Can You Use a VPN for Sports Betting? What Actually Works in 2026

A VPN won't get you around a sportsbook's location check, and trying can cost you your account. Here's what a VPN legitimately does for bettors, and the three we'd use.
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Best Overall

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Overall VPN
5.0
Editorial Rating
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On NordVPN's website

NordVPN
PROMOTION: Get 75% Off + 3 Months Extra
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Best for Speed

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best VPN for Fast Speeds
4.8
Editorial Rating
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On ExpressVPN's website

ExpressVPN
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Best for Affordability

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Value VPN
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Surfshark's website

Surfshark
PROMOTION: From $2.49/mo + 3 Months Free
View More

Short answer: a VPN will not let you place a bet from a state where online sports betting is illegal. Licensed U.S. sportsbooks verify your location with more than your IP address, and trying to spoof it violates their terms of service and can get your account closed and your balance forfeited.

What a VPN does do for bettors is real and worth having: it encrypts your connection on public Wi-Fi, keeps your betting activity out of your ISP's records, and lets you stream out-of-market and blacked-out games. NordVPN is our top pick for its server network and security features, with ExpressVPN for speed and Surfshark for value.

Note: Online sports betting laws vary by state and change frequently. Check the American Gaming Association's State of Play Map for the current status where you live before placing any bet.

In this article
Can you use a VPN for sports betting?
The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting
Compare the best VPNs for gambling and sports betting
NordVPN
ExpressVPN
Surfshark
Speed tests
Why should you use a VPN for gambling and sports betting?
How to use a VPN for sports betting
Where is online gambling legal in the US?
Where is online sports betting illegal in the US?
Using a VPN for betting outside the U.S.
Safe online gambling and betting tips
Bottom line
FAQs

Can you use a VPN for sports betting?

Yes, but not for the reason most people are asking. You can absolutely run a VPN while you bet, and there are good reasons to. What you can't do is use one to place a bet from a state where online sports betting isn't legal.

Why a VPN can't spoof your location on a sportsbook

Every licensed U.S. sportsbook is legally required to confirm you are physically inside state lines when you place a bet. They do this with a geolocation compliance service — GeoComply is the dominant one — that most operators require you to install as a plugin or grant location permissions to in the app.

That system checks several signals at once, not just your IP address:

  • GPS data from your phone or laptop
  • Wi-Fi network triangulation against a database of known access points
  • IP address analysis, including whether the address belongs to a known VPN or datacenter range
  • Mismatch detection between any of the above

A VPN only changes the third one. Your GPS still says where you are, your Wi-Fi still says where you are, and the mismatch between those and your VPN's IP is itself a detection signal. In practice, turning on a VPN makes you more conspicuous to these systems, not less.

What happens if you try

The usual outcome is simply that the bet won't go through, as the app refuses to verify your location. But operators also treat VPN use as a terms-of-service violation, and reported consequences include account suspension and forfeiture of any balance or winnings in the account. Since you'll have already handed over your legal name, date of birth, address, and often part of your Social Security number to open the account, this isn't an anonymous risk.

Bottom line: If online sports betting isn't legal where you are, a VPN is not the workaround. The realistic options are to bet in person if your state allows it, wait for the law to change, or bet legally when you travel to a state where it's permitted — physically, not virtually.

The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting

5.0
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Overall VPN
VPN
NordVPN
  • Our #1 rated VPN, which has increased download speeds by up to 36% across all regions in our testing
  • Historically unlocks Netflix libraries in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia with no errors
  • Bundles with ad blocker, data removal, and encrypted storage for a more complete privacy setup
Learn More

4.8
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best VPN for Fast Speeds
VPN
ExpressVPN
  • Fast VPN with a Lightway Turbo protocol that increased our U.S. download speeds by 15% in testing
  • Servers in all 50 U.S. states, covering more domestic locations than most VPNs offer
  • Works with the Aircove router to cover every device on your home network, using just one device slot
Learn More

