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 registered nonprofits and individual volunteers to conduct live gambling under specific conditions, including obtaining a permit and adhering to time limits. It outlines permitted gambling activities, such as card games and raffles, and mandates that proceeds be used for civic, charitable, or educational purposes.

The legislation amends existing definitions related to gambling devices, expanding the definition of "antique gambling device" to include items from before 1877, and clarifying the status of living history volunteers. Key insertions include the definition of "slot machine" to encompass both original antiques and reproductions, and the allowance for antique gambling devices to be operated by registered nonprofit living history organizations for fundraising purposes. The bill also establishes a permit application process with a nominal fee, revises penalties for violations of gambling laws, and emphasizes that antique gambling devices are exempt from certain licensing requirements. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the legal framework surrounding gambling activities while promoting historical education and nonprofit fundraising efforts.

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: 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