562.02 Racing operations. (1) The department shall: (a) Regulate racing and on-track pari-mutuel wagering in this state and shall promulgate all rules necessary to administer this chapter. The department shall do everything necessary to ensure that the public interest is protected in relation to racing. (am) Administer the issuance of licenses. The department may not issue any license under s. 562.05 (1) (a) to (c) without a hearing. The department shall determine which occupations related to racing require licensing, except that the department shall require licenses for the following: 1. Occupations of participants in horse racing, including horse owners or lessees, horse trainers and their assistants, jockeys or drivers, exercise riders and grooms.
May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26)
562.02
RACING AND PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING
2. Occupations of participants in dog racing, including dog owners or lessees, dog trainers and their assistants, kennel masters and kennel helpers. 3. Veterinarians. 4. Race officials and personnel. 5. Pari-mutuel personnel. 6. Security personnel. 7. Persons holding concession, management, consultant or other contracts to provide goods or services to a licensee under s. 562.05 (1) (a) to (c). (b) Promulgate rules to ensure the humane treatment of animals which race in this state or which are bred and trained in this state for racing and shall establish a program to administer those rules. (c) Determine what types of races may be conducted in this state. (d) Require by rule that any contract in excess of $10,000 for the provision of goods and services, including but not limited to concessions contracts, entered into by any licensee, be subject to the approval of the department and that all contracts for $10,000 or less shall be filed with the department. (e) By rule, prescribe any restriction on wagering by a licensee or the employees of a licensee which it deems necessary to protect the public interest. (f) Establish, by rule, a schedule of license suspensions and revocations or forfeitures for violations of this chapter or department rules which may be imposed by the department under sub. (2) (f) or by the stewards under s. 562.04 (1) (b). A forfeiture under that schedule may not exceed $10,000. The rule shall include factors to be considered by stewards in acting under s. 562.04 (1) (b). (fm) Approve the appointment of any steward serving under s.