Montana is a small state but some believe it has a big gambling problem. According to a recent report, those residing in Big Sky Country have an inordinate number of gambling options leading to an alarming rise in problem gambling.
Let’s take a closer at the main issues the state is going through and how they may impact top-rated sportsbooks in the region.
Gambling Jones
People who like the outdoors and want to live in a place with plenty of land but few neighbors often choose Montana as their state of choice. Although Montana is ranked fourth in land mass, its population ranks 43rd of the 50 states with just over 1.1 million people.
Picturesque mountain ranges and wide-open prairies are some of the visuals that leap to mind when describing Montana but pointing out a bevy of gambling activity ranks low on most people’s lists. However, gaming statistics cited in a 2024 study by WalletHub revealed Montana ranks No. 3 in the nation with the highest percentage of problem gamblers as evidenced by 2.5% of those surveyed deemed affected by this disorder. Only Nevada and South Dakota rank higher while Louisiana and Pennsylvania are ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.
Per capita, Montana has the fifth most casinos and is tied with Nevada, Oklahoma and South Dakota as having the most gambling machines in relation to its population.
Electronic gaming machines are not limited to just glitzy casinos but can even be found in convenience stores throughout the state. Although retail sports betting has launched in Montana, mobile betting is only allowed on the premises of those establishments offering a brick-and-mortar sportsbook. Parimutuel betting on horse racing is also allowed in the Treasure State.
“Gambling addictions can destroy lives the same way that alcohol and drug addictions can. While some people may be able to enjoy casual gambling from time to time, others need to avoid temptation altogether. People with a gambling addiction may find it helpful to live in states where places to gamble are less prevalent and laws against betting are stricter,” said WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe.
What’s the Solution?
While outdoor recreation in Montana is virtually limitless, the severe conditions during the winter months can be isolating. Those located outside the big city of Billings – the only city with more than 100,000 people – have few resources if their gambling becomes problematic.
A dearth of problem gambling programs and counselors in the state has been criticized by public health professionals. Montana provides no public funding and the few available resources are all privately financed.
Executive Director of Montana Council on Problem Gambling Brad Longcake said, “We do have some (help) in the smaller communities, but that would be the goal to reach out and find those different locations, especially in the rural areas.”
“If we were able to get additional funding, we would hire additional counselors, which we can then put in more communities around Montana. That’s the goal of the council to try and get awareness out so we can touch all those different communities. We’re the only state in the country that is 100% privately funded through industry donations. Most other problem gambling groups have funding from the state. We currently do not have that in Montana today,” noted Longcake.
