The Best Online Betting Sites in Montana in 2024 – One Legal Site Available
Montana has had a legal sports betting market since voters approved of gambling expansion in 2020. However, there is only one legal Montana sports betting online option, which is offered through the state’s lottery system. It also comes with an extra catch that requires you to be in the vicinity of a physical lottery retailer to use it.
Therefore, with the absence of unrestricted online betting and no commercial operators, we are unable to properly provide your recommendations for the best MT betting sites. Instead, we’ve dedicated this guide to discussing the pros and cons of the state’s current sports betting market and the lottery app.
Some readers may consider signing up to an offshore betting site as a reasonable alternative to the best betting sites in MT. We explain the legal and safety concerns around offshore betting. By the conclusion of this page, you will know what makes a good online betting site and whether more will debut soon.
MT Online Betting Sites List: All Legal Montana Online Sportsbookss
To ensure that our readers have all the knowledge they need before signing up for a Montana online betting platform, we tested the operator rigorously.
Due to the platform’s unique nature as a location-based betting app, we have also discussed whether the system is convenient to bettors at all. In the upcoming sections, you will learn how to create an account with the betting site and the current laws and legislation that mandate it.
How to Start Betting Online in Montana
Creating an account at the Sports Bet Montana site is a quick and easy process that you can do from your personal computer or mobile device. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to register your personal details, claim promotions, make a deposit or withdrawal, and even build bets. You won’t, however, be able to place a bet on the go.
Visit the Sportsbook RI homepage on your mobile or desktop. Provide your name, details, date of birth, and submit your ID documents within 30 days of creating an account.. Make a deposit.
Head to the lobby to find pre-match and live betting odds. Find the events and sports that interest you, and filter the bet types in the market selection.
To place your bet on your mobile, visit a lottery retailer. Click on the odds to add them to your bet slip. Add more odds to build your bet. Set your stake, click to place your bet, and confirm.
Instead, you will need to visit a lottery retailer to place and confirm your bet. For this reason, it’s probably not worth building your bet until you’re on site, as the odds are likely to fluctuate. With hundreds of lottery retailers around the state, most readers should have no trouble finding a place to wager.
How We Grade the Best Montana Betting Sites
Whether there is just the lottery app or a theoretical range of Montana betting sites that are available, we always apply the same grading criteria to all betting sites. This guarantees that our reviews and rankings are as fair as possible, and that you can make the most informed decision about the best site for your needs.
The best betting sites MT has to offer will be verified to be safe, legal, and secure by earning a license from the Montana Lottery. It would also offer fair odds, accessible customer support, a high-quality betting platform, and frequent bonuses. Below, you’ll learn how the Sports Bet Montana app tested against these topics.
Laws, Safety and Security
It’s an unfortunate reality that there are several scam sites that exist with the sole aim of stealing people’s personal data, and scamming players’ funds, or profiting off unfair odds. This is why when gambling online, your safety should be your number one priority. Only legal Montana betting sites can guarantee safety.
Over the course of this upcoming section, we’ve looked into the laws and regulations that govern the sole Montana online sportsbook. These topics are completely relevant to player safety, and cover topics such as data encryption, security accreditation, the minimum gambling age, taxes, and responsible gambling practices.
Gambling Laws in Montana
Montana is home to one of the most unique sports betting locations in the USA. While it was quick to legalize sports betting in 2019, the current law only approved betting on retail locations. This means that mobile betting would only be possible when in the vicinity of a lottery outlet.
The most likely reason for this was to monopolize the sports betting boom and prevent commercial legal betting sites in Montana from taking profits from the state. However, many other states have chosen a higher taxation model for their commercial operators, which has proven to be more popular with bettors and profitable for states.
Bettors are also able to wager in person at licensed bars, hotels, casinos, and even restaurants, meaning that brick-and-mortar sportsbooks are not especially hard to find. The market is regulated by the Department of Justice, with the Montana Lottery the sole licensee for online betting.
