House Bill No. introduced by E. Buttrey aims to revise laws related to gambling route operators, particularly focusing on those who also hold an alcoholic beverage license. The bill establishes restrictions to prevent unfair competitive advantages for route operators by prohibiting them from using financial data that could give them an edge in acquiring or managing an alcoholic beverage license. Additionally, it mandates that route operators cannot restrict access to video gambling machines based on their own alcoholic beverage licenses, ensuring fair competition among all licensees.

The bill also amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 23-5-129 and 23-5-603. Notably, it introduces a provision that allows the department to revoke or deny renewal of a route operator's license if they violate the new restrictions outlined in Section 1. Furthermore, it clarifies the placement and control of video gambling machines in establishments that sell alcoholic beverages, ensuring they are accessible only to authorized individuals and in compliance with the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 23-5-129, 23-5-603
HB0787_1(1): 23-5-129, 23-5-603
HB0787_1(2): 23-5-129, 23-5-603
HB0787_1(3): 23-5-129, 23-5-603
HB0787_1: 23-5-129, 23-5-603