Racing commissioner; appointment; qualifications; individuals prohibited from wagering.

(1) The racing commissioner shall be appointed for a term of 4 years by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate. (2) The racing commissioner shall be a resident of this state and during his or her term of office shall not be a stockholder of, or be directly or indirectly connected with the conduct or management of, or have any other legal or beneficial interest in, any of the following: (a) A racetrack, race meeting, or a racing interest, including, but not limited to, the ownership, breeding, training, or racing of horses or any vendor, supplier, or distributor of goods or services to a racetrack, race meeting, or racing participant licensed under this act. (b) Any gaming activity conducted at any licensed race meeting in this state. (3) The racing commissioner, an employee of the office of the racing commissioner, or a member of the immediate family of the racing commissioner or of an employee of the office of the racing commissioner shall not participate in wagering permitted under this act or conducted by a person or an affiliate of a person licensed or applying for a license under this act. This subsection does not apply to wagering that is part of surveillance, security, or other official duties for the office of the racing commissioner.