History of Montana Lottery in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 1, 2025

The Montana Lottery is a government-run organization in Montana and a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). It offers a variety of games, including scratch tickets and multi-state draw games like Mega Millions and Powerball. Other Montana Lottery games include Lotto America, Montana Millionaire, Lucky for Life, Big Sky Bonus, Montana Sports Action, Treasure Play and Montana Cash.

November 4, 1986: Montana Lottery referendum passed

On November 4, 1986, the citizen referendum to create the Montana Lottery passed with 68.97% of the vote, leading to the establishment of the lottery.

1986: Montana Lottery created by referendum

In 1986, the Montana Lottery was created through a referendum that passed with a wide margin, paving the way for its establishment.

June 1987: Montana Lottery opened for business

In June 1987, the Montana Lottery officially opened for business, marking the start of lottery operations in the state.

1989: Montana Lottery joined MUSL

Since 1989, the Montana Lottery has been a member of MUSL.

April 1992: Powerball began

In April 1992, Powerball began. Powerball's jackpots are at least $20 million. It is also drawn Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. Powerball draws 5 white balls from 1 to 69 and 1 red Powerball from 1 to 26.

1995: SB 83 redirected lottery revenue

In 1995, the state legislature passed SB 83, which redirected lottery revenue earmarked for the Superintendent of Public Instruction to the General Fund as part of a larger bill simplifying revenue allocations throughout state government.

September 6, 1996: The Big Game

On September 6, 1996, six lotteries began the-then The Big Game.

May 2002: The Big Game became Mega Millions

In May 2002, The Big Game became Mega Millions. Its jackpots begin at $20 million (annuitized with cash option.) Mega Millions draws 5 white balls numbered 1 through 70, and 1 gold-colored Mega Ball numbered 1 through 25.

2007: Montana Legislature passed MCA 23-4

In 2007, the Montana Legislature passed MCA 23-4, a law to help the Board of Horse Racing increase purses in Montana, which later led to Montana Sports Action.

August 31, 2008: Montana Lottery began fantasy sports wagering

On August 31, 2008, the Montana Lottery introduced fantasy sports wagering, known as Montana Sports Action, authorized by MCA 23-4 to support the Board of Horse Racing.

January 31, 2010: Lotteries with either Mega Millions or Powerball added the other game

Prior to January 31, 2010 most lotteries with either Mega Millions or Powerball added the other game on that date.

March 1, 2010: Montana Lottery added Mega Millions

On March 1, 2010, the Montana Lottery added Mega Millions, becoming the first lottery to add the "other" game after the official cross-selling expansion about a month prior. Montana offers Mega Millions' multiplier, called Megaplier.

May 14, 2014: Game drew 5 numbers from 1 to 37

Prior to May 14, 2014, the game drew 5 numbers from 1 to 37 with a starting jackpot of $20,000.

May 2018: Supreme Court PASPA ruling

In May 2018, the Supreme Court ruled the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional, opening the door for other states to legalize sports betting.

2019: Gaming associations recommended competitive bidding process

In 2019, gaming associations recommended that the Montana Lottery have a competitive bidding process for its lottery operations contract.

April 25, 2021: Game's number matrix shifted

On April 25, 2021, the game’s number matrix shifted from 4/28 + 1/17 to 4/31 + 1/16.

March 2024: Montana Lottery Commission instructed Director Bob Brown to send out RFPs

In March 2024, amid allegations of a "sweetheart deal" with Intralot, the Montana State Lottery Commission instructed Director Bob Brown to send out requests for new proposals (RFPs) for its $50 million lottery operator contract.

September 2024: RFP requests for lottery operator contract

In September 2024, the Montana State Lottery Commission instructed Director Bob Brown and staff to send out requests for new proposals (RFPs) for its $50 million lottery operator contract.