Racing rubber ducks may soon be legal in Wisconsin. Yes, it's technically illegal now — here's why.

MADISON, Wis.  — The "Ducktona 500" in Sheboygan Falls and the "Lucky Ducky Derby" in Menomonee Falls may soon be able to operate in Wisconsin without fear of breaking the law.

The state Senate on Tuesday passed a bill legalizing rubber duck races in Wisconsin. The measure cleared the Assembly last week. It now heads to Gov. Scott Walker for his signature.

Nonprofit organizations commonly race the little plastic ducks, with numbers on the bottom, as fundraisers.

But the legality of those races was called into question after the state Justice Department warned the village of Mishicot that its annual rubber duck race amounts to illegal gambling.

The bill would create an exemption for duck races, similar to laws in Minnesota and Michigan.