Montana Proposes ‘Wild West Casino Nights’ for Fundraising

A bill currently under consideration in the Montana legislature proposes a novel fundraising concept for non-profit organizations—“Wild West Casino Nights.” Sponsored by Montana Senator Forrest Mandeville, the legislation aims to allow charitable gaming at events, with a unique twist: participants would play using imitation money and bet on antique-style gambling games. The proceeds from these events would benefit living history and historical reenactment groups, creating an educational component while raising funds for such organizations.

 

The Wild West Casino Night Proposal

Senate Bill 179, which is now before the Senate’s Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs Committee, defines a Wild West Casino Night as a fundraising event where participants engage in antique-style gambling activities. According to the bill, wagers can be placed on games involving imitation money, which participants must purchase to play. The prizes, however, can include real cash or merchandise.

The bill's unique requirement is that the gambling must be rooted in historical themes, with specific restrictions on the types of games allowed. These historical games include antique gambling devices that are at least 30 years old, as well as those that are mechanical or manual in nature, originating before 1877. This restriction sets the event apart from other charitable gaming options, as it includes items such as older slot machines and traditional table games like blackjack and baccarat, which are otherwise prohibited in Montana’s current charitable gaming laws.

Importantly, participants would not gamble with actual money, instead using play money, while the funds they contribute would go toward supporting non-profit, living history organizations, reenactment groups, or individual history volunteers. This thematic approach could make the bill more appealing to legislators, as it combines the allure of gambling with an educational mission.

The introduction of Wild West Casino Nights would expand the types of games currently allowed for charitable purposes in Montana. Under existing law, some gambling activities, such as blackjack, are prohibited at charitable events, and the use of play money is standard. SB 179, however, would make room for a wider array of traditional casino games, provided they align with the historical theme and involve imitation money.

For supporters of living history organizations, this bill is seen as a creative solution to raise much-needed funds while engaging the public in educational activities. The inclusion of antique gambling devices—whether real or replica—could spark interest in both the history of gambling and the history of the American West, with the added benefit of helping preserve and promote historical reenactment and education.

 

Educational and Legislative Context

One of the most intriguing elements of SB 179 is the educational mission behind the bill. By linking gambling to historical reenactment and living history organizations, it ties in with Montana’s strong tradition of celebrating its past. The bill notes that its purpose is “to allow for historical education and fundraising for living history nonprofit organizations.”

This educational angle may be key to the bill’s potential success, as it can be framed as a means of preserving historical traditions while raising funds for groups that keep those traditions alive. The combination of historical authenticity and modern-day entertainment could be a compelling argument for lawmakers as they consider the legislation.

SB 179 is not the only gaming-related bill before the Montana legislature in 2025. Representative Kelly Kortum has introduced HB 204, which aims to amend the rules surrounding video poker terminals in the state. This bill emphasizes responsible gambling practices, requiring gaming terminals to display information on addiction prevention and provide contact details for gambling support organizations.

Meanwhile, Senator Wylie Galt has submitted SB 153, which seeks to raise the limits for electronic gaming. The bill proposes doubling the $2 limit on individual plays, as well as increasing the maximum prize from $800 to $1,199—just under the IRS reporting threshold of $1,200 for slot machine jackpots.

Together, these proposals highlight the ongoing evolution of Montana’s gaming laws, each addressing different aspects of the gaming experience, from responsible gambling to expanded gaming options. However, the introduction of Wild West Casino Nights is arguably the most unique, intertwining gaming with the state's rich historical heritage.

 

The purpose of the act is to allow for historical education and fundraising for living history nonprofit organizations – – Senate Bill 179

 

Conclusion

As Montana continues to navigate the complex landscape of legalized gaming, the Wild West Casino Nights bill offers a fresh approach. By combining historical education with the excitement of casino games, SB 179 aims to create a distinctive fundraising event that could appeal to both gaming enthusiasts and history buffs alike. If passed, it would offer a new way for non-profit organizations to raise funds, while also reflecting Montana’s unique cultural identity and commitment to preserving its historical legacy.