23-7-102. Purpose. (1) The purpose of this chapter is to allow lottery games and sports wagering in which the player purchases from the state, through the administrators of the state lottery and sports wagering agency, a chance to win a prize. The state lottery and sports wagering agency may provide products sold only through an authorized device at a sales agent location licensed by the director.

(2) The administration and construction of this chapter must comply with Article III, section 9, of the Montana constitution, which mandates that all forms of gambling are prohibited unless authorized by acts of the legislature or by the people through initiative or referendum. Therefore, this chapter must be strictly construed to allow only those games that are within the scope of this section and within the definition of "lottery game" or "sports wagering".

(3) The state lottery may not:

(a) operate a slot machine or carry on any form of gambling prohibited by the laws of this state; or

(b) carry on any form of gambling permitted by the laws of this state except for a lottery game or sports wagering within the scope of this section and within the definition of "lottery game" or "sports wagering".