In June 2026, bettors in Montana placed $4,447,414 on sports, marking a 12.4% increase from the previous year, with the state’s sportsbook retaining $694,356 at a hold rate of 15.61%.

While these numbers may seem modest on a national scale, the real story lies in the sports choices of Montanans. As expected, baseball led the way as the most popular sport for betting, continuing its summer tradition.

In an interesting twist, soccer surged to the second spot, a result of the World Cup that kicked off on June 11 across North America. In a state where betting habits are firmly established, the rise of a foreign sport to such prominence is noteworthy.

Montanans are, above all, dedicated baseball bettors. While other states like Maryland and New York saw a surge in World Cup soccer betting, Montanans remained committed to Major League Baseball as their preferred wagering option throughout the summer.

Even amidst the excitement of the continent’s largest soccer tournament, baseball retained its dominance in Montana.

This unwavering loyalty underscores Montana’s betting landscape. During the summer, it is a baseball state; come basketball and football seasons, it shifts accordingly, but seldom strays from this pattern. The sports calendar, rather than marketing efforts or promotions, influences where bets are placed, as there simply isn’t competitive marketing to suggest otherwise.