Legal Online Poker in Montana
Montana has long held a reputation of being gambling-friendly, with 300+ small casinos scattered throughout the state. Unfortunately, MT hasn’t been that accommodating regarding internet-based gambling, as there are virtually no regulations concerning online poker or casino games. On the brighter side, the state did legalize internet-based sports betting, but that’s about it.
- Is Online Poker Legal in MT?
- Best Legal MT Poker Rooms
- Registering On A MT Poker Site
- Where To Play Poker In MT
- Resources
- FAQ
Poker enthusiasts in the Treasure State can access a range of tiny land-based rooms (the largest one has only four tables), whereas players who prefer to play online don’t have much choice at the moment. In fact, only one real money option is available — playing at offshore poker sites.
Is Online Poker Legal in Montana?
The short answer is no. There are no legislative pieces concerning internet-based poker, meaning there aren’t any state-licensed sites where you can enjoy playing the popular card game.
Poker is considered a gambling game in Montana, so it falls under the same category as casino games, which are available at brick-and-mortar casinos. Still, no bills have been introduced to legalize their internet-based variants. In fact, Montana passed an online gambling ban in 2005.
Poker Laws
There aren’t any laws specifically related to poker in the state. The Montana Constitution recognizes internet gambling as the conduct of any “legal or illegal gambling enterprise through the use of communications technology” that allows a person to use various payment methods to place a wager.
Here are some of the relevant existing regulations related to gambling in general in Montana.
Best Legal Poker in Montana
Overall, playing poker in Montana is allowed at land-based gambling properties. Still, when it comes to enjoying the game online — it is impossible on paper, but there are some exceptions. Let’s find out more.
Legal Online Poker in Montana
Considering the illegal status online poker has in Montana, enthusiasts essentially have two alternatives at their disposal.
One is to use social poker platforms, where no real-money games are available. These apps should do the trick if you’re happy playing for fake in-game coins.
However, many poker players want to enjoy the thrill of real-money cash games and tournaments. They should consider the second possibility — joining an offshore poker platform and exploring available options.
My list of the best US poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2023:
- BetOnline Poker
- Ignition Poker
- Everygame Poker
- Juicy Stakes Poker
- Americas Cardroom
- Bovada Poker
- BlackChip Poker
- SportsBetting Poker
100% Legal & Licensed Verified Bonus Mobile Friendly Advertiser Disclosure. Must be +18 to participate.
Land-Based Poker in Montana
There are plenty of legal poker options in Montana. The last time we counted, 23 land-based casinos featured poker tables, although some of them are temporarily out of service.
The Poker Parlor at Gold Dust Casino is the only one that offers tourneys featuring popular card games. With four tables in total, it’s also one of the two largest poker rooms in Montana. Most other casinos are on the small side, offering up to three tables where you can only play cash games.
How to Register on a Legal Online Poker Site in Montana
As online poker is not currently legal in Montana, there are no internet-based poker sites that residents can join at this time. However, if you want to register at one of the offshore platforms, you can do that without much hassle. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it:Pick a platform featured on this page
Our team of online poker experts has shortlisted the best sites you can access from Montana. Feel free to analyze the list and select one or more.Signup
The registration process is usually quick and easy. You must provide your username, password, and email. If required, make sure to verify your account via your email.Deposit & Play
Use one of the available deposit options to fund your new account. Don’t forget to check the welcome bonus at the site of your choice and claim it if you want.Feel free to explore the available cash games and tournaments at the site of your choice and have a great time!
If you want to explore offshore poker sites on your own, we advise caution, as many of them fail to offer a safe and secure poker experience. Make sure that the one you choose is trustworthy and reputable.
Land-Based Casinos With Live Poker
The state has a relatively large number of land-based casinos in proportion to its population, with over 300 licensed establishments offering a variety of options, including slot machines, table games, and live poker.
Montana has a unique gambling structure in which most casinos are small businesses that are locally owned and operated. These establishments are typically located in bars and taverns, and many offer only a few machines or tables.
However, a handful of larger casinos in the state also offer a wider range of gaming options, amenities, and services. Here are a couple of popular ones:
- The Poker Parlor at Gold Dust Casino — 1310 15th St W, Billings, MT 59102, United States
- Cat’s Paw Card Room — 721 N 7th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
- Ike & Susan’s Lounge & Casino — 3716 2nd Ave N, Great Falls, MT 59401, United States
- Montana Nugget Casino — 740 W Idaho St, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States
- Nickels Gaming Parlour — 2100 N Last Chance Gulch STE C, Helena, MT 59601, United States
- Queen of Hearts Card Club at Crystal Lounge Casino — 101 North 28th Street, Billings, MT 59101-2043, United States
- VFW Poker Room — 245 W Main St, Missoula, MT 59802, United States
Other Resources
Final Thoughts
Montana’s lawmakers may have favorable views on gambling, but this mainly applies to land-based options. In terms of poker, you can play it at one of the small poker rooms located at various casinos, but at the moment, there are no legal ways to enjoy the game online in the state.
As an alternative, you can opt for one of the offshore online poker sites. Some of the best possibilities are featured on this page, so feel free to explore them to find the ones that meet your needs.