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In Montana, ensuring compliance with gambling regulations is paramount for machine owners, and to facilitate this, the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division, has introduced the Form 34. This vital document serves as an Owner/Operator Registration Form, designed for the registration of approved accounting and reporting systems specific to gambling machines within the state. It's a critical step for machine owners to legally register the systems they use for reporting machine data. The form, situated at 2550 Prospect Ave., Helena, MT, requires detailed information, including the licensee's name, contact details, and specific machine information. Upon submission and successful approval of this form, machine owners are obligated to report meter readings from all machines in operation, electronically, adhering to the specified time intervals. A unique feature of this process is the option to select the reporting frequency—either weekly or bi-weekly—and to decide on a particular day of the week for submissions. Furthermore, the form outlines the necessity for indicating the accounting system being used, ensuring that it meets the standards approved by the Division. Once the form is received, the Division issues a notice to the applicant, providing them with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and comprehensive instructions on how to utilize the system. This streamlined approach emphasizes the importance of accountability and precision in the gambling industry, underscoring the state's commitment to responsible gambling practices.

Montana 34 Example

VGM REPORTING SYSTEM

OWNER/OPERATOR REGISTRATION FORM

Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division

2550 Prospect Ave. PO Box 201424 Helena, MT 59620-1424

Phone: (406) 444-1971 Fax: (406) 444-9157

Type or print legibly using blue ink.

Machine owners must file a registration form to register the approved accounting and reporting system for the machines they own and use that system to report machine data to the Division. Once the Division receives the form, it will send the applicant a notice with a PIN and instructions on how to use the system.

MACHINE OWNER INFORMATION:

LICENSEE NAME

PHONE NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

FEDERAL TAX ID NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

NAME OF CONTACT FOR NOTIFICATIONS

 

 

(Can be an accountant, route operator or bookkeeper, etc.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCOUNT NUMBER (000000-XXX-GOA)

E-MAIL ADDRESS OF CONTACT

 

 

(Additional e-mail addresses should be provided on a

 

 

separate sheet of paper)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MACHINE INFORMATION: Upon submission and approval of this form, meter readings from all of the machines owned by the applicant and in operation at this location must be reported electronically at the time intervals and using the approved accounting system selected below.

Accounting System Information:

Please indicate the reporting frequency – weekly or biweekly – and the day of the week meter data will be reported:

Check one: Weekly Biweekly

Check one: Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri

Check the box that best explains the accounting system you will be using:

Approved System

Name of System:

Web Entry

 

PRINTED NAME:

SIGNATURE:DATE:

Form 34 REV 10/07

Form Specs

Fact Detail
Governing Body Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division
Purpose To register the approved accounting and reporting system for gambling machines
Requirement Machine owners must file this form to register and report machine data
Completion Method Must be typewritten or printed legibly using blue ink
Reporting Frequency Options Weekly or Biweekly, with a specified day
Accounting System Approval Applicants must indicate the approved accounting system they will use
Governing Law(s) Montana gambling regulations as enforced by the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division

Guide to Filling Out Montana 34

Once you've decided to operate gaming machines in Montana, the Montana 34 form is your next step towards getting everything set up. This document is essential for registering your gaming machines with the state's Department of Justice, specifically with the Gambling Control was Division. Filing this form accurately ensures your machines are in compliance and allows you to start reporting your machine data as required. It might seem a bit daunting at first, but with the right information and attention to detail, filling it out can be straight-forward. Follow these steps to ensure your submission is complete and correct.

  1. Prepare to fill out the form using blue ink, or if you're typing, ensure that the output is clear and legible.
  2. Start by entering your Machine Owner Information. This includes the LICENSEE NAME, which is the official name of your business, along with the PHONE NUMBER where you or your business can be reached.
  3. Include your business ADDRESS, making sure to fill in the specific details like CITY, STATE, and ZIP CODE.
  4. Provide your FEDERAL TAX ID NUMBER, essential for tax purposes and to confirm the legitimacy of your business.
  5. If you have an ACCOUNT NUMBER with the Division, enter it in the specified format (000000-XXX-GOA).
  6. Indicate the NAME OF CONTACT FOR NOTIFICATIONS. This person could be you, your accountant, a route operator, or a bookkeeper who will handle communication with the Division.
  7. Fill in the E-MAIL ADDRESS OF CONTACT. If you wish to provide additional email addresses, prepare a separate sheet of paper to include with your form.
  8. Move on to the Machine Information section. Here, detail the approved accounting and reporting system for the machines by selecting the reporting frequency (weekly or biweekly) and the day of the week (Monday to Friday) you plan to report meter data.
  9. Check the box that corresponds to the accounting system you're using and write the Name of System if you select the "Approved System" option.
  10. Finally, print your name in the PRINTED NAME line, sign and date the form where indicated.

