New Jersey Will Appeal Sports Betting Ruling

The state of New Jersey will officially appeal a federal judge's ruling that blocks the state from offering legalized sports betting within its boundaries, the Garden State's Governor and other politicians told Reuters on Friday.

"We are confident that the federal court of appeals will conclude that New Jersey should be treated equally with other states," Christie said.

The state had passed a law last year that would have legalized sports betting in New Jersey casinos and racetracks, and effectively worked as a challenge against the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which allowed sports betting in just four states.

Last week U.S. federal judge Michael Shipp ruled against the state, instituting a permanent injunction that will legally prevent New Jersey from offering the bets.

Also commenting on the issue, New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney said: "Sports gambling can provide hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue to the state, creating jobs and economic growth."