Best VPN for PokerStars (Play Securely) in 2023

PokerStars is one of the more popular online poker companies and is geo-restricted in many countries around the world.

If you are a fan of poker websites, however, there is a way of accessing all of the best poker sites using a premium Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Read on to find out the best VPNs for PokerStars, enter its Cash Game Lobby, and enjoy online gaming hassle-free…

7 best VPNs for Pokerstars

Here are the 7 best VPNs for accessing PokerStars and other online poker sites:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our top VPN service for playing online poker.

Features: There are 3000+ secure servers in 105 countries in the network. Split tunneling allows users to select which data they want sent through the encrypted tunnel.

Speed: When compared to the baseline, on a local connection the speed decreased by 12% and when connected to an overseas server it decreased by 45%.

Privacy and Security: This VPN provider offers AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a VPN Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and RAM-only servers.

Performance: The speed and stability support lag-free streaming, gaming, torrenting, and reliable access to popular poker sites and online casinos.

Streaming: With ExpressVPN you can reliably unblock popular geo-restricted streaming services, like Hulu and Netflix.

Compatibility: The app is compatible with all major operating systems including Android, Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linus, and more.

Pricing: The one-year plan costs $6.67/month plus you get 3 months for free. You are allowed 5 multiple connections and a 30-day trial.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is a secure VPN for playing PokerStars and other online poker websites.

Features: NordVPN has 5700+ fast and secure servers in 60+ countries. It also offers dedicated IP addresses, malware protection, an ad blocker, and a multi-hop mode.

Speed: When connected to a local server, the speed on NordVPN increased by 7.8% over baseline and increased by 6% when the connection was overseas.

Privacy and Security: NordVPN provides military-grade encryption, a no-logging policy, DNS and IP leak protection, and a Kill Switch.

Performance: NordVPN reliably unblocks geo-restricted sites and has the speed and stability for lag-free service.

Streaming: Obfuscated servers will mask your VPN traffic, ensuring access to geo-restricted streaming platforms.

Compatibility: NordVPN is compatible with Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, and more.

Pricing: Sign up for the 2-year plan for $3.79/month and get 3 months for free. Connect 6 devices simultaneously.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is a reliable, budget option for accessing online poker sites.

Features: You have access to 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, which include the MultiHop and CleanWeb features.

Speed: When compared to a baseline download speed of 41 Mbps, the speed dropped to 26 Mbps when using the quick connect feature and to 21 Mbps when connected overseas.

Privacy and Security: Security features include a Kill Switch, a no-logs policy, and military-grade encryption.

Performance: Speeds are good, but if you experience any lags, the live-chat support can direct you to a faster server.

Streaming: Unblock all your favorite streaming sites including Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Compatibility: Surfshark is compatible with Windows, Android, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and more.

Pricing: Connect an unlimited number of devices concurrently. Sign up for 24 months for $1.99/month plus get 3 months for free.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a secure, inexpensive, and user-friendly VPN for online games.

Features: The 9600+ servers in 100+ countries include optimized servers for gaming, torrenting, and streaming depending.

Speed: CyberGhost demonstrated a slight drop from the baseline download speed of 143 Mbps to 129 Mbps. Between the US and the UK, speeds dropped to 39 Mbps.

Privacy and Security: This VPN boasts a Kill Switch, 256-bit encryption, and a verified no-logs policy.

Performance: CyberGhost offers fast and reliable connections for your poker site on local servers. For long distances, the speed is less reliable.

Streaming: Enjoy access to geo-restricted content on Netflix, Disney+, and more.

Compatibility: The app is compatible with MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and more.

Pricing: The 2-year plan is available for $2.11/month plus 3 months for free and allows for 7 simultaneous devices. It includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. UltraVPN

UltraVPN is a reasonably priced VPN that provides secure Internet access.

Features: A small VPN with 830+ servers in 116+ countries with unlimited bandwidth and split tunneling.

Speed: Download speed changed minimally from the baseline of 20 Mbps to 18 Mbps for local connections and to 14 Mbps on overseas connections.

Privacy and Security: Ultra VPN keeps no activity logs and includes a Kill Switch and military-level encryption. It is based in the US, which is part of the 5-eyes alliance.

Performance: Speeds support lag-free access to Pokerstars and other poker sites as well as streaming platforms.

Streaming: UltraVPN can unblock several Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max.

Compatibility: UltraVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections and can be used on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Pricing: The 2-year plan costs $1.99/month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN offers dependable service for less money.

Features: The 1000+ servers in 49+ locations offer unlimited bandwidth, a multi-hop mode, and malware protection.

Speed: Atlas VPN demonstrated minimal decreases in download speed from a baseline of 50 Mbps to 43 on local connections and 45 for overseas servers.

Privacy and Security: Security features include an automatic kill switch, DNS & IP leak protection, a no-logs policy, and military-grade encryption. It is based in the US, which is part of the 5-eyes alliance.

Performance: The VPN is fast enough for smooth streaming and gaming.

Streaming: Unblock common streaming platforms lag-free, including Netflix, Hulu, and more.

Compatibility: This VPN works with Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, and more.

Pricing: The 2-year plan is available for only $1.64/month plus you get 6 months for free. Enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access (PIA)

The user-friendly interface and reasonable cost make PIA a great beginner VPN.

Features: PIA provides 35,000+ servers in 91+ countries. Features include port forwarding, split tunneling, and an ad-blocker.

Speed: On local connections, the baseline download speed changed from 68 Mbps to 40 Mbps. Overseas download speed was 55 Mbps.

Privacy and Security: PIA protects its users with military-grade encryption, DNS & IP leak protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.

