The Montana House Committee on Business and Labor Affairs recently heard testimony about HB 725, which would legalize sports betting and authorize the Montana Lottery to regulate and be the sole operator of it. The measure would allow wagering kiosks to be placed at licensed businesses, including bars, restaurants and convenience stores.
Bill sponsor state Rep. Ryan Lynch said the measure also would allow internet and mobile sports betting and create a sports wagering commission within the lottery. Montana State Lottery Director Angela Wong said under the legislation, the state would “receive all of the revenue from sports betting after expenses.” She added the lottery could launch sports betting within six months of approval, placing kiosks in more than 1,000 locations throughout the state, including about 300 in bars and restaurants.
Representatives from Intralot, Montana’s current lottery vendor, the Montana Tavern Association, the Montana Coin Machine Operators Association and the Gaming Industry Association of Montana all testified in favor of HB 725. John Iverson, of the Tavern Association, said his group wants kiosks limited to restaurants and bars. “Sports betting is exciting and having one of these machines in our location would encourage people to come in and hopefully stay for the end of the game, and maybe order an extra cheeseburger or a Montana craft beer. We think there should be clearer parameters about where these locations should be. Montanans don’t want this on every street corner, near every playground.”
Rhonda Wiggers of the Coin Machine Operators Association also voiced concern about allowing sports betting kiosks in convenience stores. The Gaming Industry Association’s Neil said his group supports the bill but is concerned “that it does not exclude other places from having sports betting. That it does not make it just a lottery location” where consumers could place sports bets.
In addition, the Senate Business and Labor Committee heard testimony from William Hill and other operators on SB 330, which also would legalize sports betting, but the Montana Lottery would not regulate it. The committee recently voted 8-2 to send the bill to the Senate floor, but no date has been set for a vote.
A third bill, SB 25, recently was signed by Governor Steve Bullock. It defines sports betting and internet and mobile betting in the state, setting the stage for a more comprehensive sports betting bill.
Legislators are feeling the pressure since the session ends April 20 and will not reconvene until 2021.
