Online casinos are a rapidly growing form of entertainment, attracting more and more people who want to get in on the action. Whether you’re a sports fanatic who’s into sports betting or you’re just looking to test your luck with casino games, online gambling sites can be both thrilling and fun.
Unfortunately, having access to these sites can be quite tricky due to censorship and local laws. Most countries ban or limit gambling, preventing access to online casinos and sports betting websites.
The best way to get around censorship is to use one of the best VPNs for gambling and sports betting.
By using a virtual private network, you can connect to a foreign server and change your IP address to one that is in a different location. This way, if you want to play Roobet Canada but you are in the US, you can connect to a Canadian server and get around the geo-block.
In a hurry? Here are 5 best VPNs for online gambling and sports betting My top picks for the best VPNs for gambling online are:
Surfshark
● Best budget VPN with premium features
Key takeaways
Many countries and states have strict geographical restrictions that block online betting and gambling websites.
You can unblock gambling sites using a VPN service, which will help you change your IP address and virtual location.
Not every VPN is capable of bypassing geographical restrictions, so it’s important to use a premium service.
The number one VPN I recommend is ExpressVPN.
Why you need a VPN for sports betting and online gambling Online gambling lets you play casino games or place bets on sporting events without ever leaving you’re home. However, gambling websites and online sports betting are limited in who can access them because of geographical restrictions. You have to be in the specific state or region where the sites work and are legal. If you’re outside of this area and want to access gambling sites, you will need to use a VPN to change your IP address to one in the region of the gambling website you want to access
What makes a good VPN for gambling and sports betting When deciding on which VPN for online gambling will work best for you should keep a few things in mind:
Server network . Be sure to choose a VPN service with a broad server network so you won’t have to worry about overcrowded servers. Also, make sure it has servers in the region you need for your online gambling site.
Speed . The last thing you’d want to deal with if you’re trying to place a live bet is lag or slowdowns, so make sure to choose a VPN with fast speeds.
Unblocking ability . Not every VPN has the ability to bypass geographical restrictions and unblock online gambling websites, so make sure to choose one that has the proven ability to unblock sites.
Privacy and security . Online privacy is very important, so make sure to choose a secure VPN that can promise robust security features to keep you safe from online threats.
Customer support . It’s worthwhile to choose a VPN that has good customer support that you can access 24/7.
5 best VPNs for gambling and sports betting If you are looking to use the best VPN for gambling and sports betting, here are the top 5 VPNs that we recommend:
Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Up to 8
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get ExpressVPN with 49% OFF
+ 3 months FREE!
ExpressVPN is my top pick and what I consider to be the best all-around gambling VPN. It’s user-friendly, has excellent performance, and is great for unblocking gambling websites. It has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries , so you’re sure to find one for the region you need.
Features : ExpressVPN offers its user unlimited bandwidth , as well as 8 simultaneous connections for your devices. It includes a split tunneling feature , password manager , and a MediaStreamer feature , which is its version of Smart DNS.
Speed : This VPN is one of the fastest on the market, thanks to its Lightway tunneling protocol. Its lightning-fast speeds are perfect for gambling and online betting, so you’ll never lose out due to lag.
Security : ExpressVPN has all of the top privacy and security features, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, RAM-only servers, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy .
Streaming : ExpressVPN is great at bypassing geo-blocks on gambling sites and streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, HBO Max, Hulu, Vudu, BBC iPlayer , and more.
Compatibility : This VPN is compatible with most major devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers .
Pricing : This is on the pricier end, with prices starting at $6.67 per month, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee . ExpressVPN does offer a 7-day free trial , but it is only available for mobile devices.
Pros
Broad server network Fastest VPN Strong security and privacy features User-friendly interface Excellent unblocking abilities 24/7 live-chat support 7-day free trial Cons
Pricier than other VPNs Free trial is only available for mobile devices Servers/countries: 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get NordVPN with 72% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
If you’re looking for a well-rounded VPN that can reliably help you access online casinos and online gambling, then NordVPN is a great choice. It has an impressive 6,400 servers located in 111 countries , so you’ll never be short on options for server locations.
