
Pokerstars has become a popular go-to site for sports betting, online casino games, online poker, and gambling. However, if you want to play with real money, you can only do so if you are in Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, or several other countries due to licensing restrictions and applicable laws.
So, if you’re outside of those states and want to play Pokerstars, you’ll find that the site is blocked for you. But don’t worry; there is a solution for unblocking Pokerstars! All you need is a virtual private network, also known as a VPN.
A VPN service will allow you to spoof your virtual location and change your IP address so that it will appear as if you are in one of the states where Pokerstars is allowed.
There are lots of VPNs available to choose from, so I’m going to help break down which ones I consider the best for Pokerstars.
In a hurry? Here are the 5 best VPNs for Pokerstars
These are my top 5 picks for the best Pokerstars VPNs:
Key takeaways
- Pokerstars is a popular site for online gambling, casino games, and sports betting, but due to licensing restrictions, it is only available in a few states in the US and several other countries.
- To access Pokerstars in a different region, you will need to use a VPN.
- A VPN can help bypass geographical restrictions and spoof your virtual location, giving you an IP address that works for Pokerstars.
- A VPN can also enhance your online privacy and security, keeping you safe and secure while you gamble online.
Why you need a VPN for Pokerstars
There are a few reasons why a VPN is a useful tool to have for Pokerstars. One of the main benefits is that a VPN can help you access Pokerstars from any location. You can use your VPN to connect to a VPN server in one of the few states where Pokerstars is available, which will spoof your virtual location and bypass those geo-blocks.
A VPN is also important for online privacy and security, especially if you’re playing Pokerstars on public WiFi. It will ensure you have a secure connection and encrypt your internet traffic.
Additionally, a VPN can help you with speed throttling while you’re playing games or placing live bets so you can have a reliable and stable connection.
How to choose the best VPN for Pokerstars
There are a few things you should consider when choosing the best Pokerstars VPN for you:
- Server network. Look for a VPN with a broad server network that has servers in the states or countries where Pokerstars is available.
- Speed. When you’re playing a game in real-time or placing live bets, the last thing you want is for your connection to get interrupted. So, be sure to choose a VPN with fast speeds that can provide those high-speed connections you need for gambling online.
- Privacy and security. It is crucial to have a VPN that can provide you with robust security features and keep your online activities private and anonymous while you play.
- Unblocking abilities. Not every VPN is capable of bypassing geographic restrictions, so make sure to choose a VPN with the proven ability to unblock Pokerstars.
- Pricing. Everyone has a different budget, so consider which VPN’s price plan works best for you, and keep in mind the overall value that you get with each VPN.
5 best VPNs for Pokerstars
1. ExpressVPN
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
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+ 3 months FREE!ExpressVPN is what I consider to be the best all-around VPN for gambling sites like Pokerstars. It’s user-friendly, has excellent performance, and has great unblocking abilities. It has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including several servers in New Jersey.
Features: ExpressVPN offers its users unlimited bandwidth, as well as 8 simultaneous connections for your devices. It also includes split tunneling, a password manager, and a MediaStreamer feature, which is its version of Smart DNS.
Speed: This VPN has lightning-fast speeds thanks to its Lightway tunneling protocol and offers several other tunneling protocols as well. Its lightning-fast speeds are perfect for gambling and online betting, so you’ll never lose out due to lag.
Security: ExpressVPN is known for being one of the most secure VPNs on the market and has many 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 like Pokerstars and streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, HBO Max, Hulu, Vudu, and BBC iPlayer.
Compatibility: This VPN is compatible with most devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.
Pricing: This is a more expensive VPN, 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 only for mobile devices.
Pros
- Broad server network
- Incredible speeds
- Robust 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
2. NordVPN
Servers/countries: 7,100+ servers in 118 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
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+ 4 months FREE!NordVPN is a great choice for a well-rounded and reliable VPN. It has a large network of 7,100 servers located in 118 countries, including servers in New Jersey and Michigan.
Features: NordVPN lets its users have unlimited bandwidth and up to 10 simultaneous connections for their devices. It also comes with split tunneling, obfuscated servers, and a SmartPlay feature.
Speed: This VPN has breakneck speeds thanks to its NordLynx protocol, which will help ensure that your VPN connection speed keeps up with your online betting.
Security: NordVPN has all the top 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-restrictions on gambling websites like Pokerstars and streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+.
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.
Pros
- Large server network with locations in New Jersey and Michigan
- Great speeds
- Excellent privacy and security features
- 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
3. Surfshark
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
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+ 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, including in Michigan.
Features: In addition to unlimited bandwidth, Surfshark stands out by offering unlimited simultaneous connections, which is ideal for those with many devices. It also offers split tunneling, a double VPN feature, obfuscated servers, 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 WireGuard protocol.
Security: Surfshark comes with many of the top privacy and security features, including AES-256 encryption, an ad-blocker, a cookie pop-up blocker, 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 most 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
- Bargain 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
4. CyberGhost
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
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+ 4 months FREE!CyberGhost is a good option for a more basic, inexpensive VPN with lots of server options. It has a massive number of servers, with over 11,500 servers in 100 countries, including servers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Features: CyberGhost lets you have up to 7 simultaneous device connections. It also has split tunneling and specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming.
Speed: This may not be the fastest VPN on my list, but CyberGhost uses the WireGuard 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, leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
Streaming: CyberGhost is able to bypass geo-restrictions and unblock gambling websites, in addition to streaming platforms 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
- Massive number of servers
- Attractive 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
5. Proton VPN
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
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+ 3 months FREE!I recommend Proton VPN for those who want a VPN with a free version. 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 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 connection speeds.
