House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes significant changes to Montana's gambling laws by allowing nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and school districts to accept credit cards for raffle ticket purchases. The bill amends sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically 23-5-112, 23-5-157, and 23-5-413, introducing new language that permits credit card transactions for raffles conducted by these entities. It also revises the definitions of "credit gambling" and "internet gambling" to align with this change, aiming to enhance fundraising efforts by expanding payment options for raffle ticket sales.

While the bill introduces these new provisions, it maintains certain restrictions, such as the general prohibition of credit gambling, except for the specified raffles. It clarifies that raffle ticket purchases can be made via credit cards, marking a departure from previous regulations that required cash payments. Additionally, the bill allows nonprofit organizations to sell raffle tickets outside of Montana, provided such sales are legal in the purchaser's jurisdiction. It also mandates that any internet advertisements for raffles must clearly state the restrictions on credit card purchases, along with the organization's name and relevant raffle terms. The new provisions are set to take effect on June 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1(1): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1(10): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1(2): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1(3): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1(4): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1(5): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1(6): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1(7): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1(8): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1(9): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_1: 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413