Features : NordVPN lets its users have up to 10 simultaneous connections for their devices, as well as unlimited bandwidth . It also comes with split tunneling and a SmartPlay feature .
Speed : This VPN has incredibly fast connection speeds thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which will help ensure that your VPN connection speed keeps up with your online betting.
Security : NordVPN has top-notch security features, which include military-grade encryption, a Dark Web monitor, DNS leak protection, malware protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy .
Streaming : NordVPN is great when it comes to bypassing geo-blocks on gambling websites and streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+ , and more.
Compatibility : This VPN is compatible with most devices, including Windows , Mac , Android , iOS , Linux , Smart TVs , gaming consoles , and routers .
Pricing : Prices for NordVPN start at $3.39 per month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers a 7-day free trial on all devices, so you can try it out before deciding if you want a subscription.
Pros
Large server network with tons of server locations Fast speeds Excellent privacy and security feature Strong unblocking abilities 7-day free trial on all devices 24/7 live chat support Cons
Occasional connectivity issues Sometimes, glitches on desktop apps No port forwarding Servers/countries: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Unlimited
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get Surfshark with 83% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
If you’re looking for a budget VPN that still has premium features, then Surfshark is my go-to recommendation. It comes with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries , giving you plenty of server locations to choose from for online betting sites.
Features : In addition to unlimited bandwidth , Surfshark stands out by offering unlimited simultaneous connections , which is great if you have a lot of devices in your home to use it on. It also offers split tunneling , a double VPN feature, and a NoBorders mode for those looking to use a VPN in restrictive countries.
Speed : While it might not be as fast as Express or NordVPN, Surfshark is still a very fast VPN using the WireGaurd protocol, which helps provide fast connection speeds.
Security : Surfshark comes with many of the top privacy and security features, including AES-256 encryption, an ad-blocker, a cookie pop-up blocker, obfuscated servers, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy .
Streaming : Surfshark works well at unblocking gambling sites and streaming sites, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ .
Compatibility : Surfshark is compatible with many devices, including Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers .
Pricing : Prices for Surfshark start at the low price of $1.99 per month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also has a 7-day free trial available.
Pros
Broad server network Unlimited simultaneous connections Strong security Affordable price 24/7 live chat support Free trial Cons
Not as fast as ExpressVPN or NordVPN Have to pay for additional features outside of the basic plan Servers/countries: 11,500+ in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 45 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 7
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get Cyberghost with 84% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
CyberGhost is also a decent option if you’re looking to save money on gambling VPNs. It has a massive number of servers, with over 11,500 servers in 100 countries , giving you plenty of servers to choose from for online betting and gambling.
Features : CyberGhost lets you have up to 7 simultaneous connections on your devices. It also has split tunneling and specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming.
Speed : It might not be the fastest VPN on my list, but CyberGhost uses the WireGaurd protocol and still has fairly fast connection speeds .
Security : CyberGhost is good for online security and privacy with features that include AES-256 encryption , an ad-blocker, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy .
Streaming : CyberGhost is able to bypass geo-restrictions and unblock gambling and betting websites, in addition to streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max.
Compatibility : This VPN is compatible with many devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, some Smart TVs, and routers .
Pricing : CyberGhost prices start at $2.03 and come with an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee . Free trials are available depending on your device: a 1-day trial for desktops, a 3-day trial for Android, and a 7-day trial for iOS users.
Pros
Huge server network Nice interface Good speeds Good for beginners Strong security 45-day money-back guarantee Cons
Some complaints with lack of consistent customer support Occasional slow-downs Servers/countries: 8,600+ servers in 112 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, Android TV
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more
Get Proton VPN with 56% OFF
+ 3 months FREE!
If you’re looking for a VPN that offers a free version, I recommend Proton VPN. However, it’s important to be aware that with Proton’s free service, you’ll only have access to servers in 5 countries. In contrast, with their premium plan, you have access to 8,600 servers in 112 countries.
Features : Proton offers an unlimited free version . However, this free version can only be used on 1 device and does not offer all of the premium features. If you subscribe to a paid premium account, you will be able to use it on up to 10 devices and access premium features.