5.0
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Value VPN
VPN
Surfshark
  • Budget-friendly VPN that lets you connect unlimited devices at once, which most VPNs cap at 10 or fewer
  • 4,500+ servers across 100 countries with proven fast speeds, even on distant connections
  • Includes a built-in ad and tracker blocker, so you get cleaner browsing without a separate tool
Learn More

Compare the best VPNs for gambling and sports betting

VPN NordVPN logo
Best Overall
ExpressVPN logo Surfshark logo
Best for Overall Speed Affordability
Star rating
5.0
4.8
5.0
Starting price Starts at $3.49/mo Starts at $2.99/mo Starts at $2.49/mo
Streaming/blackout support
# of U.S. servers 1,970+ servers in 16 locations 62 locations across all 50 states 600+ servers in 24 cities across 19 states
No-logs policy
Encryption AES-256-GCM AES-256 AES-256-GCM
Learn more Get NordVPN
Read NordVPN Review
Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review
Get Surfshark
Read Surfshark Review

How we test and rate VPNs

Every VPN in this guide is hands-on tested by our team using a consistent process. We evaluate each product across seven areas:

  • Features (30.5%): We review every VPN for inclusion of a working kill switch, split tunneling, multiple VPN protocols, multi-hop servers, and the option to add a dedicated IP. We also review the size of the server network and number of server countries available.
  • Test results (20%): We run download and upload speed tests with no VPN as a baseline, then connect to servers in four regions (U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia) to calculate the VPN's impact on our speeds. We also connect to each region's Netflix library to verify streaming access, and run WebRTC and DNS leak tests using BrowserLeaks to confirm our real IP and DNS data remain masked.
  • Editor's score (15%): We use each VPN ourselves, evaluating interface clarity, feature accessibility, and anything else that affects day-to-day use that isn't captured by our other criteria.
  • Value (11%): We evaluate each product's value based on starting price, money-back guarantee length, and the number of simultaneous connections allowed under a single subscription.
  • Privacy and security (15.5%): We verify each VPN's no-logs policy, check whether it has been independently audited, review its encryption standards, and note its headquarters jurisdiction.
  • Customer service (5%): We evaluate how thorough the customer support is based on how many ways there are to contact human support. 
  • Compatibility (3%): We review each VPN's availability across desktop, mobile, browsers, routers, and smart devices.

We test VPNs at least twice a year. Testing has been carried out across Windows, macOS, and mobile, so our results reflect real-world performance across devices.

To learn more about how we test, read our full VPN methodology here.

NordVPN: Best overall

#1 Rated VPN for Privacy and Security
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On NordVPN's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Overall VPN
VPN
NordVPN
PROMOTION: Get 75% Off + 3 Months Extra
  • Our #1 rated VPN, which has increased download speeds by up to 36% across all regions in our testing
  • Historically unlocks Netflix libraries in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia with no errors
  • Bundles with ad blocker, data removal, and encrypted storage for a more complete privacy setup

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is for anyone who values online privacy and security. It can protect you from potential data breaches, snooping, malicious activity, and more. With NordVPN's secure protocols (OpenVPN, NordLynx, NordWhisper) and a strict no-logs policy, we think it's a reputable VPN for protecting your data against external threats.

For bettors specifically, its server network across 160+ countries makes it a strong option for streaming out-of-market and blacked-out games alongside your legal wagering.

What we liked

We selected NordVPN as our #1 VPN recommendation for its advanced security features, including double VPN (double-hop servers), obfuscated servers, the NordLynx protocol, Threat Protection, and more. It starts at $3.49/mo, yet still offers thousands of servers worldwide.

NordVPN home tab on dashboard, connected to United States - Dallas server

NordVPN's safety and security are top-notch. Its no-logs policy has been routinely audited, and its headquarters are in Panama, which isn't subject to any data retention laws. Depending on your VPN needs, you can choose from various protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx.