Security: Both the free and premium versions offer AES-256-bit encryption, as well as a 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 sites 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
- Unlimited free version
- Located in Switzerland for added privacy
- Strong privacy
- Premium service has a huge server network
- Decent speeds
Cons
- The free version is limited to only 5 server locations
- No app for Apple TV
- Lacks 24/7 live chat
How we picked and tested the best VPNs for Pokerstars
When choosing the best VPNs for this list, I took several factors into account.
- Server locations. Besides broad networks, I only chose VPN providers that have servers in one of the states where Pokerstars is available. All of the VPNs on this list have servers in an area where local laws allow Pokerstars.
- Speed. I’ve tested the speeds of many VPNs and chose the ones that were among the fastest available on the market.
- Unblocking abilities. I’ve tested numerous VPNs and chose ones that were capable of bypassing geo-blocks and could access Pokerstars without issue.
- Privacy and security. Online security is crucial, especially if you’re on an unsecured Wi-Fi network. I chose VPNs that included features like strong encryption, a kill switch to keep you safe in case your connection drops, and a zero-logs policy to make sure your data stays private.
- User-friendly. I chose VPNs that have user-friendly interfaces and are not overly complicated for beginners.
How to play Pokerstars with a VPN
To play Pokerstars with a VPN, follow these steps:
- Choose a premium VPN service. I recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download the VPN to your device.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server in a region where Pokerstars is available.
- Open Pokerstars and start playing!
How to play Pokerstars in the US
To use Pokerstars in the US, follow these steps:
- Select a premium VPN provider. I recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download the VPN to your device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in either New Jersey, Michigan, or Pennsylvania.
- Open Pokerstars, and you’re good to go.
How to use Pokerstars in Australia
To use Pokerstars in Australia is difficult, and you will need a VPN to access it. Follow these steps:
- Choose a premium VPN service. I recommend ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN on your device.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server nearby where Pokerstars is allowed, like in New Zealand.
- Open the Pokerstars app and enjoy playing games for real money.
Countries where Pokerstars is available
Pokerstars may not be available everywhere, but it is available in the following places:
- US – New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania
- New Zealand
- Germany
- Austria
- Cyprus
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Poland
- Sweden
- UK
- Many others
Countries where Pokerstars is restricted
Due to local gambling laws and other restrictions, Pokerstars is restricted in many countries, including:
- North Macedonia
- Cyprus
- Serbia
- Netherlands
- Ukraine
- Colombia
- Most US states
- Egypt
- Nigeria
- Chad
- Kenya
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- China
- Jordan
- Malaysia
- UAE
- Turkey
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Russia
- North Korea
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- India
How to stay secure when playing Pokerstars
The last thing you want is to end up permanently banned or have your account frozen from using a VPN while playing Pokerstars. So, here are a few of my tips to stay secure and safe:
- Keep the VPN on at all times. Before you even think about opening up Pokerstars, make sure your VPN is on and your IP address is changed.
- Withdraw often. In case something does happen from your VPN usage, make sure you withdraw your winnings often so you don’t get cut off from them.
- Make sure the kill switch is enabled. In case something disrupts your VPN connection, it’s important to have your kill switch on to help shut your connection down and keep your real location secured.
- Consider using obfuscated servers. Obfuscated servers can help you stay even more anonymous by encrypting your provider’s traffic.
Can I use a free VPN for Pokerstars?
While it might be tempting to use a free VPN with Pokerstars, it is not something I recommend. Free VPNs often have overcrowded servers, which cause slow speeds and a lot of lag. They also generally lack the ability to unblock sites and bypass restrictions, so chances are you’ll struggle to use Pokerstars with a free VPN.
Additionally, free VPNs usually do not have the privacy or security features that you look for in a quality VPN, which could leave your data and activities vulnerable. For example, some free VPN companies have been known to sell their users’ data to third-party companies for profit.
It’s because of this that I recommend sticking to premium VPNs that you know will work the way you need them to, such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
FAQ
Can I use a VPN with Pokerstars?
Yes, you can use a VPN with Pokerstars. But make sure it’s a quality VPN that you know can access Pokerstars and bypass the geo-blocks.
Can I bypass Pokerstars’ location restrictions?
Yes, you can bypass the location restrictions with a VPN. Pokerstars is only available in certain states and regions, but a VPN will help you spoof your virtual location.
Can I use a VPN to play Poker in the US?
Yes, you can use a VPN to play Poker in the US. However, be aware that gambling online for real money is only allowed in a select few states. Pokerstars is only available in the states in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Can I play PokerStars in the US?
Yes, you can play Pokerstars in the US, but only in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
How do you bypass VPN detection on PokerStars?
There are a few ways to bypass VPN detection on PokerStars. It’s important to keep your kill switch enabled so that you can’t get detected if your connection unexpectedly drops. Additionally, you can use a VPN with obfuscated servers that will hide your VPN traffic as regular traffic so you can slip under the radar.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hoping to play some online poker or casino games or place some live sports bets, there is so much you can have fun with on Pokerstars. However, if you’re in a state like California or a country like Australia, you will find that Pokerstars is not available to you, and you will be blocked from using the website.
To get around these geo-blocks, you will need to use a virtual private network. A premium, high-quality VPN will help you bypass the restrictions in place and allow you to spoof your virtual location and change your IP address to one in a location where Pokerstars is available. With a VPN, you can play undetected and enjoy the best that online poker and gambling games have to offer.