New Jersey gambling regulators are testing the limits of their state’s sports betting legislation by inviting operators to apply for licenses in advance of a crucial US Supreme Court ruling.

Earlier this month, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) director David Rebuck (pictured) surprised some attendees at the ICE Totally Gaming conference in London when he urged them to apply to participate in New Jersey’s sports betting market now “or you will be left behind.”

On Thursday, Rebuck issued a statement to ESPN confirming the DGE’s willingness to start the process of licensing sports betting providers, saying the regulator “needs to be prepared to investigate and license businesses and individuals seeking to enter the New Jersey gaming market should the Supreme Court issue a favorable decision authorizing the state to legalize and regulate sports wagering.”

Rebuck went on to say that the DGE had been approached by numerous companies curious about New Jersey’s “licensing requirements in the event they are able to engage in sports wagering operations with our casino industry.” Rebuck encouraged these firms to “commence the application process.”