Moreover, you can stream sports from around the world with NordVPN. With its extensive server coverage, you can access geo-restricted broadcasts without worrying about buffering or lagging. Whether you're looking to stream baseball games or watch ESPN live, NordVPN has got you covered.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN is a popular VPN, but a few drawbacks are worth considering before signing up. One issue is the cost: NordVPN’s plans are relatively expensive compared to other providers, such as CyberGhost and Surfshark, which offer more competitive prices.

Nord also limits its simultaneous connection count to 10, while providers like Surfshark provide unlimited simultaneous connections.

NordVPN specs

Price range $3.49–$29.99/mo
Money-back guarantee Yes — 30 days
Sports streaming support Yes
Number of servers 8,400+ servers in 160+ countries
Number of connected devices 10
VPN protocol OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard), NordWhisper
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get NordVPN
Read NordVPN Review

Test results

To assess NordVPN’s performance, we conducted tests to review impact on speed, ability to unblock Netflix geo-restrictions, and protection against potential data leaks.

NordVPN passed all three tests with flying colors. It has minimal impact on our speeds, unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tested, and prevented all data leaks.

Audited no-logs policy Yes, audited by Deloitte from November-December 2025
Speed Decreased our download speeds by an average of 5%
Netflix Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia
DNS leak Passed, no DNS leaks
WebRTC leak Passed, no WebRTC leaks
Kill switch Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers
Learn more Get NordVPN

Read Our NordVPN Review

Star rating summary

NordVPN has a perfect star rating of 5.0 and is our top VPN recommendation. You can expect a user-friendly experience, standard VPN features along with helpful extras, an audited no-logs policy, and intuitive apps across devices. 

Decision factor Weight Verdict
Our experience 15% 5.0
Value11% 5.0
Features30.5% 5.0
Test results20% 5.0
Privacy and security9.5% 5.0
Compatibility3% 5.0
Customer service5% 5.0

ExpressVPN: Best for speed

Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go
4.8
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On ExpressVPN's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best VPN for Fast Speeds
VPN
ExpressVPN
  • Fast VPN with a Lightway Turbo protocol that increased our U.S. download speeds by 15% in testing
  • Servers in all 50 U.S. states, covering more domestic locations than most VPNs offer
  • Works with the Aircove router to cover every device on your home network, using just one device slot

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is for those who prioritize a secure, responsive connection while streaming their favorite teams. Its AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, verified by an independent audit, make it one of the safest options on the market.

ExpressVPN has servers in 113 countries, including locations in all 50 U.S. states — the broadest domestic coverage of the three, which matters if you want a nearby server for low-latency live streams.

What we liked

We chose ExpressVPN for its impressive feature set. Its server locations in 113 countries provide broad geographic coverage, which helps with streaming out-of-market games.

In addition, the Lightway protocol offers faster speeds and stronger security than older protocols, and ExpressVPN’s security experts developed it entirely in-house. A newer variant, Lightway Turbo, splits traffic across multiple paths for even faster speeds.

ExpressVPN settings opened to its list of VPN protocol.

ExpressVPN also maintains a strict no-logs policy, independently audited to ensure the company doesn't store or track user activity logs. What’s more, its 24/7 live chat support is available to everyone, not just customers.

Finally, ExpressVPN offers several additional features, including MediaStreamer, a smart DNS service designed to enhance your streaming experience, and Threat Manager, a DNS-based tool that blocks trackers and malicious domains while you're connected on the Lightway or Automatic protocol.

What we didn’t like

In our historical testing, ExpressVPN showed the largest average download-speed impact of the three VPNs in this guide, despite its strong per-server performance. And ExpressVPN doesn't list its specific server count, only the number of server countries it offers.

