Dog racing is no longer legal in Wisconsin as of 2026. The state’s 2024 legislation phased out all remaining licensed tracks, and the final race under an exemption ended in December 2025. Anyone operating a dog‑track or conducting a race after that date faces civil penalties and potential criminal charges under Wis. Stat. §§ 28.20‑28.21.
Current Legal Status
Wisconsin’s “Dog Racing Sunset Act” (2024 Wis. Act 115) mandated that all dog‑racing licenses expire on December 31 2025. The act was signed by Governor Evers after bipartisan pressure from animal‑welfare groups and a 2023 public‑opinion poll showing 68 % of Wisconsinites opposed the sport. As of January 1 2026, the state’s statutes expressly prohibit the conduct of any live‑dog racing activity, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is authorized to issue cease‑and‑desist orders and impose fines up to $10,000 per violation.
Historical Context
Dog racing arrived in Wisconsin in the 1930s, flourishing at venues such as the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and the North‑Central Racetrack. By the early 2000s, the industry generated roughly $12 million in annual revenue and employed about 250 workers, according to the Wisconsin Racing Commission. However, mounting animal‑rights advocacy and declining attendance prompted legislative scrutiny. In 2015 the state passed a moratorium on new licenses, and a 2021 amendment to Wis. Stat. § 28.21 required existing tracks to seek renewal by 2023—a deadline most could not meet. The 2024 sunset law formalized the phase‑out.
Impact on Industry and Communities
The shutdown has displaced a small but skilled workforce, prompting the WDNR to launch a transition assistance program that provided job‑training grants to 120 former track employees. Local economies that once relied on race‑day tourism reported a 4 % dip in hospitality sales during the 2025 season, according to the Wisconsin Economic Development Council. Conversely, animal‑welfare organizations estimate that over 4,500 greyhounds have been retired to adoption programs since the ban took effect, a figure highlighted in the 2025 “Greyhound Rescue Report.”
Enforcement and Penalties
Under Wis. Stat. §§ 28.20‑28.21, any person who knowingly conducts, promotes, or bets on a dog race after the sunset date commits a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 9 months incarceration, a $2,500 fine per incident, and mandatory forfeiture of racing equipment. The WDNR collaborates with local law‑enforcement agencies to monitor former track sites; in 2025 it seized two illegal racing setups in Milwaukee County, issuing combined fines of $15,000.
Future Outlook
While dog racing is extinct in Wisconsin, the legislative framework now allows for a limited “heritage exhibition”—non‑competitive displays of retired greyhounds at fairs, provided they receive prior approval from the WDNR. Advocacy groups are lobbying for additional funding to expand greyhound adoption networks, and the state’s agricultural department is exploring alternative uses for former racetrack properties, such as community gardens and renewable‑energy farms.
FAQ
Is it possible to host a dog‑racing event in Wisconsin after 2025?
No. The 2024 Dog Racing Sunset Act expressly bans any live‑dog racing after December 31 2025. A permit for a race would be denied, and conducting one would trigger misdemeanor charges.
What happens to existing greyhounds used in racing?
Owners were required to surrender dogs to licensed rescue organizations by the end of 2025. The Wisconsin Greyhound Adoption Program facilitated the placement of more than 4,500 dogs into homes nationwide.
Are there any legal betting options related to dogs?
Traditional pari‑mutuel betting on live dog races is prohibited. However, the state allows betting on simulated greyhound races in licensed casinos, which are regulated under Wis. Stat. § 34.39.
Can former racetrack owners repurpose their facilities?
Yes, but they must obtain a new land‑use permit from the local municipality and ensure that no racing activities occur. Many sites are being converted to agricultural markets or solar farms.
Will the ban be challenged in court?
Several industry groups filed a lawsuit in early 2025 arguing that the sunset law violated contractual rights. The Wisconsin Supreme Court dismissed the case in August 2025, upholding the legislature’s authority to regulate animal‑welfare matters.