In 1989 the Woodlands Racetrack was opened in Kansas City as the first facility to be regulated by the KRGC. Through 2009, 25 individuals have served on the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. Each of these commissioners was appointed in 1987, but their terms were staggered so they would not all expire at the same time. The first commissioners were Harry Anthony, Kay Arvin, Bert Cantwell, Phil Martin and Alfred Schroeder. He was appointed in 1987, and worked until 1990.

The first executive director of the KRGC was Jimmy Grenz. The KPRA created the Kansas Racing Commission to license and regulate pari-mutuel wagering and racing in Kansas. In 1987, the Kansas Legislature passed the Kansas Parimutuel Racing Act to implement the will of the voters. In 1986, the voters of the state of Kansas amended Article 15, Section 3b of the Kansas Constitution, allowing the state to “permit, regulate, license and tax” horse and dog racing and pari-mutuel wagering. Below is a summary of events related to racing and gaming.