It is unlikely that online poker will become legalised in the US before 2013, according to Wall Street analysts.

An assessment by Macquarie Securities analyst Chad Beynon found that online poker will most likely not be legalised in the US before 2013, singling out Nevada as the state most likely to reap the rewards on an intrastate basis.

Beynon stated that "the standards were written in a way that will allow for small adjustments as the process moves forward." Adding: "At this point, no firm date has been set, but 13 companies have now submitted for an operating licence."

Key land-based casino operators such as Caesars and MGM Resorts are reportedly best positioned to benefit most from state gaming legislation, as well as lottery vendors due to existing infrastructure and business relationships.

California, New Jersey and Iowa all appear to be making good progress, according to Beynon, with Nevada's regulations potentially setting a standard for others to follow, even at federal level.