Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to revise Montana's gambling laws by introducing "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, allowing nonprofit organizations and history reenactors to conduct them under specific conditions, including obtaining a permit and adhering to event management limitations. Proceeds from these events must be allocated for civic, charitable, or educational purposes, with a cap on administrative expenses set at 50% of the total proceeds.

The legislation also amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify definitions related to antique gambling devices, expanding the definition to include devices that are 30 years old or older, as well as original or reproduction devices from before 1877. It introduces a licensing requirement for individuals or organizations selling antique gambling devices and outlines exemptions from certain gambling regulations for registered nonprofit living history organizations. The bill aims to promote historical education and fundraising while ensuring compliance with existing gambling regulations, particularly by establishing rules for the operation of card games and ensuring that fundraising events do not operate primarily for commercial gain.

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