A committee in the Arizona legislature voted unanimously to move a bill that would combine the commissions that regulate racing, gaming, boxing and mixed martial arts.
House Bill 2509 would combine the Arizona Racing Commission, Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission, and Department of Gaming. If passed, it would go into effect next June.
The Arizona Gaming Commission would be made up of six members, four would be appointed by the governor. Among them would be the director of the commission. The balance of the commission would be appointed by the Senate president and House Speaker.
The Arizona Department of Gaming was created in 1995 and given responsibility for Indian gaming. It was expanded 20 years later to include horse and dog racing, parimutuel wagering, boxing and martial arts.
