Montana Online Casino Sites — Best of 2024
While sports betting and land-based casinos are legal, real-money online casinos are not allowed in Montana. In this guide, you’ll learn about Montana’s current gambling laws, the latest legalization updates, and the best legal alternatives for online casino gaming. Plus, we’ll cover everything you need to know about reporting your winnings responsibly.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Read about the situation with online casinos in Montana.
- Find out the top MT land-based casinos and the best sweepstakes casinos.
- Explore an overview of online gambling options in Montana.
Top Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Montana
While online casinos remain illegal in the Treasure State, Montana residents can still enjoy online casino games and rewarding tournaments via US sweepstakes casinos.
Here are the top sweepstakes casinos for Montana players in 2024:
An Overview of Montana Online Gambling
Montana offers various legal gambling options, but real-money online casinos are not one of them. From sports betting to land-based casino gaming, the state provides several alternatives:
| Gambling Type | Legal Status | Current Situation | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Casinos | No | Online casino gambling is strictly prohibited, with no licensed operators. | — |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes | Poker, keno, bingo, and video gaming machines are allowed in licensed locations. | 18 |
| Sports Betting | Yes | Sports betting is limited to in-person wagers at licensed venues. | 18 |
| Lottery | Yes | Residents can play scratch-offs and multi-state draws like Powerball. | 18 |
| Horse Racing | Yes | Pari-mutuel betting is allowed at racetracks and off-track facilities. | 18 |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes | Bingo, raffles, and similar games are allowed for nonprofit fundraising. | 18 (16 for raffles) |
Want to Bet Real Money? Top Land-Based Casinos in Montana
Montana features a thriving gambling scene, with more than 300 licensed land-based casinos spread throughout the state. Our TrustnPlay team gathered the top 3 tribal casinos in the state:
- Montana Lil’s Casino in Butte: Hundreds of video slots and some keno games.
- Magic Diamond in Butte: 20 slot machines and some table games.
- Lucky Lil’s in Butte: Slot machines, poker games, and keno.
How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Montana
To report taxable winnings in Montana, you must complete IRS Form W2-G. All gambling winnings over $600 are considered income and subject to tax. Montana’s state income tax ranges from 1% to 6.75%, while the federal tax rate is 24%.
Even if the casino doesn’t notify the IRS, you’re still legally required to report your winnings and pay the taxes yourself, regardless of where the money is kept.
History of Gambling in Montana
Montana has historically been strict on gambling, with many bills failing to pass. Over time, key bans were lifted, shaping the current MO gambling landscape:
- 1864: Three-card Monte banned.
- 1889: All gambling outlawed.
- 1939: Hickey Act allowed some table games.
- 1973: Charitable gambling like raffles and poker legalized.
- 1985: Video poker and keno are allowed in liquor stores.
- 1986: Montana Lottery launched.
- 2019: Sports betting legalized with BH 725.
So, What’s Next for Montana Online Casinos?
Montana continues to prohibit online casino gambling, with no signs of legislative change on the horizon. While the legalization of sports betting in 2019 sparked hope for progress, there have been no moves to regulate or authorize online casinos in the state.
For now, Montanans can enjoy sweepstakes casinos, offering a legal and fun way to play casino-style games. While online casinos remain uncertain, these platforms are a great alternative for responsible gaming.
If you wish to play outside Montana, you can find all the necessary information on our page about US states where online casinos are legal.
References
- Montana Department of Revenue — Retrieved on November 22, 2024
- Montana State Legislature — Retrieved on November 22, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
No, online casinos are not legal in Montana. However, residents can play at sweepstakes casinos or tribal casinos.
For all authorized types of gambling in Montana, the legal gambling age is 18 years old.
Yes, all gambling winnings must be reported on federal and Montana state tax returns. For significant payouts, you will receive a W-2G form from the gambling provider.