.

Since the state lottery runs the sports betting arm, you better believe they have a regular lottery system too. The Montana Lottery also offers state-specific games like Big Sky Bonus but also national contests like the Mega Millions and Powerball.

Horse betting is also very core to Montana’s culture too. This existed long before sports betting was ever legal. Wagers can be placed at a number of different local tracks.

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

Montana isn’t the only state we’ve covered in detail with our betting guides. In fact, we’ve compiled comprehensive guides for every state across the U.S. Take a look at our full lineup of state-specific betting guides below:

Responsible Gaming In Montana

While we’ve discussed the fun side of betting in Montana, it’s essential to acknowledge that gambling can sometimes spiral out of control. When betting goes unchecked, it can lead to financial problems, strained relationships, and even addiction. It’s important to recognize when the hobby is taking a toll.

One of the best ways to keep things in check is by setting a clear betting budget. Decide on a limit for how much money you’re willing to lose — this should be cash that won’t impact your ability to eat (groceries) or live (rent). But sticking to that budget can be tough, and the temptation to chase losses often leads to poor decisions. Having discipline is key.

If you notice betting is becoming a problem — you’re constantly exceeding your budget or feeling anxious about gambling — Montana offers helpful resources. It’s always a good idea to reach out when gambling is affecting your life (or someone you know too):

Montana Council on Problem Gambling (http://www.mtproblemgambling.org/)

Provides free, confidential support to those struggling with gambling issues. Reach their helpline at 1-888-900-9979.

Gamblers Anonymous Montana (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org)

Offers peer-led support through meetings across the state. Visit their website to find meeting locations and times near you.

Montana problem gambling hotline

Residents of Montana seeking help with problem gambling can also call 888-900-9979.

National resources like the ones below also work:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.