Montana lawmaker introduces bill to strengthen online gambling enforcement

A Montana lawmaker has introduced a bill aimed at tightening the state's gambling laws to combat the rise of illegal online betting platforms and clarify regulatory definitions around digital wagering.

Senate Bill 555 (SB 555), introduced by Republican Sen. Vince Ricci, seeks to modernize Montana’s gaming statutes by expanding the definition of “internet gambling” and introducing stronger enforcement tools and penalties for violations.

The bill responds to what Ricci described as a proliferation of unauthorized online gambling operators in Montana. According to statements from Sen. Ricci, Montana residents currently have no safeguards when they encounter illegal online gambling operators.

Under the proposed amendments, the legal definition of internet gambling would be broadened to include online casinos and mobile wagering conducted through conventional currency, electronic payments, or cryptocurrency. The move is intended to eliminate legal loopholes that unregulated operators may exploit.

SB 555 also introduces enhanced criminal penalties. Individuals found advertising or soliciting illegal gambling services could face misdemeanor charges. Operators—particularly those running offshore sites—would face felony charges, with penalties of up to $50,000 in fines, 10 years in prison, or both. The Montana Department of Justice would also gain authority to revoke existing gambling licenses and permanently bar offenders from obtaining new ones.

To bolster enforcement efforts, the bill reallocates fine revenues from the state’s general fund to the Department of Justice’s operating budget, ensuring regulators have the resources necessary to enforce the law effectively.

While the legislation cracks down on illegal digital gambling, it does not impact existing, state-sanctioned forms of betting, including the Montana Lottery, licensed video gambling machines, simulcast wagering, tribal gaming, or charitable raffles.

If passed, SB 555 would represent one of the state’s most comprehensive efforts to confront online gambling and reinforce the integrity of Montana’s licensed gaming industry.