A three-judge panel at the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia struck down New Jersey's efforts to legalize sports gambling in the state by upholding a ruling that "the state's betting law conflicts with federal law" and therefore should not be allowed there, BLN.com reported.

Tuesday's ruling now makes it likely that New Jersey's only bet to to legalize sports gambling in the state is to ask for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, and perhaps reverse the ruling, news reports said.

New Jersey's Governor Chris Christie, who has been pushing the initiative, expressed long time interest going to the Supreme Court if it was deemed necessary.

In 2011, voters passed a sports betting referendum.  Last year New Jersey enacted a law limiting bets to Atlantic City casinos and horse racing tracks.. Bets would not be taken on games involving New Jersey colleges or college games being played in the state. The governor said that he hoped to grant sports betting licenses by early 2013, but those plans also had to be placed on hold.

NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball, NHL and NCAA all sued the state last year, saying the proposed betting law could ultimately harm the sancity of the games. Baseball's Commisioner Bud Selig said he was "appalled" by Christie's plans and actions.

Attorneys for the state attacked the 1992 federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, deeming it unconstitutional.