Montana guv signs lottery-run sports betting legislation

Montana has become the ninth US state to legalize sports betting, although local bettors may chafe at the new policy’s limitations.

On Friday, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed a bill approved by the state’s House of Representatives authorizing licensed bars and restaurants to offer sports betting via electronic kiosks as well as through mobile apps that will only work within the confines of these venues. The plan is to have legal wagering activated before the next NFL season kicks off in September.

Wagering technology will be provided by Montana Lottery’s tech partner Intralot, which was recently awarded similarly monopolistic (and highly controversial) control over sports betting in the District of Columbia.

Bullock vetoed a different wagering bill passed by the state Senate that would have allowed a more competitive market with multiple betting providers. Bullock’s signing statement said the Lottery model “builds on existing infrastructure and is projected to return significantly more revenue to taxpayers.”