Launch looms closer

Sports betting is moving forward in Montana. Now that the rules for implementation have been finalized in the state, Montana Lottery has opened the application process for sports betting licenses.

Businesses that want to offer Sports Bet Montana, the lottery’s new sports wagering product, can now apply for a license to offer wagering on professional and college level sporting events.

Roll out of Sports Bet Montana

The Montana Lottery published the rules for sports betting earlier this month, which opened the door for licensing to begin. Locations must meet specific requirements to apply. The rules state that a location must have a proper alcohol license to allow gambling.

around 1,400 businesses would qualify to offer sports betting services

In general terms, this would be a bar or tavern. In the state, around 1,400 businesses would qualify to offer sports betting services. Applications are available on the Montana Lottery website.

Once businesses are approved for licensing, the lottery will begin training across the state. This will be followed by betting kiosks being installed at licensed locations. Gambling is only allowed at locations with licensing.

Players will be able to download an app via a mobile device to access betting lines. However, wagers will only be accepted inside a licensed location or kiosk.

Official rules approved

According to VSO News, the Montana Lottery Commission approved the official rules for sports betting during their November 21 meeting.

The rules document was 18 pages long. Officials announced the name of the services at that time, revealing the Sports Bet Montana moniker.

with the licensing process just beginning, it is doubtful that wagering will start before 2020

Part of the rules included responsible gambling measures. Players can set deposit and spending amounts. Participants have time limits available to practice responsible betting. A list is also available for players to add their name if they wish to be excluded from creating an account for online sports betting.

It is unclear when wagering will begin. Earlier in the year, the Montana Lottery estimated that gaming would begin before 2019 ended. But with the licensing process just beginning, it is doubtful that wagering will start before 2020.