...somewhat. The new law, passed by both houses of the MT legislature and signed by the Governor, goes into effect on October 1, 2013.

For the past 25 years, the maximum poker pot allowed in MT was $300. Once wagers reached that amount, the dealer had to cut off further bets. The new law increases the $300 pot limit to $800 - the same amount as the maximum allowable video machine jackpot.

The law also increases the availability and operation of poker tournaments. A couple of different kinds of permits can be purchased by licensees: one allows small daily tournaments; the other, up to 16 large tournaments annually. The large tournaments can last for 5 days, and can also include satellite games, previously banned.

The number of card tables licensed by the state has been in steady decline over the past several years. In 2009, there were 434 tables licensed statewide. Last year, there were only 295.

The new law seeks to revitalize Montana's live poker environment and to allow tournament competition with neighboring states.

The statute also raises the annual permit fee for operating a video gambling machine from $220 to $240.