Once completed, review your form to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Submit the form to the address provided at the top, and await your confirmation notice from the Division. This notice will include a PIN and further instructions on how to proceed with your machine data reporting. Remember, timely and accurate filing is crucial for compliance and the smooth operation of your gaming machines. Good luck!

Your Questions, Answered

  1. What is the Montana 34 form?

    The Montana 34 form is a registration document required by the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division. It is used by machine owners to register the approved accounting and reporting system for the gaming machines they own. This system is necessary for the reporting of machine data to the Division.

  2. Who needs to file the Montana 34 form?

    Any owner/operator of gaming machines in Montana must file the Montana 34 form. This requirement is essential for registering their chosen accounting and reporting system with the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division.

  3. What information is required on the Montana 34 form?

    The form requires the following information:

    • Licensee name
    • Phone number
    • Address including city, state, and zip code
    • Federal Tax ID number
    • Name of the contact for notifications (can be an accountant, route operator, or bookkeeper, etc.)
    • Account number
    • Email address of the contact (additional email addresses should be provided on a separate sheet of paper)
    • Machine information including the reporting frequency and day of the week meter data will be reported
    • Name of the approved accounting system being used

    Machine owners must complete this form legibly using blue ink.

  4. How do I submit the Montana 34 form?

    Once completed, the form should be submitted to the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division either via mail to the provided address or through the fax number given. Ensure all required information is filled out accurately to avoid processing delays.

  5. What happens after I submit the form?

    Upon receiving the form, the Division will process the registration. The applicant will then receive a notice containing a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and instructions on how to use the reporting system.

  6. Is it mandatory to use an approved accounting system?

    Yes, machine owners must use an accounting system that has been approved by the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division. The name of the selected system must be indicated on the Montana 34 form.

  7. Can I choose the frequency of reporting?

    Yes, on the Montana 34 form, you are required to select your preferred reporting frequency — either weekly or biweekly. Additionally, you must choose the day of the week on which the meter data will be reported.

  8. What if I need to provide additional email addresses?

    If you need to provide additional email addresses other than the one required on the form, you should attach a separate sheet of paper with these email addresses clearly listed. This ensures all pertinent contacts receive necessary notifications and information.

  9. Where can I find more information or assistance with the Montana 34 form?

    For further information or assistance with the Montana 34 form, you can contact the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division by phone at the provided number. Helpful staff can provide guidance on completing and submitting the form correctly.

Common mistakes

When filling out the Montana 34 form for registering a gambling machine owner/operator with the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division, people often make mistakes that can delay the process. Paying close attention to detail and avoiding the following common errors can smooth the registration process.

  1. Failing to use blue ink when filling out the form. The instructions specify that the form should be completed legibly using blue ink to ensure that the document is clear and readable when processed.

  2. Not providing a second e-mail address on a separate sheet of paper. Since the form only has space for one email address, and additional contacts are often necessary, omitting this can lead to communication issues.

  3. Incorrectly choosing the accounting system details. Each machine owner must indicate their reporting frequency and the day of the week meter data will be reported. Mischecking these boxes or leaving them blank can cause reporting inconsistencies.

  4. Forgetting to sign and date the form. The signature and date at the bottom of the form are crucial for validating that the information provided is both accurate and agreed upon by the machine owner.

Ensuring that these details are correct when submitting the Montana 34 form is essential for a timely and hassle-free registration with the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division. Here are a few additional tips:

  • Always double-check the form for completeness before submission.
  • Remember to include contact information that can facilitate quick communication between you and the Division.
  • Verify that all machine information is accurately and thoroughly reported.

By avoiding these common mistakes, machine owners can expedite their registration process and comply smoothly with Montana's gambling regulations.

Documents used along the form

When operating gambling machines in Montana, submitting the Montana 34 form is a critical step in ensuring compliance with state regulations. However, this form is often not the only document required by the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division. Several other forms and documents are commonly used alongside the Montana 34 form, each serving a unique purpose in the regulatory process. Understanding these additional requirements can help streamline the registration and operation of gambling machines.