Performance: Speeds generally support lag-free connections, and if you run into delays, the 24/7 live chat support will help.

Streaming: You can reliably access US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It is less dependable with other sites.

Compatibility: Use PIA with all major devices and platforms, including MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and more.

Pricing: Subscribe to the 3-year plan for $1.98/month and get 4 months for free, including 10 simultaneous connections and a 30-day trial.

Why you need a VPN for Pokerstars

The Pokerstars VPN policy prohibits using real money to gamble with a VPN from prohibited jurisdictions.

If your VPN IP address belongs to a server in a permitted location, you can play poker on your device but you must be very careful!

Can Pokerstars detect VPN usage?

If VPN traffic and login locations keep changing, they’ll suspect you’re using a VPN. Also, if they notice many players connecting from the same server, with the same IP address, you may get flagged

How to choose the best Pokerstars VPN

Here’s what to look for when choosing the best VPN for PokerStars or any other poker service:

 Security. Your VPN should offer military-level encryption, a no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and protection from IP leaks.

 Speed. To avoid lags, your VPN must provide rapid Internet connection speeds.

 Device compatibility. Your VPN should be compatible with all your devices.

 Server network. A broad server network gives you access to the best gaming sites.

How to use a VPN with Pokerstars

Follow these steps to access PokerStars from any country.

1. Subscribe to a premium VPN.
2. Download the app onto your device.
3. Open the app and connect to a server in a country that allows PokerStars.
4. Enjoy playing PokerStars.

Pokerstars terms of service and VPN policy

VPN use is allowed if you don’t use real money, but once you play with money, PokerStars prohibits you from using a VPN to play from blocked areas.

Can I use a free VPN with PokerStars?

Using a free VPN is risky. Many profit by selling your information to a third party, compromising your privacy and security.

The free VPNs are easily detected since there are too many users from the same VPN server and they have a tough time bypassing geo-blocks.

How to play Pokerstars in the USA

If you want to gamble on PokerStars you need to:

1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service, like ExpressVPN.
2. Download the VPN app.
3. Connect to a server in a country where Pokerstars is permitted.
4. Go to Poker Stars and start playing!

How to play PokerStars in Australia

Here’s how to access PokerStars in Australia:

1. Sign up for a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN.
2. Download the VPN app onto your device.
3. Connect to a VPN server in a country where online gambling is permitted.
4. Enjoy!

How to play Pokerstars in Turkey

Follow these steps to use a VPN to play in Turkey:

1. Sign up for a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN.
2. Download the app to your device.
3. Connect to a VPN server in a country near Turkey where online gambling is permitted.
4. Launch PokerStars and enjoy!

Can Pokerstars detect VPNs?

The website may be able to detect that you are using a VPN to bypass restrictions by:

 Having information that the address they are detecting belongs to a VPN provider.

 Detecting that an unusual number of connections are originating from the same IP address.

 Finding that you connect from several different IP addresses, which may alert them to the fact that you are using a VPN.

Tips (and Rules) on how to play Pokerstars with a VPN safely & securely

If you want to play online poker, before you download the PokerStars software on your device, follow these tips to stay safe:

1. Ensure that the VPN you use has a dedicated IP

By using a static, dedicated IP address, you can be sure no one else will be connecting to the website using this IP address. This will decrease the risk that the website could be alerted to your VPN use. Many premium VPNs, like NordVPN, offer dedicated IP addresses.

2. Use a VPN with a Kill Switch

If you plan to play poker online and don’t want to risk having your account banned or locked, ensure your VPN offers a Kill Switch. This protects you if you unexpectedly disconnect from the VPN server, which could lead to IP address leaks and reveal your true IP address to your favorite poker sites.

3. Use a VPN that disables iPv6

Even if you use a VPN, your connection to any website has another IP address known as IPv6, and your IPv4, can reveal your real IP address. To ensure your privacy, make sure your VPN can disable IPv6.

4. Consider playing crypto poker

Some websites (e.g., Coinpoker) deal in cryptocurrencies rather than real currency. There aren’t any restrictions on using a VPN if using cryptocurrency, and you likely won’t need to provide any personal information.

5. Cash out as often as you can

Because there is a risk of your account being canceled, cash out regularly so that if your account is closed, you won’t lose much.

6. Deposit only the amount of money that you need

You’re always at risk of your account being canceled, so minimize the financial risk by only depositing the amount that you require on any particular day.

Locations where Pokerstars is legal

Online poker is legal in the following locations:

The UK, Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Austria.

Locations where Pokerstars is blocked 

The list of restricted countries regularly changes as gambling regulations tend to change often. At present, one cannot access poker sites like PokerStars in:

Switzerland, Slovenia, Vatican City, Cuba, USA, Columbia, Cuba, Australia, Israel, Malaysia, Turkey, UAE, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Palestinian Territories, Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sudan, North Korea, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Myanmar (Burma), Macao, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Malaysia, and the Telangana and Nagaland provinces of India.

Pokerstars alternatives

Here are some other popular options for online poker fans:

 Roobet: A favorite online casino site where you can enjoy a good game of poker, or check out other popular casino games like slots.

 GG Poker: Whether you love Texas Hold’em, Omaha, fast-fold Rush & Cash, Spin & Gold, or Flip & Go, you can find them all on GG Poker, one of the largest online poker websites.

FAQs

Conclusion

It’s simple to gamble online using a VPN, but keep in mind it’s prohibited in many countries by sites like PokerStars. Therefore, choose a premium VPN with a static IP address, excellent security features, and a reliable connection.