A South Dakota official has been appointed chairman of the Model Rules Committee of Racing Commissioners International, which includes 38 states.

Larry Eliason, head of the South Dakota Gaming Commission, has been a racing regulator for 27 years. He has headed the gaming panel since 1995.

The Model Rules Committee develops model regulations governing horse and greyhound racing, track operations, licensing, pari-mutuel wagering and security.

Eliason is a former director of the South Dakota Racing Commission.