Taxes
Montana betting sites are not taxed like they would be in other states. Instead, the Montana Lottery profits from all sports betting in the same way that it does for its draw game products. All of the sportsbooks’ revenues are collected by the state after expenses are paid for. These funds then go toward the STEM scholarship fund.
Other than that, state and federal taxes apply. All winnings over $600 must be declared on your annual income tax return as earnings and will be taxed accordingly. All winnings over $5,000 will be taxed at a federal rate of 24 percent and this will be automatically deducted from your prize.
Encryption and Data Protection
In order for Montana betting sites online to be licensed, they must implement strong security features to protect the data and privacy of customers. This is why the Sports Bet Montana site has been certified to use 246-bit SSL encryption. This prevents hackers and scammers from intercepting user connections and stealing valuable data.
There are other security protocols in place. For instance, all player funds will be held in an offline account separate from your wallet so these funds are secure. Furthermore, Sports Bet uses a KYC user verification system. This ensures that only real people can sign up, and prevent self-excluded patrons and minors from joining.
Legal Gambling Age
The online sportsbook Montana platform has a minimum gambling age of 18 years old for sports betting, which is the same minimum required age for lottery ticket sales. Surprisingly, this same age requirement applies to casino gambling, with most other US states applying a 21-year age minimum to Class II gaming.
Responsible Gambling
The best betting sites in MT with licenses would be required to provide the safest gambling experience possible. To do this, betting sites must implement mechanisms that can help players keep track of their spending and time spent on the site. For those really struggling with their gambling, self-limitations should be available.
The Sports Bet Montana app gives players the option to set play timers, limit their deposit amounts, and limit their bet sizes. Self-exclusion and cool-off periods are also possible. For those seeking counseling or other support, there are links to resources and helplines provided by the Montana Council on Problem Gambling.
Trust Certificates
The Sports Bet Montana sportsbook online platform has included several indications throughout its pages that it is a trustworthy and legal betting site. This is done through certificates, which appear as logos for various organizations and institutions that work to create a safer gambling environment for all.
The following are the types of certificates that you’ll see on the site.
- SSL Certificate – shows that your data and privacy is protected via encryption
- Responsible Gambling – displays that the operator works with gambling helplines
- Montana – the certificate of the site’s regulator, proves that it’s licensed
- Payment Methods – shows that the site is supported by reputable financial institutions
These logos will usually appear at the bottom of online sportsbook homepages, though you may also find them in such places as the Responsible Gambling or Payments pages. Usually, a link will be provided with the logos that will take you to the organization’s homepage so you can verify that it’s a legitimate operation.
Bonuses and Promotions
In an open online gambling market with several commercial betting options, sites will usually advertise bonuses to new players. These are special perks that can boost your starting budget from the get go. Common sportsbook bonuses include 2nd chance bets, bonus funds, matched bets, and odds boosts.
To claim these, you will just need to click on the links provided and any promo codes or information should be added to your registration form. You will just need to read the terms and conditions first, as this will outline if a minimum deposit size is required or a validity period is outlined.
Often, other promotions at MT betting sites will be available for returning loyal customers based on their spending or reloading their player wallets. However, MT online sports betting customers are limited in their choices.
While we would love to recommend the best betting sites in Montana and attached promos to you, the lottery Sports Bet platform does not have any. This is another reason that a commercial market is preferable.
The Odds and Payouts at Montana’s Online Sportsbook
betting site’s odds will be affected by several different factors, including state taxes and the site’s hold rate. The hold rate will directly impact the return to player rate, which is the percentage of revenues that are given to players as winnings. In Montana, the hold rate is 13.78 percent on all sports bets.
This hold rate is one of the highest in the USA and far exceeds the national average of around seven percent. This is not a good sign for bettors, as it means that after expenses are paid, the average RTP on all sports is likely to be around 80 to 85 percent.