  • Machine License Application: Applicants must submit this form to request a license for each gambling machine operated. It includes details about the machine's make, model, and serial number.
  • Personal/Criminal History Statement: This is needed from each owner or operator, providing background information to ensure eligibility for operating gambling devices.
  • Annual License Renewal Form: Required to renew the machine and operator licenses annually, confirming compliance with all applicable laws and obligations.
  • Quarterly Tax Return: Operators must file this with the Department of Revenue to report earnings from gambling machines and pay the necessary taxes.
  • Change of Information Form: Used to report any changes to the operator’s or machine's information previously submitted to the Gambling Control Division.
  • Site Operator Agreement: An agreement between the machine owner and the premises owner, detailing the terms under which machines are hosted at a particular location.
  • Intent to Sell Form: Required when an operator intends to sell or transfer ownership of a gambling machine, ensuring the new owner is aware of their responsibilities.
  • Machine Service Log: A record of all maintenance and service performed on each machine, which must be available for inspection.
  • Incident Report Form: Used to report any malfunctions, disputes, or unusual activities related to the operation of gambling machines to the authorities.

This overview of forms and documents commonly used in conjunction with the Montana 34 form illustrates the complexity of regulatory compliance in the gambling industry. Operators need to be diligent in maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation to ensure smooth operations and adherence to Montana's legal framework. Taking the time to understand and properly manage these documents can help prevent legal setbacks and promote a profitable gambling business.

Similar forms

The Montana 34 form closely resembles the Business License Application forms that various states require for operating legally within their jurisdiction. Both types of documents are crucial for regulatory compliance, requiring detailed information about the business, such as owner/operator identification, business locations, contact information, and specific operational details. While the Business License Application broadly covers the legality of running a business, the Montana 34 form zooms in on the gambling sector, specifically targeting the registration of a gaming machine's accounting and reporting systems. Nonetheless, the underlying principle of gathering accurate information to ensure compliance with state regulations links these documents together closely.

Similar in purpose to the Montana 34 form is the Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Application, known as Form SS-4, which the IRS requires for tax purposes. Like the Montana 34, the SS-4 form collects identification and contact information, but for the sake of assigning an EIN to newly formed entities. Both documents are foundational for a business's regulatory journey—the Montana 34 in the context of state gambling operations, and the SS-4 for broader federal identification purposes. Each serves as a key that unlocks a crucial aspect of legal business operations within their respective scopes.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Gaming Registration Form offers another parallel. Targeted towards businesses within the gaming industry in Ontario, Canada, this form, much like the Montana 34, collects detailed information on the gaming operations, including the type of gaming activities and specific devices used. It emphasizes regulatory compliance within the gaming sector, similar to the Montana 34's focus on the registration and reporting system for gambling machines. Despite geographical differences, both forms play critical roles in ensuring that gaming activities operate within the bounds of legal and regulatory standards.

The Occupational License Application for individuals seeking to work in the gaming industry in various jurisdictions mirrors the intent behind the Montana 34 form as well. This type of application captures personal and professional details of individuals, ensuring they meet the legal requirements to operate or be employed within the gambling sector. While the Montana 34 form registers the machine and its reporting system, the Occupational License Application scrutinizes the credentials of individuals, serving a complementary purpose in the overarching regulatory framework governing gaming.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board's Manufacturer and Distributor License Application shares similarities with the Montana 34 form by focusing on a specific aspect of the gaming industry. This document requires comprehensive details about the types of gaming devices and related equipment that a company manufactures or distributes. The core purpose, like that of the Montana 34, is to facilitate regulatory oversight, though with an emphasis on the production and distribution chain within the gaming sector. Despite the focus on different nodes within the gaming industry ecosystem, both forms aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with specific legal standards.

Dos and Don'ts

When completing the Montana 34 form, it is crucial to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure accurate and timely processing by the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division. Below are five imperative actions you should take, followed by five actions you should avoid:

What You Should Do:

  1. Use blue ink and print legibly or type your responses to ensure the clarity and readability of the information provided.
  2. Provide accurate and complete details for all required fields, including machine owner information and machine information, to avoid delays or rejections.
  3. Select the correct accounting system and reporting frequency, checking the appropriate boxes to indicate your choices clearly.
  4. Include all necessary contact information, such as the name of the contact person for notifications and an email address. Ensure additional email addresses are listed on a separate sheet if needed.
  5. Review the entire form before submitting to confirm all information is correct and no sections have been overlooked.

What You Shouldn't Do:

  1. Avoid using pens with colors other than blue to fill out the form, as specified by the instructions, which could result in processing issues.
  2. Do not leave any required fields blank, as incomplete forms may be rejected or returned, causing unnecessary delays.
  3. Refrain from choosing an unapproved accounting system or reporting frequency that does not match the options provided on the form.
  4. Omit adding a designated contact person for notifications or providing partial contact details, which may hinder communication.
  5. Do not forget to sign and date the form at the bottom, as an unsigned form is considered invalid and will not be processed.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Montana 34 form, which is crucial for machine owners in the gambling sector to register their machine's accounting and reporting systems with the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division, abound. Understanding these misconceptions can ensure compliance and facilitate a smoother regulatory process. Below are eight common misunderstandings:

  • It's unnecessary to use blue ink: The form specifically requests that all entries be made legibly using blue ink. This requirement aids in ensuring that the submitted information is original and has not been altered, promoting clarity and authenticity.
  • Electronic submissions are allowed: As per the instructions on the form, it seems there's a strong preference for the form to be filled out typed or printed, and then mailed or faxed to the provided contact details. This suggests that electronic submissions, such as via email, may not be supported or preferred unless specifically stated otherwise.
  • Any reporting system can be used: The form stipulates that machine owners must indicate the approved accounting system they will use for reporting. This implies that not just any system can be utilized; it must be one that has received the division's approval, stressing the importance of compliance with regulated standards.
  • Reporting frequency is flexible: Machine owners must choose between weekly or bi-weekly reporting, indicating a specific day of the week for submissions. This structured approach underscores the division's requirement for regular, predictable reporting intervals, contrary to the belief that reporting times can be self-determined.
  • All machine owners need a federal tax ID to register: The requirement for a Federal Tax ID number on the form emphasizes the necessity for machine owners to be properly registered businesses or entities. This is a crucial aspect of the regulatory framework, underlining the formal nature of these operations and their adherence to tax laws.
  • Contact information is optional: The form requires the name of a contact for notifications and their email address, highlighting the division's need to have a direct line of communication with a designated individual. This dispels the idea that providing contact information is optional, reinforcing its necessity for legal and procedural communications.
  • Machine information details are secondary: By requiring detailed machine information and reporting system data, the form illustrates the importance of each machine being accounted for and monitored. This clarifies that such details are far from secondary but are, in fact, foundational to the regulatory purpose of the form.
  • A PIN is immediately provided upon form submission: The indication that a PIN and further instructions will be sent to the applicant after the form is received and processed by the Division suggests that there is a review or verification process. This dispels the assumption that immediate access to the reporting system is granted upon submission, emphasizing a procedural step for ensuring compliance before operational permissions are conveyed.

Understanding and addressing these misconceptions is vital for machine owners to navigate the regulatory environment efficiently and to ensure that their operations align with the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division's requirements. Compliance not only aids in the lawful operation of gambling machines but also supports the integrity and fairness of gambling activities within Montana.

Key takeaways

Completing and utilizing the Montana 34 form is a critical process for owners and operators of gaming machines within the state. The form serves as a registration document for the approved accounting and reporting system to report machine data. Here are key takeaways to ensure compliance and accuracy in the process:

  • Diligence in completion: It’s imperative to fill out the form legibly, using blue ink, as this ensures clarity and reduces the potential for errors in processing the information.
  • Accuracy of information: Providing accurate machine owner information, including the license name, phone number, address, and federal tax ID number, is crucial for the proper identification and communication with the Montana Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division.
  • Designating a contact: The form allows for the designation of a contact person for notifications. This could be an accountant, route operator, or bookkeeper, highlighting the importance of appointing a reliable individual who will manage communications effectively.
  • Machine information clarity: Clearly indicating the machine information, including accounting system details, is vital. This includes selecting the reporting frequency (weekly or biweekly) and the day of the week meter data will be reported, ensuring timely and organized data submission.
  • Choice of accounting system: The form requires the specification of an approved accounting system. This choice is fundamental for compliance and should be made after careful consideration of the options available and their compatibility with the operator’s machines.
  • Submission for approval: Once the form is filled out, it needs to be submitted to the Division for approval, a step that initiates the formal registration of the machine(s) and the reporting system to be used.
  • PIN and Instructions Receipt: Following the submission and approval, the applicant will receive a notice containing a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and detailed instructions on how to use the reporting system, underscoring the importance of accurately completing the contact information section.
  • Compliance with regulations: Filling out and using the Montana 34 form correctly is not only about administrative accuracy but also about adhering to state gambling laws and regulations. Compliance ensures the lawful operation of gaming machines and helps prevent legal complications.

Overall, the Montana 34 form plays a pivotal role in the regulation and oversight of gaming machines within the state, helping both operators and the Department of Justice ensure the integrity and lawful operation of gambling activities.

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