Speed : Proton’s free version has decent speeds, but be aware that the VPN traffic could get overcrowded depending on the VPN server location. Its premium version has fast speeds .
Security : Both the free and premium versions offer strong encryption with AES-256 bit encryption , as well as a built-in kill switch and a strict no-logs policy . With a premium subscription, you will also get secure core servers and a NetShield ad-blocker .
Streaming : Proton VPN’s premium version works well at bypassing geo-restrictions for gambling sites and streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer .
Compatibility : Proton VPN is compatible with many devices, including Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV stick, and Android TV.
Pricing : Proton offers an unlimited free version , but for its premium service, prices start at $4.99 per month. And it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
Private and secure Reliable free option 10 simultaneous connections Broad server network Good speed Unblocks multiple streaming sites Cons
The free version is limited to only 5 server locations No app for Apple TV Lacks 24/7 live chat Methodology: How I tested the best VPNs for gambling online When testing and analyzing many different VPNs, I considered several factors when choosing the best VPN providers for gambling and sports betting websites.
Server locations . It was important that the VPNs on this list have servers in the locations you need to access sports betting sites and online casinos. It is even better if you can choose from multiple server locations.
Unblocking ability . I tested these VPNs with online gambling sites to make sure they were adept at bypassing geographical restrictions and could successfully unblock gambling sites without issue.
Speed . I tested the speeds on many VPNs and made sure the ones on this list are among the fastest you can find, so you won’t have to worry about being interrupted during live sports betting or playing games.
Privacy and security . Keeping my online activities safe is something I take very seriously, so I only recommend VPNs with robust security features that have been tried and tested, like a kill switch and a no-logs policy.
Customer support . I tested out the customer support teams for these VPNs and overall felt the responses were pretty decent and helpful compared to others.
Can I use a VPN to bet on sports? Yes, just like you would use a VPN for streaming, torrenting, or gaming, you can also use a VPN for sports betting. Many online sports betting sites have strict geographical restrictions, so you won’t have access to the site if you’re not in the correct location. However, a VPN allows you to change your virtual location by connecting to a VPN server in the region you need where sports betting is permitted, bypassing those geo-blocks.
How to use a VPN to bet on sports
To use a VPN to bet on sports, follow these steps:
Choose a premium VPN provider. I recommend ExpressVPN.
Select a subscription plan and download the VPN to your device.
Launch the VPN and connect to a server in a location where sports betting is legal, such as Arizona or New York.
Open up your favorite sports betting site, such as Bet365 or Rollbit, and log in with your details.
Start placing your bets and enjoy!
Online gambling and betting laws in different countries The laws for gambling and sports betting vary depending on the country. In many European countries like the UK, France, and Germany, the laws for online gambling are a bit more lenient, and there are established regulatory organizations to oversee the industry.
Things are a bit stricter in the United States, with many specific laws pertaining to what is allowed and what is not. In Australia, it is legal and regulated by the government, but the regulations restrict which types of games are allowed. Other countries like Canada don’t have clear laws on what is allowed and what isn’t, which can allow for more legal flexibility.
So, it’s always important to check the local laws in your region before deciding what games or sites you’d like to use.
Countries where online gambling is legal Online gambling is legal in the following countries:
United States
The UK
Australia
France
Brazil
Germany
Mexico
Countries where online gambling is illegal Some countries have very strict laws and restrictions regarding gambling, which include:
North Korea
Qatar
United Arab Emirates
Poland
Singapore
Cambodia
Brunei
Indonesia
Japan
Is online gambling legal in the US? Yes, online gambling is legal in the US. However, it does depend on which state you are located in. At the moment, there are around two dozen states where online gambling and sports betting are legal, and more continue to be added to that list.
However, be aware that each state has different laws regarding online gambling, so make sure to check your local laws before you play.
Which U.S. states allow sports betting? The US states that allow both online and in-person gambling include:
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
Virginia
Washington D.C.
