In 1889, the Montana government attempted to render all forms of gambling illegal, which resulted in gambling going underground. More gaming took place when prohibition was abolished in the 1930s and bars reopened, so the state legislature passed the Hickey Act in 1937 to allow licensed table games in certain establishments.
In 1945, trade stimulators were legalized, but then slot machines were made illegal in 1950. The same year, voters agreed in a landslide that they would not allow a large variety of gambling.
As times began to change, in 1973, a range of games were accepted by the Montana legislature – card games, bingo, raffles, and sports pools. A 1976 decision by the Montana Supreme Court legalized video keno as a form of bingo, making it also permitted in the state.
Legality
Montana has a long list of gambling-related regulations. It is one of the few states that have already taken some form of stance on online gaming, although the rules are still somewhat vague. The state originally passed a bill in 2005 to outlaw online gaming within the state, including poker, but they have made no attempt to block poker sites. There are no cases to date in which someone in the state of Montana has been charged with online gambling.
Poker rooms/casino
There are several casino rooms available in Montana.
The Bar-S Lounge & Supper Club is one such room. This poker table is in a smoke-free bar and they have plenty of televisions around the room to keep you entertained between hands. When you take the felt, the bar environment will ensure that you get that old-school feeling.
The room features stuffed animals and deer antlers, including a wooden decoration to make you feel like you are in the middle of Montana’s wilderness. While you play poker in this room, you will receive cocktails and food service.
Big Sky Poker Room – This poker room is located right inside the Pin & Cue bowling alley. This small poker room features comfortable chairs and well-maintained tables in a no-smoking setting. There are also plenty of TVs around the table in the room to keep you occupied while playing. This poker room offers drink and food service at the table for players, so you never need to miss any of the action.
Bugz’s Bar & Casino – This poker room is inside a pub. For your convenience, the tables and chairs are comfortable and well kept and the space is non-smoking. You’ll be able to see plenty of flat-screen TVs displaying sports from the table (it is a pub, after all) so being entertained between hands would not be a concern. Comps in this poker room are provided to players, and when you play, you will also receive food and cocktail service to keep you refreshed.
Bulldog Pub & Casino – The poker room at this pub is non-smoking, and it’s a relaxed setting with plenty of TVs around the bar. It’s a fun place to play and when you sit down at the felt here, you can really feel the pub vibes. While you play in this small poker room, you will receive cocktails and food service at the table.
Doc & Eddy’s Poker Room – This small poker room features TVs on the walls to keep you entertained in a non-smoking atmosphere. When you play here, you can get a $4 food comp and also get a first drink for free when you sit down.
Fatt Boy’s Sports Bar & Casino – There’s just one poker table in the sports bar here. It’s non-smoking and they have plenty of TVs around showing a good selection of sports so that when you play, you can remain up to date with all the latest scores. When you play poker here, you will get your first drink for free, and while you play, you will continue to get drinks and food service, so you never need to miss a hand.
Online poker sites
Some online rooms are available for bettors as well. One of these is BetOnline Poker, widely regarded as one of the best poker sites in the US market. Since 1991, the poker brand has been around, but its online poker service only came into action in 2011. It offers fast payouts and some nice registration bonus to incentivize you to start playing, and the site is safe and secure.
Juicy Stakes Poker is not one of the world’s well-known poker sites, but it is still a popular alternative, with great deals. The website was launched in 2013 and has continued to expand since. It’s approved and operated out of Curacao, one of the world’s leading online casino jurisdictions. Juicy Stakes Poker also has a range of casino games operated by trusted tech providers, in addition to a great selection of poker games and tournaments. A welcome poker kit, matching 200 percent of your first deposit and up to $1000, is included when you register, a nice little bonus.
The second-largest poker network is Blackchip Poker, and it welcomes players from all over the world. This includes players from the US, which is advantageous for both parties. Players are provided with a high-quality poker room and premium service, while BlackChip Poker is granted access to one of the largest poker player markets in the world. Over the years, this site has developed a remarkable reputation, with quick payouts and an easy to use interface.