Montana Online Poker – Is It Legal?

In this comprehensive Montana online poker guide, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of America’s favorite card game in detail. Locals looking to get involved with a game of poker can discover a wealth of knowledge on the subject, including the current landscape of internet gambling in Montana, the best Montana online betting sites located offshore providing online poker games, and some valuable tips to take with you to the poker tables.

We’ll answer the most frequently asked questions surrounding Montana online poker and more. Continue reading to discover the online poker scene in Montana.

Top-Rated Online Poker Sites for 2023 

Whether you’re looking for real money poker games or to heighten your online poker status, the offshore casinos we recommend have undergone strenuous testing to reach our top-rated rankings. Finding a reputable and trustworthy online poker site in Montana isn’t simple, but we’ve compared all the available online platforms, so you don’t have to. Our online poker experts are now ready to share their findings, and below, you’ll find the top four online poker sites available for Montana residents.

1. Bovada: The No. 1 online poker site in Montana     
2. BetOnline: An excellent online poker site in Montana for tournaments    
3. Everygame: Find a massive 36% rakeback at this MT online poker site       
4. SportsBetting.ag: Fast payouts and noteworthy rakes for online poker in Montana       

Can you legally play poker online in Montana?   

The burning question most residents of the Big Sky Country want to know is whether online poker is legal in Montana. Throughout its history, the small state of Montana hasn’t entirely been against gambling activities.

The first instances of regulated gambling arrived in the state during the 70s. Since then, tribal gambling venues, a state lottery, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and legal sports betting have all become available.

However, online poker hasn’t received the green light thus far. Montana has generally been stringent towards online gambling. You can find poker at land-based casinos in the state but there are no online casinos authorized to offer real-money poker options. 

Fortunately, Montana residents have alternative options via international poker sites. Because offshore gambling sites operate outside of the jurisdiction of the United States, players in Montana are able to sign up and play online casino games or place sports bets with no restrictions. 

Comparison of the Highest-Rated Online Poker Sites   

The list of online poker platforms in Montana is long, but not every offshore site is worth joining. That’s why our online gambling experts compiled a list of the most valuable and noteworthy online poker sites. Below you will find the best four online poker sites in Montana, with our detailed reviews highlighting their key features.

1. Bovada: The No. 1 Online Poker Site in Montana

Bovada sits atop our Montana online poker site rankings for a multitude of reasons. Operated under the PaiWangLui Poker Network, this operator can deliver a great selection of poker titles, including Texas Hold’Em, Omaha and more. Whether you’re new to poker or a veteran, low-staked cash games and high-jackpot tournaments appease poker crowds of all kinds.

Playing online poker at Bovada allows players to remain anonymous, and our experts respect the option to keep sensitive game-playing information from other players. Furthermore, the PaiWangLui poker network receives some of the highest site traffic in Montana, thus making Bovada Poker one of the busiest operators. Cash games are available, but Bovada excels in its daily, weekly and monthly poker tournament offerings. Two of the most popular tournaments are Jackpot Sit & Gos, with prize pools that range from $100,000 up to $2 million, and the Million Dollar Weekend.

Poker tournaments present a rakeback of 10%, and due to Bovada’s high traffic and liquidity, jackpots can be higher than most of its rivals. The aforementioned tournaments are the most popular, but players can enjoy a wide variety of choices. There are also join quick-seat tournaments, regular SNGs, fast-fold variants, turbo tournaments and more.

Regular customers at Bovada can take advantage of the loyalty program, and you can guarantee to be paid in full and on time behind the multiple available banking options. Customer service is on hand 24/7, and new customers can find a welcome bonus of $500 that’s paid out in increments of $5 for every 150 loyalty points collected by playing online games. There is also a wide selection of promo codes at Bovada that users can take advantage of as well.

