Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday night that New Jersey is prepared for legalized sports betting "sooner than later" if the U.S. Supreme Court issues a decision as soon as Tuesday morning that would pave the way for it here.

Murphy took the question from Twitter on his "Ask the Governor" program on News 12 New Jersey. The questioner wanted to know how quickly people could place their bets here if the nation's highest court sides with the state in its seven-year battle court case to legalize wagering on sports.

The question was in response to a report in the New York Post that suggested a ruling is imminent.

"How quickly?" Murphy asked.

"I hope it's soon," he said. "If it comes (Tuesday), I can't say that we'll be taking bets on Wednesday, but it will be sooner than later."

Of course, nobody knows exactly when the Supreme Court will issue its ruling. It could happen between now and June.

Nonetheless, Murphy said he and leaders of the state Legislature are making preparations

Monmouth Park in Oceanport has already constructed a sports betting parlor that owners say will be ready to go within two weeks of the ruling.

The court could rule three ways:

* Side completely against sports betting.

* Completely overturn a 1992 federal law banning sports betting in all but four states.

* Permit New Jersey to enact a state law Gov. Chris Christie signed that would allow such wagering at the state's horse tracks and casinos as long as the state doesn't regulate it.

If the entire ban is overturned, state lawmakers would enact a new law for the state to establish sports betting regulations.

Murphy said he's already working with lawmakers to set up the necessary rules.

"This is something that Governor Christie and I spoke about during the transition, and I think we both felt this is a game changer," Murphy said.

The governor also confirmed reports that representatives from professional sports leagues have met with state officials.

"We have met with representatives from a variety of leagues," Murphy said.

The National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, National Hockey Leagues, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association have successfully sued the state multiple times since 2011 to stop it.

But now, the NBA and MLB are asking states across the U.S. to allow them a percentage of the total amount wagered on their games should the Supreme Court rule in New Jersey's favor, NJ Advance Media reported last week.

Representatives for the NBA and MLB have met privately with New Jersey's leaders in recent months to prepare. But legislative leaders have balked at the leagues' request for a fee, three sources with knowledge of the situation told NJ Advance Media. One source called the proposal "laughable."

NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook.