Missouri Senator Targets Chiefs Sportsbook With SJR 109

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Sat Jan 10, 2026, 7:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Missouri Senator Targets Chiefs Sportsbook With SJR 109

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Missouri lawmakers continue debating how sports betting should function inside the state. Now, Senator Nick Schroer has escalated that debate by targeting the Kansas City Chiefs.

His proposal centers on Senate Joint Resolution 109 (SJR 109). The measure challenges how Missouri defines professional sports teams for wagering purposes. As a result, the Chiefs and their stadium sportsbook face new political pressure.

The issue also raises broader questions about US online sportsbooks and future regulation. With the NFL remaining a major betting driver, the stakes remain high for Missouri bettors.

Why is Senator Nick Schroer Pushing SJR 109?

Senator Nick Schroer introduced SJR 109 to revise Missouri's constitutional sports betting language. Specifically, the resolution targets teams that no longer maintain a clear in-state presence.

Schroer argues the current framework unfairly benefits organizations preparing to leave Missouri. He believes voters never intended to support out-of-state teams through legal wagering privileges.

SJR 109 challenges how Missouri defines eligible professional sports teams. The legislation includes the following language:

"Current constitutional provisions define 'professional sports team' as a team located in this state that is a member of the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, the National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, the Women's National Basketball Association or the National Women's Soccer League for the purposes of conducting sports wagering in this state,"

Schroer claims that definition creates legal ambiguity. He says the Chiefs may soon fail the "located in this state" requirement. Therefore, he wants to preemptively protect Missouri's regulatory framework.

Additionally, Schroer frames the bill as a consumer protection effort. He argues Missouri should not extend wagering rights to departing franchises. 

The resolution would force lawmakers to reassess sportsbook partnerships statewide. That change could reshape relationships between teams and US online sportsbooks.

Chiefs' Move and Impact on Missouri Bettors

Schroer pre-filed the bill nine days after the Chiefs announced a Dec. 22 agreement to build a new Kansas stadium complex. The deal includes a stadium, training facility, and mixed-use districts. Moreover, the team plans to leave Arrowhead Stadium before the 2031 NFL season begins.

Once the Chiefs relocate, Missouri loses a major NFL anchor. That loss could disrupt future sportsbook planning across the state. However, it is worth noting that the Chiefs currently lack a sportsbook partner. Other Missouri teams already align with betting operators. This includes NHL's St. Louis Blues (DraftKings), MLB's St. Louis Cardinals (bet365) and Major League Soccer's St. Louis City.

As a result, Missouri bettors may see limited local branding tied to the Chiefs moving forward. This gap already separates the franchise from competitors statewide. A relocation would further complicate market consistency for bettors.

How SJR 109 Could Shape Missouri Sports Betting

In the bigger picture, SJR 109 may influence how Missouri structures future betting licenses. The resolution encourages stricter geographic requirements for eligibility. That shift could impact team-based sportsbook skins and promotions.

Lawmakers may also reconsider how teams support legal wagering efforts. Additionally, future franchises could face tighter compliance expectations. That approach may stabilize Missouri's betting environment in the long term.

However, critics warn the bill could discourage investment. They argue uncertainty harms innovation and market growth. Still, Schroer remains firm in his position.

Ultimately, Missouri's sports betting future remains unsettled. The NFL and its franchises continue driving public interest. As debates continue, bettors await clarity and consistency statewide.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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