2. BetOnline: An Excellent Online Poker in Montana for Tournaments

BetOnline is not just a reputable online sportsbook and casino; this operator has also provided online poker players with a great experience since 2011. Investments were made into proprietary software poker, thus guaranteeing its customers a range of high-quality poker games. Buy-ins are broad, catering to big and small stakes, and when it comes to tournaments, BetOnline truly excels. The $1 Million Windfall is one of eight poker tourneys with a minimum prize pool of $50,000. 

With top-quality software and over a decade of experience providing online poker, BetOnline has built its reputation by delivering a service for poker players of all levels. Alongside its extensive range of tournaments are noteworthy bonuses and regular promotions. Unique BetOnline Poker features like “Bad Beat” automatically enter players into a $50k jackpot after losing on good hands like King Deuces or greater.

There are also generous BetOnline promo codes that save you money and provide exclusive bonuses. If you select cryptocurrency as a banking method, you can reap some excellent rewards like a deposit limit of $500k and a withdrawal limit boosted to $100,000. And fear not; the BetOnline site is well protected through SSL encryption, so your funds are safe.

3. Everygame: Find a Great 36% Rakeback at This MT Online Poker Site

The Everygame Instant Play Poker option is a great way for Montana players to indulge in some online poker games at the click of a button. Formerly known as Intertops, Everygame has been in business since 1996, making them one of the most experienced gambling brands in the U.S. market. Looking for value? Look no further; you’ll find an industry-leading rakeback of 36% when playing poker with this operator. And when you consider a great welcome bonus, consistent poker promotions and a loyalty rewards program, value is second nature when playing online poker with Everygame.

Hosted by the Horizon Poker Network, Everygame isn’t known for owning the most traffic in Montana. however, you’ll struggle to find a table. New customers receive a generous 200% matched deposit bonus of up to $1,000. Bonuses are paid in $5 increments in return for player points collected; whichever player collects the most loyalty points in one week is gifted an extra $400. Everygame promo codes can provide even more perks to players as well.

Whether you’re an experienced or new online poker player, all levels are welcome at Everygame – from low-blind SNGs to high-stake tournaments and significantly lucrative jackpots. This doesn’t mean there aren’t tournaments for beginners, though, as you’ll find $5 tourneys with jackpots of up to $500k. Two popular tournaments with relatively low buy-ins include the Soft Poker Series for $70k and the Sunday Sundowner Series for $10k.

4. SportsBetting.ag: Fast Payouts & Noteworthy Rakes for Montana Online Poker

Contrary to popular belief, SportsBetting.ag doesn’t solely provide sports wagering services; it’s also a reputable online poker site in Montana. However, Poker players who like to dabble in sports betting can join the poker rooms today and receive a 100% matched deposit bonus of up to $1,000 and $125 in free bets for the sportsbook. There are banking options for all kinds, and more importantly, withdrawals are paid in full and on time. 

Montana residents can rest easy knowing their SportsBetting.ag accounts are overseen and licensed by the Panama Gaming Commission. Although it positioned fourth in our rankings list, it provides service as recommendable as the previously mentioned platforms. Like BetOnline, you’ll find unique poker features like the Bad Beat Jackpot – where customers split a prize pool with other players who’ve lost games in good hands. And as they’ve recently acquired stable proprietary poker software, SportsBetting.ag delivers an online poker experience with seamless operation and stable games. It currently operates under the third-most visited network in North America.  

If online poker tournaments in Montana are what you’re looking for, you can find special features such as The 25 Days of Poker, a $150,00 Guaranteed and a $1 Million Windfall. Alternative options include a range of buy-ins and jackpots; tournament qualifier tickets for the main event are $5. You can play at the main table when a specific level of poker points is collected. Furthermore, the $150,000 weekly is held every Sunday, with a buy-in price of $100. The Windfall Jackpot has a buy-in of $10, the same for SNGs, but they can also provide lucrative jackpots that can go as high as $1 million.

Our Rating Methodology  

With limited resources for online poker in Montana, residents are forced to look for international platforms to provide the required services. This can result in the difficult task of finding the most reputable and trustworthy offshore poker sites. 

The top-ranked Montana online poker sites recommended in this guide aren’t picked at random. All licensed and secure operators we suggest must meet strict criteria before our team places them on the top-rated list. 

