For years, gambling in Indian lands has been thriving under the direction of tribal governments. Thanks to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act enacted by the US Congress in 1988, the government authorizes the conduct of gaming on Indian Lands, provided that it satisfies several requirements.
One such provision is that the Indian tribes have the exclusive right to regulate gambling activities in their lands, provided that these are not explicitly prohibited by Federal law and conducted in a state that does not criminally ban the activities (Sec 2701, no 5). As such, many states with tribal governments like Arizona, Oregon, and Connecticut have enjoyed some success in running legal in-person gambling. However, Montana, with its twelve tribal nations, is a different story.
Legal Status of Online Gambling In Montana
Montana is one of the few states with a strict policy on gambling. The state’s rule on gambling is in the Montana Code Annotated 2019 Article III: General Government Part III, Section 9, which states that all forms of gambling are prohibited unless authorized by acts of the legislature or by the people through a referendum or initiative.
As a result, the only forms of gambling legal in the state are poker, keno, bingo, the state lottery, and video line gambling machines. For the latter, the legal requirement is a maximum bet of $2 up to a top payout of $800. In addition, in-person wagering on horse races is allowed, provided these are available regulated facilities. The legal age to participate in gambling in the state is 18, except for raffles run by schools, churches, and other non-profit organizations.
There have been initiatives to expand the coverage of legal gambling in the state in recent years. Montana’s flirtation with legalized gambling began even before the passage of the IGRA in 1988.
Video poker has been legal in many bars since 1972 after the amendment of the state’s constitution 1972. The business took off in the 1980s after the legislature allowed bars to have up to 20 video poker machines. However, recent legal developments restrict locals’ access to gambling. In 2003, the legislature rejected the idea of allowing the creation of ‘Destination Montana,’ a Las Vegas-styled entertainment district in the state. And in 2005, the state’s legislature approved legislation prohibiting internet gambling and rejected a proposal to allow legislative involvement in supporting tribal contracts.
Is Bitcoin and Crypto Betting Legal in Montana State?
Although all forms of gambling are prohibited in the state, this standing policy doesn’t stop some stakeholders from exploring several exciting options related to gambling. For example, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are currently shaping the gambling landscape with their fast, secure, and almost private transactions.
Established online casinos now accept Bitcoin and other cryptos for payments, thus expanding the banking options for players, and some gambling sites have transitioned to crypto-only casinos. But under state laws, online gambling sites are not allowed to operate, and it’s illegal for residents to access offshore platforms.
In short, players can only access offshore licensed casinos that accept real money wagers from US players. Since they’re unregulated in-state, players must exercise caution in dealing with these operators.
Top Crypto Casinos in Montana State
Bitcoin and crypto gambling is an emerging niche in the gambling industry. In the absence of online casinos authorized by the state, we review the top offshore licensed casinos available for Montana bettors.
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Extensive Portfolio of More Than 5000 Games
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Lucrative Bonuses and Promos
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Highly Advanced Security System
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Supports fiat and crypto payments
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Solid reputation since 1994
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Mobile-friendly and easy to use casino
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Supports both FIAT and cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals
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Features More Than 2,000 Top-Level Games From 79 Leading Gaming Software Providers
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Supports Multiple Languages
TrustDice
TrustDice by Satoshi Gaming Group is one of the most respected Bitcoin and crypto casinos for US and international players. On this gambling site, Bitcoin and the blockchain take center stage. With over 2,000 casino games, playing with Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies becomes fun and more lucrative. Upon registration, new bettors get up to 3 BTC with 25 free games.
There’s also a Crypto Faucet that rewards regulars with free coins every six hours, and there are Weekly Contests for Dice and Crash games where up to ten players can win up to $3,000 and 0.20 BTC, respectively.
7Bit Casino
As a Bitcoin-ready gambling site, 7Bit Casino offers an exciting blend of premium slots, provably-fair games, fast payouts, and some exciting bonuses. 7Bit delivers over 7,000 casino games in popular categories like slot machines, table games, and live dealer games.
One of 7Bit’s strongest features lies in the quality of bonuses and promotions. All new players get up to 1.5 BTC or $300 for the First Deposit Bonus. The site’s Welcome Bonus extends to the fourth deposit. In addition, 7Bit Casino throws Reload Bonus and Weekly Races.
BetUS
BetUS Casino is a traditional gambling site with a friendly Cashier section that accepts Bitcoin for payments. This website boasts over two decades of experience and is home to a sportsbook, casino, racebook, and eSports betting.
In addition to credit and debit cards and bank transfers, BetUS also accepts deposits and withdrawals in Bitcoin. There’s also crypto and Bitcoin-only casino and sports betting bonus, making it an excellent destination for players who prefer to use the blockchain.
