Great News for Montana Lions Clubs: Online Raffle Credit Card Payments Now Allowed
Thanks to a new law passed during the 2025 Montana Legislative Session, nonprofits and charitable organizations across the state, including Lions Clubs, can now accept credit card payments for online raffles as of June 1, 2025.
This long-overdue change was made possible through the leadership of Senator Ed Buttrey, who introduced and championed the HB 141 to modernize Montana’s raffle laws. Previously, state law restricted online raffle purchases to debit cards only, a limitation that posed a significant barrier for organizations trying to raise funds in the digital age.
For years, Lions Clubs and other nonprofits had to explain to supporters why their credit cards weren’t accepted, a frustrating experience for donors and a lost opportunity for local clubs trying to fund service projects. In today’s world of contactless payments, e-commerce, and mobile devices, this debit-only rule simply didn’t make sense.
With the passage of this new law, Lions Clubs running online raffles can now:
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Accept both debit and credit cards for raffle ticket purchases
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Expand their fundraising reach to more supporters
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Provide a more convenient experience for donors
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Increase overall revenue for service projects in their communities
This is a win for service, flexibility, and common sense.
We extend our thanks to Sen. Buttrey, the 2025 Legislature and all those who supported this effort to bring Montana’s nonprofit raffle laws into the 21st century.
If your Lions Club is planning an online raffle, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this change.
If you need want information about getting your club’s raffles online, reach out – I’d love to visit about what we’ve done.
By Lion Steve Dogiakos
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