It was supposed to be the first of its kind in New Jersey: a lounge at Monmouth Park racetrack where people could legally bet on sports games — just like they do in Las Vegas.

Four years after it was built, not a single bet has been placed. The lounge at the Oceanport track has been operating as a sports bar instead as the state’s effort to legalize sports betting at racetracks and casinos has been held up in a lengthy court battle.

But that could soon change. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case Dec. 4, and experts and officials say the scales finally appear to be tipping in New Jersey’s favor.

“Anybody watching from the sidelines can see the writing on the wall,” said Daniel Wallach, a gaming and sports law attorney with Becker & Poliakoff in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

A ruling is not expected for months after the arguments — likely in the spring, possibly as late as June.

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