ExpressVPN specs

Price range $2.99–$22.99/mo
Money-back guarantee Yes — 30 days
Sports streaming support Yes
Number of servers Unlisted in 113 countries
Number of connected devices 14
VPN protocol Lightway (including Lightway Turbo), IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review

Test results

We put ExpressVPN through three types of tests: speed tests to measure impact with different servers, Netflix tests to unblock geo-restrictions, and leak tests to determine privacy protection. 

ExpressVPN had almost no impact on our download speeds and successfully unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tested. However, ExpressVPN only partially passed the WebRTC leak test, as the BrowserLeaks site detected that something was off.

Test type
Audited no-logs policy Yes, audited by KPMG in June 2025
Speed Maintained our download speed with most servers
Netflix Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia
DNS leak Passed, no DNS leaks
WebRTC leak Partially passed, WebRTC IP didn't match remote IP
Kill switch Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers
Learn more Get ExpressVPN

Read Our ExpressVPN Review

Star rating summary

ExpressVPN has a high star rating of 4.8 due to its intuitive dashboard, wide price range that suits multiple budgets, audited no-logs policy, and extensive compatibility. 

ExpressVPN received a lower score in the test results category because it failed to unblock Netflix U.K. It also was marked down in the features category because it doesn't offer multi-hop servers.

Decision factor Weight Verdict
Our experience 15% 5.0
Value11% 5.0
Features30.5% 4.8
Test results20% 4.5
Privacy and security9.5% 5.0
Compatibility3% 5.0
Customer service5% 5.0

Surfshark: Best for affordability

Fast & Unlimited Protection for All Your Devices
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Surfshark's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Value VPN
VPN
Surfshark
PROMOTION: From $2.49/mo + 3 Months Free
  • Budget-friendly VPN that lets you connect unlimited devices at once, which most VPNs cap at 10 or fewer
  • 4,500+ servers across 100 countries with proven fast speeds, even on distant connections
  • Includes a built-in ad and tracker blocker, so you get cleaner browsing without a separate tool

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is ideal for anyone looking to stay secure and anonymous online on a budget. It offers advanced security features, making it a strong choice for most users.

Its unlimited simultaneous connections mean you can cover every device in the house on one subscription — useful if you're streaming games on a TV, a laptop, and a phone at the same time.

What we liked

There's a lot to like about Surfshark. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a rarity in the VPN market. This makes Surfshark ideal for large households with multiple users who need access to the same network at once.

Surfshark dashboard (connected to fastest location server)
Surfshark dashboard for All About Cookies

With Surfshark, you can follow a game on your laptop and check highlights later on your phone, all while keeping your home devices protected. Additionally, it's significantly more affordable than some well-known options, such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, while still offering comparable quality.

Another major advantage is that Surfshark works seamlessly with Netflix and other streaming services, with minimal issues—no annoying buffering or slow speeds here!

Its strict no-logs policy also means the VPN provider doesn't record your general browsing. This protects your activity from your ISP and the VPN itself, but it doesn't make you anonymous to a sportsbook you've registered with using your real identity.

What we didn’t like

Although Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, its headquarters are in a country in the Nine Eyes Alliance. The Five Eyes Alliance is a grouping of countries that have entered into intelligence-sharing agreements, so your user data may be shared. This may matter to you if jurisdiction is a priority.

Nine Eyes countries generally have broader surveillance frameworks than non-member jurisdictions, so some users prefer providers headquartered outside them. Surfshark's no-logs policy has been independently audited, which reduces the concern but doesn't eliminate it.

Surfshark specs

Price range $2.49–$21.85/mo
Money-back guarantee Yes — 30 days
Sports streaming support Yes
Number of servers 4,500+ servers in 100 countries
Number of connected devices Unlimited
VPN protocol WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get Surfshark
Read Surfshark Review

Test results

We conducted several tests on Surfshark to assess its performance: speed tests to measure impact, Netflix tests to unblock geo-restrictions, and leak tests to determine privacy protection.

Surfshark went above and beyond, causing minimal impact on our download speeds and unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tested. It also recently passed all three leak tests.

