Sports Betting

NBA Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Montana for Basketball

Montana legalized sports betting on March 11, 2020, through a unique state lottery monopoly model. The mobile app works with a crucial twist: it only accepts wagers when you're physically inside a licensed retail location. This model makes NBA betting a social, community-focused activity deeply integrated into Montana's local bar culture. If you're watching the Denver Nuggets (regional favorite) or betting on national TV games, Montana's got you covered at local establishments.

NBA Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Montana for Basketball

Is Sports Betting Legal in Montana?

Yes, but only through the Montana Lottery monopoly. Montana legalized sports betting via HB 725 in 2019 and launched on March 11, 2020.

Here's what you need to know:

Governing body: Montana Lottery Commission. They regulate everything through a centralized lottery model.
Operator: Intralot (powering "Sports Bet Montana"). This is a state monopoly—no DraftKings, FanDuel, or other commercial operators.
Licensed locations: 1,400+ potential licensed locations (currently 700+ active). These include bars, taverns, restaurants, and casinos statewide.
Minimum age: 18. That's one of the lowest in the country.
Tax structure: 8.5% on adjusted gross revenue.
Mobile betting: RESTRICTED. The app works statewide for viewing lines and building bet slips, but wagers can only be placed when geolocated inside a licensed retailer.
College betting rules: Montana permits college sports betting including in-state teams (Montana Grizzlies, Montana State Bobcats).
The monopoly impact: Because there's only one operator (the Lottery), there's no line shopping. Odds are set centrally. This can sometimes lead to juice that's slightly higher than competitive markets, but it ensures widespread availability even in rural areas.
Offshore sites: Avoid them. Stick with Sports Bet Montana for licensed, regulated betting.

Shurzy Tip: Montana's lottery monopoly means zero line shopping. The odds are what they are. But here's the advantage: 700+ locations statewide means you're never far from a betting kiosk. Build your bet slip at home on the app, then walk into your local bar and submit it. That's Montana's version of "mobile" betting.

Where to Find Sports Bet Montana Locations

Virtually any establishment with a liquor license can apply to be a Sports Bet Montana retailer. This includes:

Billings

Dozens of locations including Shooters Sports Bar, Grandstand Sports Bar, and various casinos.

Missoula

Popular spots like Press Box, Paradise Falls, and Desperado Sports Tavern.

Bozeman

Spectators Bar & Grill, Cat's Paw, and others catering to the college crowd.

Great Falls

Halftime Sports Bar, The Do Bar.

Finding a spot: The Sports Bet Montana website features an interactive map. Look for the "Sports Bet Montana" neon signs in windows.

Shurzy Tip: Montana doesn't have an NBA team, but Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, and Portland Trail Blazers get regional action. College pride runs deep—when former Montana or Montana State players make the NBA, Montana bettors track them religiously.

How Sports Bet Montana Works

Montana betting involves a hybrid of digital preparation and physical execution.

The Equipment

The Kiosk: A standalone touchscreen machine located in bars and casinos. You can browse odds, place bets with cash or vouchers, and print ticket receipts.
The App: The "Sports Bet Montana" app (iOS/Android). Crucially, you cannot bet from your couch.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Download and register. Download the Sports Bet Montana app and create an account (verify age 18+).
Step 2: Prepare (from anywhere). You can open the app at home, check NBA lines, build your parlay, and see potential payouts. This creates a QR code or saved bet slip on your phone.
Step 3: Locate a retailer. Use the app's map to find the nearest licensed retailer (your local sports bar).
Step 4: Connect and bet.
- Option A (App): Walk into the bar. The app detects your location. Once the "Place Bet" button unlocks (turns green), you can submit the wager directly from your phone using funds deposited in your account.
- Option B (Kiosk): Scan your phone's QR code at the kiosk to instantly load your picks, then pay with cash to print a physical ticket.

Shurzy Tip: Build bets at home. Don't stand at the kiosk scrolling through hundreds of props. Build your bet slip on your couch, save the QR code, and just scan-and-pay when you get to the bar. That's the most efficient way to use Montana's system.

NBA Bet Types You'll Actually Use

Despite the monopoly, Sports Bet Montana offers comprehensive NBA betting:

Moneyline Bets: Pick which team wins. Nuggets -200 vs. Spurs +160 means you bet $200 on Denver to win $100, or bet $100 on San Antonio to win $160.
Point Spread Bets: Most popular. If the Nuggets are -5.5 favorites, they need to win by 6+ for your bet to hit.
Totals (Over/Under): Bet on the combined score. Nuggets vs. Spurs total is 218.5? Bet the over if you think both teams combine for 219+ points.
Player Props: Points, rebounds, assists, and combinations (like "Jokic to score 30+"). You can bet on pro and college athletes.

Futures: NBA Championship odds, MVP, etc.
Live Betting: Available via the app/kiosk. You can bet on quarters or halves as the game progresses (must be on-site).
Note on odds: Pay attention to the lines. You might see -115 or -120 on spreads where Vegas might offer -110. Since you can't shop around, ensure the payout meets your value threshold.

Shurzy Tip: Montana permits college betting including Montana Grizzlies and Montana State Bobcats. Use your college hoops knowledge when those players reach the NBA. Understanding their game at Montana or Montana State translates to understanding their ceiling in the pros.

NBA Betting Strategies That Actually Work

Build bets at home. Don't stand at the kiosk scrolling through hundreds of props. Build your bet slip on your couch, save the QR code, and scan-and-pay at the bar.
Check max bet limits. Kiosks and the app may have lower maximum bet limits compared to Vegas sportsbooks to manage the Lottery's risk.
Cash is king. While the app accepts debit/bank transfers, using cash at a kiosk provides anonymity and instant ticket printing.
Watch the "green light." If using the app, ensure your location services are high-accuracy. You might need to be deep inside the building for the geolocation to verify your "on-premises."
Track injury reports. Star players missing games change everything. Follow official reports every afternoon.
Bet unders in defensive matchups. When two top defensive teams play (Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, Celtics vs. Heat), totals tend to stay under.
Manage your bankroll. Bet 1-2% per game. Never chase losses. Set a strict budget before you head out for the night.
Use advanced stats. Check offensive/defensive ratings, pace factors. NBA.com/stats and Cleaning the Glass provide free data.
Be mindful of mixing alcohol with betting. Since betting is integrated into bars, set a budget before you head out.

Bet Responsibly (For Real)

Montana Council on Problem Gambling: 1-888-900-9979 (24/7). You can request self-exclusion from Sports Bet Montana services. The lottery system includes built-in responsible gaming messaging. Since betting is integrated into bars, be mindful of mixing alcohol consumption with wagering. Set a strict budget before you head out for the night. Betting should make games more fun, not create stress.

Final Word

Montana operates a unique NBA betting market through a state lottery monopoly with 700+ bar and casino kiosks statewide. The Sports Bet Montana system requires physical presence at licensed locations but allows digital bet slip preparation from anywhere. The 18+ betting age (lowest nationally), unrestricted college betting, and community-focused bar integration create a distinctive social betting experience. Licensed locations provide security and consumer protection unavailable from offshore alternatives. Build bets at home, scan QR codes at your local bar, and bet smarter all season.

Too lazy to compare odds? We did it for you. Now go bet smarter.

‍

Share this post

Sports Betting