If an online Montana poker site fails to reach the high standards we expect or delivers an exceptional online poker experience, it won’t be considered or promoted. There’s a long list of factors and features we consider before ranking each online poker site, but there are some basic attributes every platform should cover, and they are: 

• Secure site and licensed brand
• Several deposit/withdrawal options
• Generous welcome bonuses with fair T&Cs
• Consistent promotions for returning customers 
• A responsive customer service 
• Brand recognition 
• Positive customer reviews
• Experience
• Optimized mobile site or downloadable app 

The History of Gambling Laws in Montana State     

Montana’s gambling history has been a tumultuous one. Traditional wagering pastimes go back to when Native American tribes wagered on horse races and Stickgame in the 1800s. Poker itself was believed to be played after discovering natural resources like gold. Silver and copper, as miners partook in various gambling games, including poker. 

During the 19th century, Montana’s stance on gambling went through multiple stages. And even when gambling was prohibited, authorities were known to ignore it. The ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s were some of Montana’s lowest points regarding legalized gambling, but a new state constitution in 1972 permitted forms of gambling that were deemed acceptable. The following decades would see bingo, raffles and card games legalized as more and more variants of cash wagering were given the green light.

As of 2023, Montana residents can enjoy legalized forms of gambling that include: 

• Keno 
• Bingo 
• Video gambling machines 
• Montana casinos 
• Live poker 
• Montana lottery 
• Pari-mutuel betting 
• Charitable casino nights 
• Sports wagering 

The Timeline of Gambling in Montana State  

• 2019: State Lottery begins overseeing legalized sports wagers. 
• 1986: Montana Lottery launches. 
• 1985: Video Poker Machine Act passed. 
• 1976: Video Keno is legalized as a form of bingo.
• 1973: Card Game, Bingo, Raffles and Sports Pool Act passes, and these forms of gambling are legalized. 
• 1972: State Constitution allows for voters or legislature to decide on legalizing gambling activities.  
• 1968: Attorney General Robert Woodahl pushes for a huge crackdown on illegal gambling, including church bingo games. 
• 1950: Slot machines are banned. 
• 1949: Law authorities are funded $40,000 to enforce gambling restrictions. 
• 1937: Hickey Act passes, allowing table games by specific counties. 
• 1889: Gambling is banned, but widespread wagering continues.   
• 1850 – 1889: Gambling in Montana flourishes as the population steadily increases. 

Important Features of the Best Online Poker Sites 

Below are some of the features we consider when looking for the best Montana online poker sites and the reasoning behind their importance.  

Betting Markets    

Variety is crucial when looking for a top MT online poker site. An operator must provide various poker titles and game types that cater to poker players of all levels. A site should offer multiple buy-ins, SNGs and various tournaments. Game variations should at least include Texas Hold’Em, Omaha and Caribbean Stud.

Banking Methods   

Most online poker sites cater to traditional banking options like credit cards. However, have they adapted to a modern way of living and provided their customers with crypto and e-Wallet payment options? For fast payouts and deposits, the latter is crucial. That said, we like to see all banking options available, thus ensuring customers have options when depositing or withdrawing. 

Bonuses & Promotions  

Montana’s most reputable offshore poker sites will compete to provide their customers with the most lucrative welcome bonuses. And yes, welcome bonuses matching deposits of 100% or 200% are great, but they need obtainable rollover requirements and T&Cs. Sometimes, the terms and conditions are more important than the bonus value. 

Mobile Site & App Quality     

A downloadable poker app from the Apple or Google Play Store is a bonus; however, most operators should provide an optimized mobile site to deliver a seamless online poker experience from any desktop or mobile device. We also look at the site’s navigability, how well it functions under stress and if there is lag or any glitches. The best MT poker sites will operate alongside a reputable software provider.

Customer Service 

There’s no excuse for an online poker site not to give its customers a fast way to discuss an on-site issue or complaint. A live chat option is almost mandatory for us. We like to see this option available 24/7, thus allowing customers to resolve issues they might stumble across without the wait time of a complaints form. For added assistance, a phone number and email contact are also important. 