Audited no-logs policy Yes, audited by Deloitte in June 2025
Speed Decreased our download speeds by an average of 8%
Netflix Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia
DNS leak Passed, no DNS leaks
WebRTC leak Passed, no WebRTC leaks
Kill switch Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers
Learn more Get Surfshark

Read Our Surfshark Review

Star rating summary

Surfshark has a perfect star rating of 5.0 because of its affordable plan pricing, allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections, a robust server network and features, and an audited no-logs policy.

Decision factor Weight Verdict
Our experience 15% 5.0
Value11% 5.0
Features30.5% 5.0
Test results20% 5.0
Privacy and security9.5% 5.0
Compatibility3% 5.0
Customer service5% 5.0

Speed tests

One test we run on VPNs is speed testing. We measure how much each VPN affects our baseline internet speed by connecting to servers worldwide. We run this test quarterly and have calculated the average change in download speed based on our historical results.

Of the three VPNs in this guide, NordVPN has consistently shown the smallest impact on our download speeds.

Average speed change
NordVPN 2% slower
ExpressVPN 12% slower
Surfshark 8% slower

A good VPN can decrease your internet speed because it routes your traffic through a remote server, so it no longer takes the shortest route. However, a VPN shouldn't slow your connection to the point where your device becomes unusable.

When we test VPN providers, we look for less than 20% download speed loss to ensure seamless browsing and streaming. This matters for bettors because VPNs are frequently used to watch live sports. According to our 2026 VPN usage survey, one-quarter of VPN users say they've watched live sports streams using a VPN, often to get around blackout rules or catch out-of-market games. A laggy VPN makes that unwatchable.

Why should you use a VPN for gambling and sports betting?

A VPN won't change where a sportsbook thinks you are. But it does three things that genuinely matter if you bet online, and our 2026 survey found that 60% of Americans used a VPN in the past year — increasingly for exactly these reasons.

1. Security on public and shared Wi-Fi

Betting apps move money. If you're placing wagers from a sportsbook, a hotel, an airport, or any network you don't control, a VPN encrypts that traffic so nobody else on the network can intercept your login credentials or payment details. This is the single strongest reason for a bettor to run a VPN.

2. Privacy from your ISP

Without a VPN, your internet service provider can see every gambling site you connect to and how often. A VPN with a verified no-logs policy stops that record from being created. Be clear about the limit, though: this hides your activity from your ISP and from others on your network. It does not hide anything from the sportsbook itself, which knows exactly who you are — you gave it your legal name, address, and often part of your SSN when you registered.

3. Streaming games you've paid for

This is the legitimate geo-unblocking use case. League streaming packages black out local games and restrict out-of-market coverage. A VPN lets you watch broadcasts your subscription already covers but your location blocks. Our survey found that 41% of VPN users have used one to access content blocked where they live.

4. Consistent speeds if your ISP throttles

Some ISPs throttle heavy streaming traffic. Because a VPN encrypts what you're doing, throttling based on traffic type becomes harder to apply, which can mean a steadier live stream.

Interested in placing basketball bets? Learn how to use your VPN to watch the latest NBA season or bypass NBA League Pass blackouts and enjoy full access to every local live game.

How to use a VPN for sports betting

Here's how to combine a VPN with legal online betting without putting your account at risk.

1. Confirm online sports betting is legal where you physically are. Check the American Gaming Association's State of Play Map for the current status. This step determines whether you can bet at all — a VPN cannot substitute for it.

2. Choose a state-licensed sportsbook. Legal operators are licensed by your state's gaming commission and display that license. Avoid offshore sites, which have no U.S. regulator and no recourse if they refuse to pay you.

3. Install one of the best VPNs and connect to a server in or near your own state. Use a nearby server for the lowest latency to encrypt the connection.

4. Expect to allow location access. The sportsbook's geolocation check needs your GPS or Wi-Fi data. Denying it will block your bet.

