New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has vetoed legislation that would have led to punters being able to place bets at the US state's casinos and racetracks.

The decision was announced by Christie's office late on Friday.

The bill would have allowed New Jersey to circumvent a federal law against gambling on professional and college sports in the state.

With the US Supreme Court having declined to take up the state's case, the ban remains in place.

"Ignoring federal law, rather than working to reform federal standards, is counter to our democratic traditions and inconsistent with the Constitutional values I have sworn to defend and protect," Christie said.

He added that although he mounted a "spirited legal effort" to try to change the law, he was not willing to support an attempt to bypass the court.

Both chambers of the Legislature passed the bill in June with overwhelming support just days after the Supreme Court's ruling.

Assembly Democrat Ralph Caputo, a sponsor of the legislation, added: "The legislation would have been a much-needed shot in the arm for Atlantic City and our racetracks, in particular.

"This was a viable opportunity to increase revenue and help rejuvenate New Jersey's casino industry, and we didn't take it."

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