The proposed bill seeks to amend Montana's gambling laws to allow nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and school districts to accept credit cards for raffle ticket purchases. This change is significant as it introduces an exception to the current definition of credit gambling, which previously restricted such transactions. The bill modifies sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 23-5-112, 23-5-157, and 23-5-413, to include this new provision. Additionally, the definition of internet gambling will be clarified to exclude raffles conducted by these entities when tickets are purchased with credit cards, thereby facilitating fundraising efforts while adhering to existing regulations.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that proceeds from these raffles must be used exclusively for charitable purposes or to cover prizes, explicitly prohibiting the use of funds for administrative costs. It also allows nonprofit organizations to sell raffle tickets outside of Montana, while maintaining a general prohibition on internet sales, except for those sponsored by nonprofit organizations. Any online raffle advertisements must clearly communicate this restriction, along with the organization's name and raffle terms. The legislation is set to take effect on June 1, 2025, aiming to modernize fundraising capabilities for educational and charitable entities in Montana.

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
HB0141_X(1): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_X(2): 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413
HB0141_X: 23-5-112, 23-5-157, 23-5-413