5. If the sportsbook won't verify your location, turn the VPN off for the bet itself. Many operators flag any VPN connection regardless of where the server is. Place the wager without it, then reconnect. Alternatively, use split tunneling to route the betting app outside the VPN while everything else stays encrypted is the cleanest solution.

6. Keep the VPN on for streaming. This is where it earns its keep: blacked-out and out-of-market games.

7. Double-check odds, wager amount, and selection before confirming. Once you place an online bet, it's locked.

Split tunneling is the setup we'd recommend. It lets you keep the sportsbook app on your regular connection so geolocation works normally, while your browser, streaming apps, and everything else stay behind the VPN. All three VPNs in this guide support it.

VPN server locations by state where online sports betting is legal

If you're traveling to a state where betting is legal and want a nearby VPN server for streaming, this table shows what each provider offers. These are streaming reference points, not a way to bet from out of state.

State ExpressVPN server NordVPN server Surfshark server
ArizonaPhoenixPhoenix
ArkansasNearby (Dallas / Atlanta)Dallas region
ColoradoDenverDenver
ConnecticutNearby (New York)New York region
DelawareNearby (New York)New York
FloridaMiamiMiami
IllinoisChicagoChicago
IndianaNearby (Chicago)Chicago region
IowaNearby (Chicago / Kansas City)Chicago
KansasKansas CityKansas City
KentuckyLouisville / NashvilleNashville
LouisianaNew Orleans / HoustonHouston
MaineLewiston / nearby BostonBoston
MarylandBaltimoreWashington D.C.
MassachusettsBostonBoston
MichiganDetroitDetroit
MissouriKansas City / St. LouisKansas City
NevadaLas VegasLas Vegas
New HampshireNearby (Boston)Boston
New JerseyNew York / New JerseyNew York
New YorkNew York CityNew York
North CarolinaCharlotteCharlotte
OhioNearby (Chicago)Chicago
OregonPortlandSeattle
PennsylvaniaPittsburghNew York
Rhode IslandProvidenceBoston
TennesseeNashvilleNashville
VermontNearby (Boston)Boston
VirginiaAshburnWashington D.C.
West VirginiaNearby (Virginia)Virginia
WyomingNearby (Denver)Denver
Washington D.C.Washington D.C.Washington D.C.

The U.S. is divided when it comes to the legality of online gambling and betting. According to our sports betting survey, 80% of Americans think sports betting should be legal in their state.

To clear up a common misconception: VPNs are legal in every U.S. state. What varies is gambling law. Here are the states that permit online casino games, online poker, or both:

  • Connecticut (online casinos and online poker)
  • Delaware (online casinos and online poker)
  • Michigan (online casinos and online poker)
  • Nevada (online poker only)
  • New Jersey (online casinos and online poker)
  • Pennsylvania (online casinos and online poker)
  • Rhode Island (online casinos and online poker)
  • West Virginia (online casinos and online poker)

Learn more in our guide on sports betting in the U.S.

Sportsbooks vs. DFS

Sportsbook sites like DraftKings and FanDuel are considered online casinos. But sports betting sites like PrizePicks are actually Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operators, not online casinos. Technically, DFS sportsbooks operate "skills-based" activities, which differentiate them from games of chance (or luck) associated with casinos. Some states leverage that distinction to offer online sports betting.

That distinction is why the two lists differ. Only the eight states listed above have legalized online casino gaming, while a considerably larger group — plus D.C. — permits online sports betting specifically. The exact count changes as states legalize, so we point to the AGA State of Play Map rather than publishing a number that goes stale.

Wherever you are, the operator will verify your physical presence in that state before accepting a wager. That verification is the reason a VPN doesn't help you bet across state lines, and it applies to DFS platforms as well as traditional sportsbooks.

After a Supreme Court ruling in 2018, sports betting is legalized and regulated at the state level. According to our sports betting survey, 80% of participants believe online sports betting should be legal in their state.

