In the recent revision of the Constitution, effective on July 1, 1971, section 60, which had been inserted in 1902 to prohibit lotteries, was removed. The effect of its removal from the Constitution was to place on the General Assembly the responsibility of deciding whether State-regulated wagering enterprises such as lotteries or pari-mutuel betting should be permitted.

Pursuant to this responsibility, the 1971 Session of the General Assembly adopted House Joint Resolution No. 8, which created a commission to study one kind of wagering enterprise, pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.

Appointed to serve on the Commission were: State Senator Peter K. Babalas of Norfolk, Delegate Vincent F. Callahan, Jr., of McLean, William M. Camp, Jr., of Franklin, State Senator Edward T. Caton, III, of Virginia Beach, Walter W. Craigie, Sr., of Richmond, H. Addison Dalton of Richmond, Raymond R. Guest of King George, John W. Hanes, Sr., of New York City, State Senator Omer L. Hirst of Annandale, Delegate George J. Kostel of Clifton Forge, Delegate Julien J. Mason of Bowling Green, Charles F. Phillips, Jr., of Lexington, Delegate Samuel E. Pope of Drewryville, Delegate William Ferguson Reid of Richmond, Randolph D. Rouse of Arlington, Alson H. Smith, Jr. of Winchester, Harold Soldinger of Norfolk, T. D. Steele of Roanoke, Delegate Daniel G. Van Clief of Esmont, Delegate Stanley C. Walker of Norfolk and State Senator Lawrence Douglas Wilder of Richmond. Mr. Van Clief was elected Chairman and Senator Caton was elected Vice-Chairman. The Division of Statutory Research and Drafting, represented by Sally T. Warthen, and the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, represented by Raymond D. Vaughan, provided staff facilities and support.