This bill aims to revise Montana's gambling laws by updating the definition of "internet gambling" to explicitly include online casinos, while also providing an exception for online casinos that do not permit the use of any form of currency. The bill removes the previous inclusion of cryptocurrency in the definition of internet gambling. Additionally, it modifies the disposal of fines collected for violations of gambling laws, directing these funds to the operating budget of the Department of Justice instead of the state general fund.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the criminal penalties associated with gambling violations by categorizing certain offenses as felonies, which may result in fines up to $50,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years. It also introduces specific penalties for individuals who operate illegal internet gambling sites within the state, including those using offshore sources. The revisions aim to strengthen the regulatory framework surrounding gambling activities in Montana, ensuring that illegal operations are met with appropriate legal consequences.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_1(1): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_1(2): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_1(3): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_1(4): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_1(5): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_1: 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2(1): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2(10): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2(2): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2(3): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2(4): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2(5): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2(6): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2(7): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2(8): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2(9): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_2: 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(1): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(10): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(11): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(12): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(13): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(14): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(15): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(2): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(3): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(4): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(5): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(6): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(7): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(8): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X(9): 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162
SB0555_X: 23-5-112, 23-5-123, 23-5-154, 23-5-162