New Jersey's setback in trying to legalize sports betting may not be over: Gov. Chris Christie says he's interested in petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case.

The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia ruled Tuesday that a law signed by Christie in 2014 -- never implemented because it was challenged immediately by the four pro sports leagues and the NCAA -- violated a 1992 federal ban on sports wagering.

"I think we may go to the Supreme Court. There's only one step left,'' Christie said Wednesday during a stint as co-host on "Boomer & Carton''' on WFAN sports radio.

Christie conceded prevailing in the case "is a long shot no matter what. They don't have to take the case.''

Christie said the state was merely interested "in legalizing what is happening every Sunday with illegal bookmakers, and the Mafia. (The leagues) would) rather have them do it. Because they think that having Mafia people and illegal betting is somehow safer than having legalized betting.''

Monmouth Park's operators, the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, had hoped sports wagering would provide an alternative revenue stream in an effort to be remain competitive with tracks in neighboring states with purses supplemented by money from casino gaming.

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