Racing in North America began growing in earnest in the early 1930s. With this proliferation of new race tracks in new racing states, it became clear that if racing was to mature as a national sport, each state no longer could function alone, as an island, unmindful of other states' rules and regulations. So in August of 1934, racing commissioners from seven states--Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Ohio--met in Miami to form a national organization that would "encourage forceful and honest nationwide control of racing for the protection of the public."

Thus was born the National Association of State Racing Commissioners (NASRC). The founders represented thoroughbred racing only, but in later years the organization was broadened in scope to include all other forms of flat racing, as well as harness and greyhound racing and jai-alai. In 1988, the Association changed its name to the Association of Racing Commissioners International, Inc. (RCI) to more accurately reflect the composition of its membership.

The seven original founding states elected Mark R. Hanna of Michigan as the first president. Thomas R. Underwood of Kentucky was elected secretary-treasurer. Within two years, membership in the Association had increased to 19 state commissions. As other North American racing commissions were organized, they also joined the international body.

Among the goals of the new organization were reciprocity in enforcing each other's official rulings (penalties) and uniform rules and practices. From the beginning, the Association has functioned as a repository and redistribution center for all official rulings by stewards and racing commissioners. As racing grew, so grew this important file of rulings, and today the RCI office in Lexington, Kentucky, receives for circulation hundreds of rulings a week, many of little national significance (minor riding infractions, for example), but some of vital interest to the integrity of the pari-mutuel industry (race-fixing, druggings, etc.).

The regular membership of the RCI is comprised of 44 jurisdictions and 9 neighboring territories or countries.

In addition, the RCI has associate members from countries around the world. Associate members consist of industry-related groups and regulatory groups from foreign countries. The Association of Official Racing Chemists, formed in 1947, also is an associate member and holds its meetings in conjunction with the RCI's annual conference. The RCI also serves as the umbrella organization for the Winners Federation, an agency which fights addictive disorders suffered by individuals within the industry.

The RCI, a non-profit Kentucky corporation, is governed by a board of directors. It has approximately 30 functioning committees and subcommittees. The Association holds an annual meeting and regional meetings.