New Jersey has been dealt a fresh blow in its bid to launch a legal sports betting market after a federal appeals court rejected the latest effort by the US state to begin offering such services.

The state has been attempting to launch a legal sports betting market for a number of years now, but is yet to receive the necessary approval to roll out the service.

Under New Jersey's plans, casino and racetracks in the state would be able to offer wagering on various sports games, a service that is currently only legal in one US state – Nevada.

However, New Jersey faces heavy opposition from a number of major sporting organisations, which have argued that a legal market could lead to an increase in issues such as match fixing.

The NFL American football, NBA basketball, NHL ice hockey and MLB baseball leagues have all criticised plans to launch a legal sports betting market in the state, while the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has also hit out at the proposals.

Having failed in an attempt to legalise sports betting earlier this year, New Jersey was back in court this week in its latest effort to convince lawmakers to allow it to offer such services.

However, a three-judge US Third Circuit Court of Appeals panel in Philadelphia voted 2-1 in favour of the NCAA and the four major sports leagues, meaning New Jersey will have to try again at a later date.

Despite the decision, New Jersey State Senator Raymond Lesniak, who has led the state's fight for sports betting, said he was encouraged by the dissent in the latest ruling.

"Even the analysis from the court admits, (the federal ban) is criticised for allowing illegal gambling to flourish and stifling vital economic growth at our racetracks and casinos," Lesniak said in a statement.

"New Jersey residents should have the right to engage in legal sports wagering if they choose to."

This is a reprint from igamingbusiness.com. to view the original, click here.