Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to amend Montana's gambling laws by establishing provisions for "Wild West Casino Nights," which are fundraising events organized by living history nonprofit organizations. The bill defines these events as opportunities for participants to engage in antique gambling activities using imitation money, and it allows eligible organizations to conduct such events under specific conditions, including obtaining a permit and adhering to limitations on event duration and management. Proceeds from these events must be allocated for civic, charitable, or educational purposes, with a cap on administrative expenses. The bill also expands the definition of "antique gambling device" to include devices that are 30 years old or older, as well as those manufactured before 1877.

In addition to defining new terms and clarifying existing regulations, the bill establishes a licensing framework for the sale of antique gambling devices, requiring a $50 fee for licenses valid for three years. It revises penalties for violations of gambling laws, ensuring that certain statutes do not apply to living history organizations and individuals engaged in non-commercial gaming activities. The legislation also expands the list of authorized card games for historical events and exempts specific organizations from certain tax obligations related to live gambling. Overall, the bill aims to promote historical education and fundraising while ensuring compliance with existing gambling regulations, and it is set to take effect upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 23-5-112, 23-5-153, 23-5-161, 23-5-162, 23-5-311, 23-5-313, 23-5-406, 23-5-407, 23-5-408, 23-5-409, 23-5-410, 23-5-414, 23-5-424, 23-5-425, 23-5-426
SB0179_1(1): 23-5-112, 23-5-153, 23-5-161, 23-5-162, 23-5-311, 23-5-313, 23-5-406, 23-5-407, 23-5-408, 23-5-409, 23-5-410, 23-5-414, 23-5-424, 23-5-425, 23-5-426
SB0179_1(2): 23-5-112, 23-5-153, 23-5-161, 23-5-162, 23-5-311, 23-5-313, 23-5-406, 23-5-407, 23-5-408, 23-5-409, 23-5-410, 23-5-414, 23-5-424, 23-5-425, 23-5-426
SB0179_1(3): 23-5-112, 23-5-153, 23-5-161, 23-5-162, 23-5-311, 23-5-313, 23-5-406, 23-5-407, 23-5-408, 23-5-409, 23-5-410, 23-5-414, 23-5-424, 23-5-425, 23-5-426
SB0179_1(4): 23-5-112, 23-5-153, 23-5-161, 23-5-162, 23-5-311, 23-5-313, 23-5-406, 23-5-407, 23-5-408, 23-5-409, 23-5-410, 23-5-414, 23-5-424, 23-5-425, 23-5-426
SB0179_1(5): 23-5-112, 23-5-153, 23-5-161, 23-5-162, 23-5-311, 23-5-313, 23-5-406, 23-5-407, 23-5-408, 23-5-409, 23-5-410, 23-5-414, 23-5-424, 23-5-425, 23-5-426
SB0179_1(6): 23-5-112, 23-5-153, 23-5-161, 23-5-162, 23-5-311, 23-5-313, 23-5-406, 23-5-407, 23-5-408, 23-5-409, 23-5-410, 23-5-414, 23-5-424, 23-5-425, 23-5-426
SB0179_1: 23-5-112, 23-5-153, 23-5-161, 23-5-162, 23-5-311, 23-5-313, 23-5-406, 23-5-407, 23-5-408, 23-5-409, 23-5-410, 23-5-414, 23-5-424, 23-5-425, 23-5-426