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Panel hears proposal to raise Montana video‑gaming bet limit to $4 amid industry split
Summary
Senate Bill 153 would raise the maximum bet on video gaming machines from $2 to $4 and increase the top payout; proponents said it modernizes an industry stalled since 1987 and could modestly boost state revenue, while opponents warned of increased harm to problem gamblers and risks to small rural businesses.
The Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 153, which would raise video‑gaming machine bet limits from $2 to $4 and increase the capped payout. Sponsor Senator Wiley Galt said the change is modest and overdue; the last statutory adjustment to these limits was in 1987.
Industry proponents including Jesse Luther of Golden Route Operations and Rhonda Wiggers of the Montana Coin Machine Operators Association argued the change would refresh aging games, attract new machines and modestly increase tax receipts. Luther pointed to other states, such as West Virginia, that later raised limits and saw revenue increases and told…
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