NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Montana for Hockey

Montana was one of the first states to legalize sports betting after PASPA fell in 2018. Governor Steve Bullock signed House Bill 725 into law on May 3, 2019, giving the Montana Lottery exclusive control. But here's the twist: statewide mobile betting is NOT permitted. You can download the Sports Bet Montana app to manage your account and prepare wagers, but you must physically visit an authorized retail location (bars, taverns, lottery retailers) to actually place bets.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Montana?

Yes, but only through Sports Bet Montana at retail locations. Montana legalized sports betting on May 3, 2019. The Montana Lottery launched sports betting in March 2020.

Quick facts:

You must be 18 or older (one of the lower age requirements in the nation, most states require 21+). Montana does NOT allow true statewide online/mobile sports betting. The Sports Bet Montana app allows users to create accounts, deposit funds, and browse odds, but you must be physically present at an authorized retail location to finalize and submit bets. The Montana Lottery Commission regulates and operates all sports betting. The Montana Lottery has a seven-year exclusive deal (through approximately 2027) to be the sole operator. Montana has 180+ authorized retail locations where sports betting is available, primarily bars, taverns, lottery retailers, and casinos.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Montana

What's NOT available: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) like FanDuel and DraftKings are illegal in Montana. Full mobile betting from your couch is not allowed.

Legal, lottery-operated betting with a retail requirement.

Sports Bet Montana: Montana's Only Option

Operator: Montana Lottery

Sports Bet Montana is the only legal, regulated option for sports betting in Montana. The Montana Lottery ensures consumer protections and fund security.

Sports Bet Montana offers standard NHL markets including moneylines, puck lines (-1.5 / +1.5), total goals (over/under), basic player props, and futures (Stanley Cup, Conference winners). Market depth is less extensive than national sportsbooks like DraftKings or FanDuel, but core NHL betting options are available.

The Sports Bet Montana app is functional for account management and bet preparation. You can browse all available odds, create bet slips, manage deposits/withdrawals, and track betting history. But you must finalize bets at an authorized location.

Best for: All Montana bettors, Sports Bet Montana is the only legal option.

Shurzy Tip: Download the app and build your bet slips before heading to the bar. You'll save time on-site and can focus on watching the game instead of fumbling through odds at the kiosk.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

How Sports Bet Montana Works

Here's the step-by-step process for betting in Montana.

Download the Sports Bet Montana app from Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account (must be 18+, Montana resident or visitor). Deposit funds through the app or at retail locations. Browse NHL odds and build your bet slip in the app.

Travel to an authorized location (bar, tavern, lottery retailer). Montana has 180+ authorized sports betting locations across 50+ cities. Use the Sports Bet Montana app or website to find locations near you. Top cities by number of locations: Billings (20+), Missoula (15+), Great Falls (15+), Helena (10+), Butte (10+), Bozeman (10+).

Finalize your bet via self-serve kiosk or app (geofencing unlocks submission). Collect winnings through the app or at retail locations.

Geofencing: Sports Bet Montana uses geolocation technology to ensure bets can only be placed when physically present at authorized establishments. The app will not allow bet submission if you're outside a licensed location's geofence.

NHL Bet Types in Montana

Sports Bet Montana offers standard NHL markets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. Standard pricing structure.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5)

Hockey's spread. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion.

Shurzy Tip: Montana's odds may not be the sharpest since there's no competition. Do your homework before visiting retail locations, know what lines are fair based on your research.

Total Goals (Over/Under)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game.

Player Props

Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (limited), saves (limited). Prop depth is less extensive than national sportsbooks.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total available on select games.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is clutch for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score (select games). Available on select matchups.

NHL Parlays

Standard parlays combining multiple bets. Parlay cards available at retail locations.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners. Available through Sports Bet Montana.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Experience in Montana

Here's what betting looks like in Big Sky Country.

Advantages:

Legal and regulated, consumer protections guaranteed. Low age requirement, 18+ (vs. 21+ in most states). Wide retail network, 180+ locations statewide. Account management app, deposit, browse odds, prepare bets remotely. Cash payouts, available at retail locations.

Limitations:

No true mobile betting, must visit retail locations to place bets. Single operator, no line shopping, Sports Bet Montana is the only option. Limited prop depth, fewer NHL props than national sportsbooks. No DFS, FanDuel and DraftKings fantasy sports are illegal. Odds may not be sharpest, no competitive pressure to improve pricing.

Shurzy Tip: Use the app to prepare bets before visiting retail locations. Find locations near you using the Sports Bet Montana locator. Plan around NHL schedules to place bets before games start. Check hours of operation at your preferred location.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Montana Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Montana's retail-focused market.

1. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Check team sources before visiting retail locations, you can't adjust on the fly.
2. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
3. Shurzy Tip: Since you can't bet from home, do all your research beforehand. Identify target bets, note goalie announcements, check injury reports, build bet slips in the app. Walk into the bar with a plan.
4. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw win/loss records can mislead. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance. Research before your retail visit. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
5. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest, roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Don't overweight home teams.
6. Look for Underdog Value: NHL's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
7. Monitor Potential Market Changes: The Montana Lottery's exclusive seven-year deal ends around 2027. Additional operators or true mobile betting could launch after that period. Monitor legislative updates.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Montana

Getting started requires the app and a retail visit. Here's the play-by-play.

• Download Sports Bet Montana app from Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account with accurate info (full name, DOB, address). Must be 18+. Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport.
• Deposit funds through the app or at retail locations. Browse NHL odds to find upcoming games with moneylines, puck lines, totals. Build your bet slip by preparing wagers in the app.
• Find an authorized location using the app's location finder. Visit the location by traveling to a bar, tavern, or lottery retailer. Finalize your bet, geofencing unlocks bet submission. Track results through the app.
• Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Montana

The Montana Lottery ensures Sports Bet Montana complies with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected at this regulated, state-operated sportsbook.

Sports Bet Montana offers deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and problem gambling resources. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• Montana Council on Problem Gambling: Information available through state resources
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings throughout Montana

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Montana's resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Montana's Best for NHL Betting

Montana's sports betting market is unique and limited. The state offers legal, regulated betting through Sports Bet Montana, the Montana Lottery's exclusive sportsbook, but requires bettors to physically visit authorized retail locations to place wagers.

Sports Bet Montana is the only legal option, no FanDuel, DraftKings, or Caesars. Must be 18+ to bet (lower than most states). 180+ retail locations statewide at bars, taverns, and lottery retailers. App allows account management but bets must be finalized on-site. No true mobile betting from home. No DFS, FanDuel and DraftKings fantasy sports are illegal.

For now, plan your visits around NHL schedules, prepare bets using the app, and enjoy legal sports betting at one of Montana's many authorized locations. Do your research before the retail trip, and you'll maximize your edge in a single-operator market.