Montana's new constitution makes all forms of gambling illegal. However, illegal gambling halls exist throughout the state. Nationally, scandals in lottery sales resulted in an anti-gambling crusade. Gambling is deemed illegal in every Western state. 1933 Prohibition is repealed.
Bars reopen and gambling resurfaces.
Pull-tabs become popular. 1937 State Legislature passes the Hickey Act, which legalizes various table games in various locations if licensed by a county. 1950 State Supreme Court rules that slot machines and punch boards are illegal under the state constitution. Voters defeat, by a 4-1 margin, an initiative to legalize gambling. 1972 Voters approve a Constitutional Convention referendum giving the Legislature and the people authority to approve or disapprove gambling.