The list below is subject to change — several states have active legislation — so verify against the AGA map before relying on it. As of this update, these states do not permit online sports betting:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • California
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Minnesota
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Utah

Missouri, previously on this list, launched legal online sports betting on December 1, 2025.

U.S. states with the strictest gambling laws

Texas has very strict laws against gambling. Not only is sports betting in Texas illegal, but both in-person and online gambling are prohibited. That includes casinos, poker clubs, or any slot machines that pay out anything other than cash prizes.

The state allows the Texas Lottery, some charity bingos, betting on horse and greyhound races at licensed tracks, and federally recognized tribes operating casinos on reservation land. Despite repeated legislative attempts, no expansion has passed.

But Utah and Hawaii have even stricter gambling laws than Texas. States with severe gambling regulations prohibit all lotteries and even tribal casinos. Some Southern states, such as Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia, allow limited lotteries and bingo through licensed charities.

Using a VPN for betting outside the U.S.

The same principle applies internationally: licensed operators verify location, and a VPN doesn't defeat that check. What differs is which regulator is involved and how betting is licensed.

  • Australia: Online sports betting with an Australian-licensed operator is permitted, but online casino games are restricted under the Interactive Gambling Act, and the ACMA blocks offshore gambling sites at the ISP level. A VPN does not make an offshore site legal to use, and Australian-licensed operators run their own location verification.
  • Canada: Online gambling is regulated provincially rather than federally, so what's available depends on your province. Ontario operates a licensed private-operator market through iGaming Ontario; other provinces run their own platforms.
  • United Kingdom: Any operator serving UK customers must hold a UK Gambling Commission license. UKGC-licensed sites must also run affordability and self-exclusion checks, and VPN use can trigger account verification requests.

In every case, a VPN's value is the same as in the U.S. — encryption on untrusted networks, privacy from your ISP, and access to sports broadcasts you're entitled to — not location spoofing.

Safe online gambling and betting tips

A few things protect your money and your data when betting online.

  1. Verify the operator is licensed in your state. This is the most important check and the easiest to make. Legal sportsbooks display their state gaming commission license number, usually in the site footer. If you can't find one, don't deposit. Offshore sites operating without a U.S. license have no regulator you can appeal to if they decline to pay out.
  2. Use a payment method with consumer protections. Credit and debit cards and established e-wallets offer dispute mechanisms. Wire transfers, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrency generally do not.
  3. Read the bonus terms before depositing. Most promotional offers carry wagering requirements — a multiple of the bonus you must stake before withdrawing. Unusually large bonuses often carry the most restrictive terms.
  4. Turn on the account security features. Legal operators offer two-factor authentication and deposit limits. Enable both on day one.
  5. Use a VPN on any network you don't control, and a password manager for the account itself. Betting accounts hold both money and identity documents, which makes them a worthwhile target.

How to tell a licensed sportsbook from an offshore one

The distinction matters more than any feature comparison. Licensed U.S. operators — DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics, and their state-authorized peers — share a few traits:

  • They name a specific state regulator and license number
  • They require identity verification, including SSN, before you can withdraw
  • They install a geolocation check and refuse bets outside state lines
  • They provide responsible-gambling tools and self-exclusion options

Offshore sites typically require none of this, which is precisely what makes them attractive — and precisely why you have no recourse when a withdrawal is declined. We don't recommend them.

If gambling stops being fun, help is available. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), or text 800GAM. Every licensed operator must also offer deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion.

Bottom line: The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting

A VPN is a genuinely useful tool for online bettors — just not the tool most people are searching for. It won't move you to another state in a sportsbook's eyes, and trying to do so risks your account and your balance. What it will do is encrypt your connection on untrusted networks, keep your betting activity out of your ISP's logs, and let you watch the games your subscription covers but your location blocks.

