N.M. governor wants racing, gambling boards combined

Deborah Baker

Monday, June 13, 2005 | 9:25 a.m.

SANTA FE -- Gov. Bill Richardson has proposed combining the Gaming Control Board and the Racing Commission, creating a single regulatory agency.

The governor said Friday the consolidation would save money and streamline the regulatory process without sacrificing oversight of gambling.

He has ordered the boards and staffs of the two agencies to develop a preliminary proposal this summer. A special advisory committee would review and revise it this fall, so that the necessary legislation could be introduced in the 2006 session.

"Ultimately we may find that consolidation will be good for racing, good for gaming, and good for the taxpayers of New Mexico," the governor said.

He also announced a new interim executive director for the Gaming Control Board: India Hatch, who is currently the executive director of the Racing Commission.

Racing Commission Deputy Director Julian Luna will become the interim executive director, the governor also said.

According to Richardson's chief of staff, David Contarino, the administration will hold off on naming permanent heads of the two agencies until the consolidation issue is decided.

The Gaming Control Board, with a budget of _$5.2 million and more than 50 employees, regulates slot machines at race tracks and at veterans' and fraternal organizations, and as of July also will regulate bingo and raffles.

The Racing Commission, which has 17 employees and a _$1.9 million budget, regulates pari-mutuel betting at the state's five race tracks, as well as overseeing drug testing, licensing, live racing and simulcasting.

The boards and staffs will work on a proposal in July and August, and the advisory committee -- with representatives from the gambling and racing industries, fraternal organizations and the Legislature, including House Speaker Ben Lujan, D-Santa Fe -- will take over in September and October.

Public meetings will be held before the governor decides whether to put the issue on the agenda for the 2006 legislative session.