Gaming Common, But Low Key
Gambling in this area dates back to at least the 19th century, far before Montana became a state in 1889. When that took place, the constitution made gambling illegal, but that hardly stopped underground operations from springing up across the frontier. Up through the 1940s, pull-tabs and other games were commonly found in bars and other locations, even if they were against the law.
In the late 1940s, however, the state started to take a tougher stand against these operations. In 1950, voters were given a chance to stop this initiative, but around 80% voted against legalizing gambling, and for many years, that was the final word on the subject.
It wouldn’t be until the 1970s when the issue was again brought to the table. After the legislature and the people were given the authority to regulate gambling during a Constitutional Convention, live bingo, raffles, and card games and sports pools were legalized in 1973. Three years later, the Montana Supreme Court said that video keno was legal as it constituted a form of bingo.
After the court ruled that video poker machines were a step too far, the legislature stepped up to once again expand the gambling options here. In 1985, the Video Poker Machine Act allowed any venue with a liquor license to host five poker machines as well as an unlimited number of keno games. Expansions since that date have now updated that law to allow up to 20 video gaming devices, which can offer video poker, keno, or bingo.
Even today, however, these games face some rather stringent restrictions. Gamblers can only bet up to $2 per play, and no payouts of over $800 are allowed. The machines also cannot award cash; instead, players must receive receipts that can be taken to a cashier.
In 1986, voters approved the creation of the Montana Lottery. Today, this institution offers both statewide drawings and national games like Mega Millions and Powerball. Interestingly, the lottery now also offers a form of daily fantasy sports, in which players can select lineups and then claim prizes if they are among the top finishers. Games featuring NFL and NASCAR results have already been offered, with more likely to come in 2016.
While there are no commercial casinos in Montana, Native American gaming is alive and well. In 1994, four tribal groups negotiated compacts with the government, with three others failing in attempts to do so. Today, there are five Indian casinos that offer Class III gaming – that is to say, the full range of games you would expect to find in a resort casino. Two tribes also offer Class II venues, which offer games played against other players, such as bingo. They also feature the kinds of “electronic bingo” games that offer slots-like action, but where the reels are just for show, and the results are predetermined each time a game is started.
