The Montana Sports Wagering Act establishes a comprehensive legal framework for online sports wagering and fantasy sports contests in the state. It defines key terms such as "online sports wagering," "fantasy sports contest," and "sports wagering operator," while outlining the regulatory authority of the overseeing department. The bill requires sports wagering operators and vendors to obtain permits, with specified fees for initial and renewal applications. It mandates that operators remit 10% of their online sports wagering revenue to the state, with the first $300,000 allocated to support county health programs addressing problematic gambling behavior. The minimum age for participation is set at 18 years, and the legislation includes penalties for operating without a valid permit, as well as a compliance program to monitor adherence to the new regulations.

Additionally, the bill amends existing gambling laws to clarify that online sports wagering and fantasy sports contests are regulated under the new provisions, while ensuring that the term "gambling" does not include these activities. It updates definitions and responsibilities of the Department of Justice regarding the regulation of online sports wagering, ensuring compliance with state laws. The bill specifies that the state lottery and sports wagering agency may only operate within the defined scope of lottery games and sports wagering, and it establishes a timeline for implementation, with an effective date of July 1, 2025, and a requirement for wagering to commence by January 15, 2026. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize Montana's gambling framework while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 17-7-502, 23-4-101, 23-5-112, 23-5-113, 23-5-115, 23-5-802, 23-7-102