We checked the Sports Bet Montana app and found that the odds weren’t well aligned with some of those offered by commercial betting sites in other states. This has likely already had a negative impact on local sign-up rates, as many players could be tempted to travel to more attractive betting markets or gamble at illegal sites.
Live Betting and Streaming Options
A standard feature that could be found at all MT betting sites if the market was expanded would be live betting. If you’re unfamiliar with this popular betting option, live betting allows you to bet on games as they happen. A fast-paced and thrilling way to bet, you’ll need to rely on your own instincts and knowledge to make quick calls.
At Sports Bet Montana, players can access live betting in the In-Play tab at the top of the homepage lobby. Here, you’ll find a full list of games that are underway. If there are none, you can check upcoming events in the Live Calendar and set reminders for when they begin.
While betting, you will be able to access helpful statistics and score cards so that you can make more informed decisions. While it would be great MT online sports betting sites had live streaming capabilities, this is unfortunately not available and probably won’t be unless more commercial sites were authorized.
Mobile Betting
When it comes to using the Sports Bet Montana app, the personal computer platform will prove to be very limiting. While you can make deposits and check odds, you won’t be able to wager unless you’re at a retail betting location. This is why it’s essential that the site provides a high-quality mobile gambling experience.
Fortunately, the site has created a dedicated app that is compatible on both Apple and Android devices. This will work on your tablet and smartphone, and give you access to all of the same features as the PC version, from making deposits to in-play betting.
That said, in some ways, the app isn’t entirely useful, because bettors need to be at a retail location anyway. Some might prefer to simply use the terminals or cashiers provided. In any case, we tested the app and found it to be stable, easy-to-navigate, responsive, and functional for all betting purposes.
Customer Support Options
There will always be a chance that a technical issue or urgent query arises, no matter the quality of the betting site. For this reason, it’s essential to check a betting site’s support options before you sign up, no matter which site you choose to join. This could prevent you from a lot of stress and frustration in the future.
The best betting sites in Montana will offer support via numerous methods that can be reached all day, every day. At Sports Bet Montana, we were pleased to discover that punters can use live chat, telephone, or email services to find the help they need. All options are available 24/7.
We recommend using the live chat method as it tends to yield the quickest response and is generally the most convenient. If your issue isn’t urgent, we suggest using the FAQ page first, as many common questions are resolved here.
New Betting Sites in Montana
Although the sports betting industry has been heating up in the state, it remains unlikely that any new MT online betting sites will debut. It seems as though legislators are comfortable with the lottery app being the sole online betting provider, with the state’s many retail betting locations making it relatively easy for locals to wager.
In 2021, more than $46 million in bets were made in Montana, which is significant considering the state’s small population size of roughly one million people. While new betting sites in Montana could help to increase the state’s earnings, commercial operator profits may cut into the state’s takings and this would not be popular with legislators.
Offshore Betting Sites in Montana
In the absence of a wide variety of legal MT sportsbooks, you may be tempted to seek out offshore bookies to fulfill your wagering needs. Unlike in most states, Montana has specific laws that ban online gambling. This means it is illegal to gamble at offshore bookies such as those listed below.
- ⛔ BetUS
- ⛔ Bovada
- ⛔ MyBookie
- ⛔ XBet
- ⛔ BetOnline.AG
- ⛔ BUSR
- ⛔ Intertops
- ⛔ BetNow
- ⛔ BetAnySports
- ⛔ JazzSports
- ⛔ Lucky99
- ⛔ WagerWeb
Without a US gaming license, there is no way to guarantee that a site’s odds will be fair, that it follows responsible gambling practices, and that you will ever receive your owed winnings. It’s best to choose a regulated site as you’ll always know that you’re protected by the law and that your data’s security is protected.
