Due to Montana’s small population and limited tourism industry, the amount of people standing within state borders at any given time is consistent. That data is reflected in the revenue collections for legal sports betting in MT via the state lottery’s Sports Bet Montana application.

The hold numbers are particularly steady, hovering between the $2.5 and $5.5 million mark over the past 12 months. Last January’s previous high of $5,799,990 was eclipsed last month with a tally of $5,858,764.

Why is January such a boom for the MT sports gambling industry? The first month of the year begins with the College Football Playoffs and ensuing championship game, and then transitions into the NFL Playoffs for three full weekends.

Last month’s hold resulted in $833,114 in tax collections for Montana, but January’s totals didn’t break the all-time mark of $1,047,566 set in November of 2021. The reason the house take was higher in November on less hold was due to more losing bets being placed.