NordVPN is our top choice overall due to its robust network and advanced specialty servers, such as double VPN, obfuscation servers, and dedicated IP.

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Best Overall VPN
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NordVPN
  • Our #1 rated VPN, which has increased download speeds by up to 36% across all regions in our testing
  • Historically unlocks Netflix libraries in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia with no errors
  • Bundles with ad blocker, data removal, and encrypted storage for a more complete privacy setup
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Although NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all offer a strong combination of security, performance, and affordability, NordVPN has shown the most reliable performance in our in-house testing.

FAQs

Does a VPN work for sports betting?

Yes, a VPN works for sports betting. Online gambling with a VPN offers you the ability to encrypt your internet traffic, ensuring that your bets (and your financial information) stay private. 

For example, if you want to use a VPN to access sports betting websites or online gambling websites, you'd first enable your VPN and connect to your desired server location. If you're traveling in a state that prohibits online gambling, you could connect to a server in a different state to access restricted websites. The secure VPN connection can allow you to place bets while remaining anonymous.

Should I use a VPN for sports betting?

You can use a VPN for sports betting, and it's recommended to do so if you're using public Wi-Fi or require additional security while placing bets. We recommend using a VPN for gambling if you want to ensure your internet activities and data remain private. 

A VPN is also a good solution to bypass restrictions on sports betting in your area, especially if you are traveling out of state. 

Is it illegal to gamble with a VPN?

No, it's not illegal to gamble with a VPN. By using a VPN to access gambling sites, you are simply protecting your online traffic from being tracked and ensuring that your personal information is kept secure. 

On the other hand, engaging in any form of illegal activity through a VPN is still unlawful, regardless of whether or not you're using a VPN for this purpose.

Which betting sites can I access with a VPN?

Overall, VPNs play nicely with sports betting websites. You should be able to find a VPN solution that works with a gambling site. Here are a few gambling websites that you can use with a VPN.

  • DraftKings: DraftKings is a popular sports betting website that offers sportsbook betting, daily fantasy sports, and a virtual casino.
  • FanDuel: With FanDuel, you can place bets on horse racing, fantasy sports, and sportsbook, and you can even play in a virtual casino. FanDuel also offers a Faceoff, which allows you to play games against other people for cash. 
  • PrizePicks: Like DraftKings and FanDuel, PrizePicks offers daily fantasy sports betting for NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games. The difference is that you're a single player betting against the projections, not other players. So the game play is player vs. site.
  • Stake: This platform offers online sports betting and casino games and operates primarily with cryptocurrency. Stake's sportsbook offers betting for major U.S. sports as well as esports and other events.

Other top sites you can access with a VPN to place sports bets or play casino games include Betway, Roobet, bet365, Bovada, and PokerStars.


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2026 Editors’ Choice
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NordVPN
PROMOTION: Get 75% Off + 3 Months Extra
  • Our #1 rated VPN, which has increased download speeds by up to 36% across all regions in our testing
  • Historically unlocks Netflix libraries in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia with no errors
  • Bundles with ad blocker, data removal, and encrypted storage for a more complete privacy setup
Author Details
Ryan L. Clancy brings a working engineer's perspective to digital security writing. He holds a Master of Engineering from the University of Limerick and spent five years as a mechanical engineer and engineering manager in New York City — experience that shapes how he analyzes VPN encryption protocols and parental monitoring apps beyond what vendor specs say. He has authored more than 220 articles for All About Cookies and has been published in Forbes and MakeUseOf.
Kate Quinlan is a Senior Editor at All About Cookies, where she has tested dozens of digital security tools and contributed to more than 370 articles spanning web hosting, VPNs, ad blockers, parental controls, and data security. Before joining AAC, she managed a team of more than 150 writers at SuperSummary, where she developed editorial standards at scale. She holds a B.A. in Professional Writing from Kutztown University.

Citations

[1] State By State Betting In The USA


Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know is seeking assistance or support for a gambling addiction, please call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for resources.