Montana Bill Proposes "Wild West Casino Nights" for Nonprofit Fundraising

A proposed bill in Montana’s legislature aims to introduce a novel approach to fundraising for nonprofit organizations with the creation of “Wild West Casino Nights.” The legislation, identified as SB 179, would permit themed gambling events under the condition that both the games and the ed cause have historical significance. While participants would use play money for betting, prizes could include cash or merchandise.

New Regulations for Historical-Themed Gambling Events

The “Wild West Casino Nights” initiative is championed by Montana Sen. Forrest Mandeville, who introduced SB 179. Currently, the bill is being reviewed by the Montana Senate’s Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs Committee.

Under the bill’s provisions, a Wild West Casino Night is described as a “fundraising event during which wagers may be made in antique gambling activities…through the use of imitation money that may be purchased by participants.”

To qualify for a license to host these events, applicants must fall under one of the following categories:

• A nonprofit living history organization
• An individual living history volunteer
• A history reenacting organization

The bill states that its primary objective is to promote historical education and nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving and showcasing living history.

Defining Antique Gambling and Eligible Games

The legislation outlines the definition of “antique gambling” to include:

• Any illegal gambling device manufactured before 1994
• Any gambling device that is at least 30 years old
• Any manual or mechanical gambling device from the pre-1877 era, including reproductions

This definition would allow certain 20th-century slot machines, as well as replicas of 19th-century gambling devices, to be used at these events. The bill also permits table games such as blackjack and baccarat, which are currently prohibited in Montana’s charitable gaming landscape.

While gameplay would be conducted with imitation money, participants would purchase this currency using real money, and winners could receive cash or other prizes, effectively creating a fundraising opportunity within a structured legal framework.

Other Gambling Legislation in Montana’s 2025 Session

SB 179 is not the only gambling-related bill under consideration in Montana’s 2025 legislative session. Rep. Kelly Kortum has introduced HB 204, which seeks to amend existing regulations for video poker terminals, with a focus on responsible gambling measures. The proposed changes would mandate that gaming terminals display information about gambling addiction, including resources from the state and details for help services.

Additionally, Sen. Wylie Galt has introduced SB 153, a bill aimed at raising limits on electronic gaming. The proposed legislation would increase the maximum bet from $2 to $4 and raise the maximum allowable prize from $800 to $1,199. The new limit is strategically set just below the IRS reporting threshold of $1,200 for slot machine jackpots.

Montana has a distinctive gaming environment, with its legal online sports betting requiring players to be physically present at licensed locations to place bets. The addition of “Wild West Casino Nights” would further highlight the state’s unique regulatory approach, providing nonprofits with an opportunity to engage the public in historical-themed gambling while ing educational and preservation efforts.

Source:

”Montana bill would allow ‘antique gambling’ for historical charities”, cdcgaming.com, January 29, 2025.