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Best Overall
Best for Speed
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.
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.
The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting
Compare the best VPNs for gambling and sports betting
| VPN |
Best Overall
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| Best for | Overall | Speed | Affordability |
| Star rating | |||
| 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
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'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.
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| 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 |
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 |
| Value | 11% | 5.0 |
| Features | 30.5% | 5.0 |
| Test results | 20% | 5.0 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 5.0 |
ExpressVPN: Best for speed
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 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 |
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| 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 |
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 |
| Value | 11% | 5.0 |
| Features | 30.5% | 4.8 |
| Test results | 20% | 4.5 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 5.0 |
Surfshark: Best for affordability
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.
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.
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| 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 |
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 |
| Value | 11% | 5.0 |
| Features | 30.5% | 5.0 |
| Test results | 20% | 5.0 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 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.
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.
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 |
| Arizona | Phoenix | Phoenix | |
| Arkansas | Nearby (Dallas / Atlanta) | Dallas region | |
| Colorado | Denver | Denver | |
| Connecticut | Nearby (New York) | New York region | |
| Delaware | Nearby (New York) | New York | |
| Florida | Miami | Miami | |
| Illinois | Chicago | Chicago | |
| Indiana | Nearby (Chicago) | Chicago region | |
| Iowa | Nearby (Chicago / Kansas City) | Chicago | |
| Kansas | Kansas City | Kansas City | |
| Kentucky | Louisville / Nashville | Nashville | |
| Louisiana | New Orleans / Houston | Houston | |
| Maine | Lewiston / nearby Boston | Boston | |
| Maryland | Baltimore | Washington D.C. | |
| Massachusetts | Boston | Boston | |
| Michigan | Detroit | Detroit | |
| Missouri | Kansas City / St. Louis | Kansas City | |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | Las Vegas | |
| New Hampshire | Nearby (Boston) | Boston | |
| New Jersey | New York / New Jersey | New York | |
| New York | New York City | New York | |
| North Carolina | Charlotte | Charlotte | |
| Ohio | Nearby (Chicago) | Chicago | |
| Oregon | Portland | Seattle | |
| Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh | New York | |
| Rhode Island | Providence | Boston | |
| Tennessee | Nashville | Nashville | |
| Vermont | Nearby (Boston) | Boston | |
| Virginia | Ashburn | Washington D.C. | |
| West Virginia | Nearby (Virginia) | Virginia | |
| Wyoming | Nearby (Denver) | Denver | |
| Washington D.C. | Washington D.C. | Washington D.C. |
Where is online gambling legal in the U.S.?
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)
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.
Where is online sports betting illegal in the U.S.?
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Turn on the account security features. Legal operators offer two-factor authentication and deposit limits. Enable both on day one.
- 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.
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.
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.
[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.


