Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is seeking the appointment of a new gambling czar, and she already has someone in mind to help oversee the development of state-owned resort casinos and slot machines at racetracks.

Sebelius asked the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission on Tuesday to appoint a “chief gaming officer” to oversee the new gambling and serve as a liaison between the commission and the Kansas Lottery. A new law that took effect in April authorizes four casinos, owned by the lottery, and slot machines at three dog and horse tracks.

She also suggested the commission appoint former state Rep. Robert Krehbiel to the job. Krehbiel is one of three members of the Kansas Corporation Commission, which regulates utilities.

Sebelius said in a written statement that having a single official oversee the execution and enforcement of the new gambling law “just makes sense.”

“The goal is to ensure the process proceeds smoothly and that proper oversight is maintained at every step of the way,” she said.