Security Features  

It’s 2023. If an online poker site in Montana isn’t protecting its customers with the latest encryption technologies, they’re either neglectful, living in the past or cheap. All of the top-rated operators found in this guide provide their customers with the latest security features, as they should because sensitive data should always be taken seriously. At the least, we want SSL encryption, crypto banking options, two-factor authentication and a valid gaming license from a reputable gaming body.

Popular Live Poker Options for Montana Gamblers     

While online poker sites are undoubtedly the most convenient, cost-effective and safest ways to partake in a poker game, some Montanans will want to dabble in a face-to-face poker game, which is achievable at one of the many MT poker rooms we’ve listed below.

Bugz’s Cardroom  

Address: 1341 Main St, Billings 

The poker room at Bugz’s cardroom is an up close and personal affair and opens daily from 08:00 PM to 02:00 AM. The popularity of this poker room located in a bar has achieved its position as a recognizable poker establishment due to the welcoming environment and inviting atmosphere. 

The Silver Slipper Poker Room  

Address: 4055 Brooke Street, Missoula, MT 

Open every day between 09:00 AM to 02:00 AM; two poker tables can be found at the Silver Slipper. Cash games are regular here; blinds of $1/$2 for No Limit Holdem are the most popular. Table limits are $800, which presents a welcoming atmosphere due to its after-dark décor. 

The Poker Parlor at Gold Dust Casino   

Address: 1310 15th St. W, Billings 

Four poker tables operate at the Poker Parlor, and visitors can play from 12:00 PM to 02:00 AM. Two days of the week, they hold a $50 No-Limit tournament, but cash players can enjoy $1/$2 No Limit Hold’em, $2/$5 pot-limit Omaha Hi, $2/$6 limit Hold’em spread tables, $4/$8 limit Omaha and $10/$20 limit Hold’em.

Furthermore, players can gain some rakeback as customers receive $50 for every 25 hours played at this establishment. Lunch and dinner are also complimentary for casino goers. 

Queen of Hearts Club   

Address: 101 North 28th Street Billings

Found inside the Crystal Lounge in Billings, MT, the Queen of Hearts Club opens from 04:00 PM to 02:00 AM, and poker enthusiasts will find three cash tables with cash games only. This poker room is great for regulars and newbies, and its most recommendable feature is the bonus chips they gift to players at random during the day. 

Creating an Online Poker Account in Montana     

By now, your online poker knowledge as a Montana resident should be above average; all remains if you register with one of the top-rated platforms. It takes just a few minutes and is a simple process, but we’ve provided a step-by-step guide in case you have doubts. 

Step 1: Sign-Up   

Select a reputable online poker site, head to the operator’s landing page and click the Join Now or Sign-Up tab. This will present you with a registration form; enter the basic details required and click register or confirm.

Step 2: Verify Your Poker Account Details    

You’ll receive an activation link in your email; click the link to verify your account, thus completing the verification process. 

Step 3: Deposit Funds    

Find the cashier or banking tab once you’re verified, select a payment method, enter your payment details and the amount you wish to deposit and confirm.

Step 4: Start Playing Online Poker   

With your account confirmed and funded, the only remaining thing left is to choose an online poker game and get started. 

Tips for Playing Online Poker in Montana  

Poker is unquestionably a game requiring skill, however, luck goes a long way. We’ve provided some useful poker tips below if you’re just getting started. 

• Fold at the right time: Don’t hesitate to fold if you’re dealt a bad hand. Save your money for better hands.  
• Bluffing: Don’t be afraid to bluff occasionally; keeping your opponents guessing is good. However, please don’t overdo it, and pick the right times to bluff and force other players with better hands to fold.
• Pick your first hand cautiously: In poker, how you start the game can determine a winning or losing result. Don’t play every hand, and try to make your first hand a good one. If in doubt, fold. 

FAQs – Poker Legality in Montana