MADISON, Wis. — A bill legalizing rubber duck races in Wisconsin is moving closer to the finishing line.

The state Assembly approved the measure Thursday on a voice vote. The bill now goes to the state Senate.

Non-profit organizations commonly race the little plastic ducks, with numbers on the bottom, as fundraisers. Participants usually buy a raffle ticket corresponding with a duck's number. The first to float across the finish line wins.

Rubber duck races in Wisconsin include the "Ducktona 500" in Sheboygan Falls and the "Lucky Ducky Derby" in Menomonee Falls.

The bill comes after the state Justice Department warned the village of Mishicot that its annual rubber duck race amounts to illegal gambling. The bill creates an exemption for duck races, similar to laws in Minnesota and Michigan.