Sports Bet
Montana Review
The state-run sportsbook from the Montana Lottery is the only legal way to bet on sports in Big Sky Country. Here is everything you need to know about the app, the on-premise betting rule, limits, and what is missing compared to commercial books.
The Only Legal Sportsbook in Montana
Sports Bet Montana is operated directly by the Montana Lottery. It is not a commercial brand and there is no parent company competing for your business — it is the only legal sportsbook in the state. The technology behind it is Intralot's Orion platform, the same system used by lottery-operated sportsbooks in several other US states. In 2025 Intralot won a new 7-year contract, cementing the partnership through 2032.
The Sports Bet Montana brand launched in late 2019 and the platform went live across Montana on March 9, 2020 — five days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down major US sports. After a slow opening, monthly handle has grown steadily and Montana now reports one of the highest hold percentages of any legal US betting jurisdiction (12.08% in January 2026 against $7.86M in handle).
The most important thing to understand is the on-premise rule: although you can register, deposit, and even build bet slips from your couch, the wager itself can only be confirmed when your phone's geolocation places you inside one of 1,000+ licensed retail locations. There is no "place a bet from home" path in Montana — and no commercial app like DraftKings or FanDuel can offer one either (here is why).
At a Glance
Sports Bet Montana
Exclusive State Operator- The ONLY legal sportsbook in Montana
- Operated by the Montana Lottery since March 2020
- Powered by Intralot Orion platform
- Available at 1,000+ retail locations statewide
- Mobile app for account management
- Must be physically on-site to place wagers
- $100,000 max winnings per bet
- $250 retail bet max, $1,000 mobile on-site bet max
What You Get — and What You Don't
👍 Pros
- The only legal sports betting option in Montana
- Available at 1,000+ retail locations statewide
- Mobile app lets you build slips at home
- No state income tax on winnings
- Lowest age limit in legal US betting (18+)
- Backed by the state — no operator bankruptcy risk
👎 Cons
- No promo codes, sign-up bonuses, or referral offers
- Must be physically at a licensed retailer to confirm any bet
- Lower betting limits than commercial books ($250 retail / $1,000 mobile)
- Odds are typically less competitive than DraftKings/FanDuel
- $2,000 daily withdrawal cap
- No live in-game betting on every market
The Sports Bet Montana App
The app is the centre of the experience. Even retail betting goes through it for anything more involved than a parlay at a kiosk. Here is what to expect.
Features
- Account registration & KYC verification
- Deposits and withdrawals
- Build & save bet slips before visiting a retailer
- Geolocation check at the retailer to confirm wagers
- Bet history and account management
- Push notifications for promotions and results
⚠️ Geolocation gotcha: If you stand outside the retailer (parking lot, sidewalk, or a non-licensed neighbouring property), the app will refuse to confirm your wager. Some bettors report needing to walk further inside the venue for the location check to pass.
Betting and Withdrawal Limits
Montana has the most distinctive limit structure of any US sports betting market. These caps apply per wager and per day.
| Type | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Retail kiosk bet | $2 | $250 |
| On-premise mobile bet | $2 | $1,000 |
| Maximum winnings per bet | — | $100,000 |
| Daily withdrawal cap | — | $2,000 |
| Minimum deposit | $10 | — |
Source: Montana Lottery Sports Bet Montana terms, May 2026.
The Missing Sign-Up Promo
If you have bet in any other state, the first thing you look for is the welcome offer. Sports Bet Montana has none. Here is why.
Commercial sportsbooks compete on customer acquisition — that is the whole reason "Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets" exists. Sports Bet Montana has zero competition: it is the only legal operator. The Montana Lottery has no reason to give away free bets and is bound by state procurement rules that make promotional spending awkward.
You will not find a Sports Bet Montana promo code anywhere. Sites that claim to offer one are either out-of-date pages copy-pasted from other states or affiliate scams. The closest thing to a bonus is the occasional in-app "boosted odds" on a major event, but these are limited and irregular.
Sports Bet Montana FAQ
What is Sports Bet Montana?
Sports Bet Montana is the state-run sportsbook operated by the Montana Lottery. It launched in March 2020 and is the only legal sports betting platform in Montana. The technology is provided by Intralot through its Orion platform under a contract running through 2032.
Is Sports Bet Montana the only legal sportsbook in Montana?
Yes. HB 725 (2019) granted the Montana Lottery exclusive control of sports betting in the state. Commercial sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars cannot operate in Montana — they all block users physically located in the state.
Does Sports Bet Montana have a sign-up bonus?
No. As a state lottery operator, Sports Bet Montana does not offer promo codes, free bets, deposit matches, or referral bonuses. This is a major difference from commercial books in other states.
Can I download the Sports Bet Montana app outside Montana?
The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. You can register and deposit from anywhere, but you cannot finalise a wager unless geolocation confirms you are physically inside an authorised Montana retailer.
How does the geolocation check work?
When you try to place a bet, the Sports Bet Montana app uses your phone's location services and Wi-Fi positioning to verify you are inside one of the 1,000+ licensed retail locations. If you are at home, on the road, or even in the parking lot, the bet will not go through.
What are the bet limits at Sports Bet Montana?
Retail kiosk bets cap at $250 per wager. On-premise mobile bets (placed at the retailer using the app) allow up to $1,000. Maximum winnings are capped at $100,000 per bet, and daily withdrawals are limited to $2,000.
How do I deposit and withdraw money?
You can deposit via debit card, ACH bank transfer, or in cash at a retailer. Withdrawals are processed via ACH or check, subject to the $2,000 daily cap. Minimum deposit is $10.
What sports does Sports Bet Montana offer?
All major US professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), college football and basketball, UFC/MMA, golf, tennis, soccer, and rodeo/PBR. Some FCS-level college games (including Montana Grizzlies and Montana State Bobcats football) are not always available.