At least for the short term, the state’s Racing and Gaming Commission will be led by a man with significant local law enforcement connections.
DJ Lopez, who spent over a decade with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, was named Racing and Gaming’s acting director by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday.
Since ending his 13-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, Lopez has now been with Racing and Gaming since 2008. During his time, he has held several responsibilities — including enforcement agent, regional security manager, Director of Licensing and Sports Wagering and Director of Gambling.
Racing and Gaming is a law enforcement agency that regulates gaming and pari-mutuel racing across the state in an effort to ensure gambling at casinos and other Kansas facilities happens with integrity. The commission has a range of regulatory responsibilities, including audits and electronic security, licensing and responsible gambling.
Lopez replaces Down Brownlee, who has led the commission for 11 years.
