Bill > HB141

This bill revises Montana's gambling laws to allow certain nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and school districts to use credit cards for purchasing raffle tickets, which was previously prohibited. The legislation makes three key changes to existing statutes: first, it modifies the definition of internet gambling to explicitly permit credit card purchases for raffles by these specified entities; second, it adjusts the definition of credit gambling to create an exception for raffles; and third, it amends raffle ticket sale restrictions to allow credit card purchases specifically for raffles sponsored by nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and school districts. The bill ensures that raffle proceeds can only be used for charitable purposes or to pay for prizes, and it maintains existing restrictions on prize values and geographic sales limitations. By creating this narrow exemption, the legislation provides more flexible fundraising options for certain organizations while maintaining overall gambling regulations. The bill is set to take effect on June 1, 2025, giving organizations time to prepare for the new rules.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1367