West Virginia
The US states that allow in-person sports betting only:
Delaware
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
New Mexico
North Dakota
South Dakota
Is it legal to bet on sports or gamble with a VPN? Using a VPN is totally legal in most countries. And while using a VPN to gamble or place sports bets violates terms of service on websites, it is generally not a legally punishable offense in most places. But be aware that violating those terms could get you kicked off or banned from those websites.
It is also important to check your country’s local laws, as some countries, like China or Russia, are very restrictive about allowing the use of VPNs.
Popular gambling sites you can unblock with a VPN There are many popular gambling sites you can unblock with a VPN, including:
Betfair . A site where you can bet on sports events, play online casino games, and online poker.
Rollbit . A popular crypto casino where you can play casino games, bet on sports, trade cryptocurrencies, and buy and sell NFTs.
Roobet . An online casino site with over 500 games to play.
Bovada . Offers sports betting, casino games, and live poker all in one place.
Bet365 . This popular gambling site offers sports betting, an online casino, online poker, and online bingo.
How to stay safe while gambling online It’s important to be aware that on many online gambling websites if your VPN is detected, it could lead to your account getting banned, in which case your funds could be frozen and difficult to access and get back. But there are some steps you can take to prevent this and stay safe:
Make sure your VPN is on before you open the gambling site.
Make sure your kill switch is on, so if something happens to the VPN connection your real IP address won’t accidentally get exposed.
Consider using anonymous payment methods that won’t reveal your real location.
Don’t wait to withdraw your winnings. Try to do it often, so if your account gets banned, you won’t be losing out on money you’ve won.
Don’t withdraw large amounts of money at one time. A large withdrawal can trigger an inquiry that may expose you.
VPNs to avoid for online gambling While there are several great options that are the best gambling VPNs, these are the VPN services I would advise against for betting websites and gambling:
Hola VPN . Like Proton, Hola VPN offers both a free service and a premium plan. However, this is not one I would recommend as it’s been found to be majorly lacking in security, and using it could expose you to cyber threats and leave you vulnerable.
Tuxler VPN . Tuxler might seem promising at first, but its unblocking abilities and slow speeds leave a lot to be desired. Not to mention, it also lacks in privacy and security.
Psiphon Pro . Unfortunately, Psiphon Pro has a reputation for tracking its users’ online activities and doesn’t have a strong no-logs policy, which could leave your online data vulnerable.
Can I use a free VPN to gamble online? It can be very tempting to use a free VPN to gamble online. However, it is not something I would recommend.
Free VPNs tend to lack the ability to unblock gambling sites and online casinos, which can be frustrating. They also usually have limited, overcrowded servers that lead to slow speeds, which is not ideal if you’re looking to do live betting and games.
Additionally, many free VPNs tend to have a reputation for keeping logs of their user’s data and activity, selling those logs to third parties, and having other poor privacy features.
This is why I recommend sticking to premium VPN services like ExpressVPN.
FAQ Can I use a VPN to bet on sports? Yes, you can use a VPN on sports betting websites to bypass online gambling restrictions.
Do VPNs work for sports betting? Yes, VPNs work for sports betting. However, not every VPN will be capable of working with betting sites, so it’s important to use a high-quality, premium VPN provider.
How do I unblock online gambling? To unblock gambling sites you will need to use a VPN to connect to a server in a location where gambling and sports betting is legal, which will allow you to virtually change your location.
Can DraftKings detect VPNs? DraftKings can sometimes detect and ban VPNs, which is why it’s important to use a VPN that can fly under the radar.
Will a VPN work for FanDuel? Yes, a premium VPN can work for FanDuel.
Is it legal to use a VPN for gambling? Using a VPN is perfectly legal in most places. However, it’s important to check your local laws on gambling and VPN use before engaging.
Conclusion If you’re someone who likes to engage in sports betting online or you love online casinos but don’t live somewhere where you can access a gambling or betting site, then what you need is a VPN provider. A premium VPN will allow you to bypass any geographical restrictions on these sites, allowing you to gamble online and enjoy your favorite online casino without anything holding you back. But make sure you’re choosing the best VPN for gambling that you can find, like ExpressVPN.