Montana Gambling Industry 2025: An Overview
Montana has become the first state to ban all forms of internet gambling involving any currency. The law went into effect on October 1st—one week ago today. The Department of Justice now has the authority to impose penalties, with fines of up to $50,000.
Montana Airports Navigate Federal Shutdown Impacts
As the federal government shutdown reaches its one-week mark, Montana air travel remains largely unaffected for most travelers. While Montana’s airports aren’t major national hubs, they rely on government workers in critical roles such as TSA screening and air traffic control. Essential staff, including air traffic controllers, are required to continue working—without pay.
Blackfeet Nation: Glacier Park Vital to Montana Economy
According to a new National Park Service report, visitors spent about $838 million last year in Montana communities near national parks and historic sites. That spending supported 9,293 jobs, generated $408 million in labor income, and contributed $1.2 billion in total economic output. The money helped sustain small businesses, hotels, and restaurants that rely on steady visitor traffic.
Despite Criticism, Montana May Stick with Out-of-State Company for Recovery Program
The state’s Department of Labor and Industry appears likely to extend its agreement with a company that manages a program monitoring the treatment of licensed health care workers struggling with addiction. The $500,000-per-year contract with Maximus Incorporated—a Virginia-based contractor that has operated the program since 2023—is set to expire at the end of this year. Montana has maintained some form of medical assistance program for nearly 40 years.
Montana Coal Board Awards $1.8 Million for Public Safety and Infrastructure Projects
More than $1.8 million in grant funding has been awarded to six Montana communities to support critical public safety and infrastructure projects in coal-impacted areas. The funding, provided through the Montana Coal Board, helps local governments and schools address the effects of coal development and energy use. Over the past five years, more than $14 million in Coal Board grants have been distributed across seven counties, eight school districts, seven cities or towns, and one tribal government.
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ZooMontana Leadership and Accreditation:
ZooMontana in Billings has received reaccreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) while officially naming Jessica Hart as its permanent President and CEO. AZA accreditation—considered the gold standard in the zoo industry—is held by fewer than 10% of animal facilities nationwide, solidifying ZooMontana’s position as a regional leader in animal welfare and conservation. -
Missoula Housing Expansion Approved:
The Missoula City Council has approved plans for developers to build 671 housing units across 100 lots within the new Paisley Park Subdivision, located on 40 acres southeast of the Missoula Airport. The council also voted to annex the land into city limits and endorsed an eight-phase development plan to be completed over the next 20 years. -
Big Sky Resort to Use Treated Wastewater for Snowmaking:
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has approved a plan by the private residential Spanish Peaks Mountain Club to convert treated wastewater into snow for skiing. The project will make Big Sky Resort the first public ski area in Montana to use man-made snow produced from recycled wastewater. -
Bozeman Urban Camping Ban Approaches:
Starting November 1st, Bozeman will ban urban camping. In anticipation of the deadline, many streets that were once lined with campers are now empty. After November 1st, individuals still living in campers or tents could face fines of up to $500 per day. -
Study Finds Few Montanans Marry for Money:
The SplitUp app, which analyzes relationship trends and reasons for divorce, released new data showing where people most often admit to marrying for financial reasons. In Montana, that number is practically zero.
