23-5-157. Gambling on cash basis -- penalties. - Montana Statutes

     23-5-157. Gambling on cash basis -- penalties. (1) (a) In every gambling activity, except raffles as authorized in 23-5-413 and card games authorized in part 3 of this chapter and normally scored using points, the consideration paid for the chance to play must be made in cash. A check or debit card may be used to obtain cash to participate in a gambling activity. A participant shall present the cash needed to play the game as the game is being played. If a check or debit card is used to obtain cash on the premises of a licensee then it must be delivered and accepted unconditionally. A licensee or employee of a licensee may not hold a check or other evidence of indebtedness for redemption pending the outcome of a gambling activity.
     (b) Credit gambling is prohibited. Credit gambling is offering or accepting as part of the price of participation in a gambling activity or as payment of a debt incurred in a gambling activity:
     (i) a check, credit card, or debit card held pending the outcome of a gambling activity;
     (ii) a loan of any kind at any time from or on behalf of a licensee;
     (iii) any form of deferred payment, including a note, IOU, post-dated check, hold check, or other evidence of indebtedness; or
     (iv) a check issued or delivered that is accepted by the licensee with the knowledge that it will not be paid by the depository.
     (2) A person who violates this section is guilty of a criminal offense under 23-5-156 and must be punished in accordance with 23-5-161 or 23-5-162.

     History: En. Sec. 19, Ch. 642, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 398, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 626, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 252, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 355, L. 2009.