History of Gambling in Montana
There are few states in the USA that have had such a pendulous approach to gambling expansion. The first laws to address gambling came in 1889, when all forms of gambling were declared illegal. This wasn’t overturned until 1933 when lawmakers and voters approved of an end to a blanket prohibition.
In the following decades, there were numerous instances of activity legalizations followed by their later banning. This includes the legalization and subsequent banning of classic slots, only to be followed by the legalization of video slots in the 1980s. Table games and poker also shared similar cultures of embracing progress before being later overturned.
Residents of Montana have often travelled interstate to have a wager on sports in the past. Though, one would have to travel a fair distance to find legal online sports betting since neighboring states such as North Dakota and South Dakota only have retail outlets available. There was also no point driving west since the state of Idaho has never had legal sports betting and seems unlikely to allow it in the foreseeable future. The visual below provides a timeline of the struggles and important milestones in Montana’s gambling history.
It’s clear that there are few topics as polarizing as gambling in Montana, especially when it comes to online gambling and MT sportsbooks. In fact, when the state introduced a law that outlawed all internet gambling websites in Montana, it seemed as though sports betting would never be permitted in the state.
These fears were put to rest when Montana became the first state to legalize sports betting in 2019. While the industry got off to a rocky start in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, revenues climbed in 2021. In total, $6 million in state revenues was generated from sports betting in 2021 compared to $2 million in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have more questions about the betting sites Montana has to offer? If so, you’ll find brief answers to common queries on MT betting sites. If you’re looking for more details, you can click on the links provided to each to be taken to the relevant section of this guide.
🥇 What is the best betting site in Montana?
There is only one Montana betting site to choose from, though the app is restricted by geofencing technology. This means that you’ll need to visit a lottery retailer if you wish to place your sports bet on your mobile. Therefore, Montana doesn’t technically have an advanced online sports betting market.
🔎 Are there any new betting sites in Montana?
There are no new betting sites in Montana. This is unlikely to change, with the industry clearly preferring the sole app called Sports Bet provided through the Montana Lottery. If the laws happen to change, we’ll be sure to provide the latest deals and promos to new betting sites here.
📜 Is there a list of the Montana betting sites?
We do not have a list of top betting sites for Montana as there is only one site. There are also no promotions for these betting sites, so we are unable to provide links to the Sports Bet Montana operator. Furthermore, you will need to visit a retail location to place your bet, though you can create an account and deposit from anywhere in the state.
🛡️ Are Montana betting sites safe?
Yes, the licensed betting site is safe and secure as it is regulated by the Department of Justice. Adding further credibility to the site is the fact that it is operated by the Montana Lottery. This is a state-run organization that generates funds through gambling to go toward a state education fund.
💵 How does Montana make money from betting sites?
Rather than applying taxes to sports betting revenues, the lottery implements a hold rate on all gambling funds. There is a roughly 14 percent hold rate applied to revenues generated on both the online betting app and at lottery retailers. Unfortunately, this is quite a high rate that negatively impacts betting site odds.
⚖️ Is online betting in Montana legal?
While the recent gambling laws included a provision to permit an online betting app, it would be misleading to suggest that online betting is entirely legal. Instead, you can only make bets online when you are in proximity to a lottery retailer. While you can access your account at home or on the go, betting outside of the geofenced area is blocked.
👮 How can I solve a dispute with a Montana online sportsbook?
If you have any disputes with the Sports Bet Montana app, you can contact customer support. There are several contact methods available, though we recommend using live chat for the fastest response and for added convenience. You’ll be able to reach the care team 24/7.
Final Thoughts
Montana is home to a thriving sports betting industry that is generating more revenues with each passing year. However, with only one sports betting app that is location-restricted, bettors will not be able to experience the full freedom of a regular open online betting market.
In any case, the available app is safe, secure, licensed, and provides numerous betting options including live bets. We would like to remind you that unauthorized online gambling is illegal in Montana, so please don’t join offshore betting sites. To see how betting works in other states, visit our expanded guide to US betting sites.