The Best VPNs for Sports Betting and Gambling 2026

NordVPN is the best VPN for sports betting and gambling, thanks to its large server network and extensive security features. We also recommend ExpressVPN for fast speeds across servers and Surfshark's affordable plan options and unlimited simultaneous connections.

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark can help ensure safe, anonymous internet access while also providing fast connection speeds. We'll dive into these three options in our best VPNs for gambling. 

The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting

Compare the best VPNs for gambling and sports betting

VPN	Best Overall
Best for	Overall	Speed	Affordability
Star rating	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.9 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Starting price	Starts at $3.39/mo	Starts at $2.44/mo	Starts at $1.99/mo
Gambling/betting site 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

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.

Additionally, those who need access to geo-restricted content can benefit from NordVPN's vast network of servers in over 100 countries. 

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 only has a starting price of $3.39/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 your favorite sports from around the world with NordVPN. With its extensive server coverage, you can access geo-restricted content 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 there are a few drawbacks 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	$3.39–$25.29/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days
Gambling and betting site support	Yes
Number of servers	9,000+ servers in 130+ 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

Star rating summary

ExpressVPN: Best for speed

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is for those who prioritize a secure, fast connection while streaming their favorite sports teams, playing online poker, or placing online bets. Its military-grade 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 ultra-fast servers in 105 countries, making it ideal for activities such as gambling and sports betting outside the U.S. It also offers unbeatable performance for streaming content or downloading files, thereby increasing our speeds. 

What we liked

We chose ExpressVPN for its impressive feature set. Its server locations in 105 countries provide broad geographic coverage, allowing you to access content from virtually any region. This means you can stream out-of-market games and place secure bets. 

In addition, the Lightway protocol offers faster speeds and enhanced security compared to traditional VPNs, and it's developed entirely in-house by ExpressVPN’s team of security experts. 

ExpressVPN also maintains a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited, ensuring that no user activity logs are stored or tracked by the company. 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, which blocks ads and trackers.

What we didn’t like

ExpressVPN has a few shortcomings that should be taken into consideration. Firstly, compared to other top-tier VPNs (like NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost), ExpressVPN is more expensive and doesn't offer as many features on the base plan.

Additionally, ExpressVPN doesn't list its specific server count, only the number of server countries it offers. 

ExpressVPN specs

Price range	$2.44–$19.99/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days
Gambling and betting site support	Yes
Number of servers	Unlisted in 105 countries
Number of connected devices	14
VPN protocol	Lightway, IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review

Test results

Star rating summary

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 the perfect choice for any user. 

For those interested in international gambling, Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices with just one account, so you can stay securely connected even when you're away from home.

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 place a bet on your laptop, then check the results later on your phone, all while keeping all your home devices connected. Additionally, it's significantly more affordable than some well-known options, such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, while still offering comparable quality.

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

This is also important when using a VPN for gambling and sports betting; you need to know that your personal data is secure, so Surfshark's robust privacy policy makes it well-suited for this kind of activity. Also, its strict no-logs policy means you won't have to worry about anyone tracking your online gambling activity.

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 Eyes Alliance is a grouping of countries that have entered into intelligence-sharing agreements, so your user data may be shared. This may be an issue for those who wish to keep their gambling and sports betting activities private. 

It's essential to note that Nine Eyes countries have significantly stricter surveillance laws and procedures than other countries, making it more challenging to maintain one's privacy. For this reason, many individuals may want to consider VPN providers based outside of these jurisdictions if they wish to remain anonymous while gambling or placing bets.

Surfshark specs

Price range	$1.99–$20.85/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days
Gambling and betting site 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

Star rating summary

Speed tests

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

Overall, NordVPN is the standout VPN here, with the least impact on speed. In historical testing, NordVPN has actually increased our download speeds across servers. 

	Average speed change
NordVPN	4% slower
ExpressVPN	12% slower
Surfshark	8% slower

A good VPN can decrease your internet connection speed because it routes your internet traffic through a remote server, so it's no longer taking 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 download speed loss of less than 20% to ensure seamless browsing and streaming. VPNs are frequently used to access live sports content online. According to our streaming behavior survey, more than one-quarter of internet users say they’ve used a VPN to stream live sports, often to bypass blackout restrictions or access out-of-market games. That's why it's important that the best VPNs for sports betting won't lag when you stream games.

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

While security is the most common reason people use VPNs, our research found that nearly one-quarter of VPN users (24%) have used a VPN while gambling or placing sports bets online. There are several reasons to use a VPN when gambling or placing sports bets. Overall, a VPN encrypts your internet activity, providing added security when online. A VPN also masks your IP address, providing anonymity and allowing you to access content in other locations.

1. Geographic restrictions

A VPN can help you access geo-restricted content by masking your IP address. If you live in a location where gambling and sports betting are unavailable, you can use the VPN to connect to a server in a location where gambling and sports betting are allowed.

2. Privacy and anonymity

Using a VPN can give you more privacy when gambling. A VPN encrypts your web activity and masks your IP address. By using a VPN, there will be no trace or browsing history of your activities while sports betting.

3. Online security

Whether you’re in a busy coffee shop on public Wi-Fi or just want extra peace of mind that your information is safe, a VPN can help protect your personally identifiable information. By masking your IP address, you make it more difficult for hackers to access your information, which could include transactions and bets placed on your favorite teams.

4. Improved internet speed

A VPN can also improve your internet speeds, especially if your internet service provider (ISP) throttles your internet speeds after too much use — or for no reason at all.

How to sports bet with a VPN

If you want to use a VPN to bet on sports, you'll need to follow a few steps to ensure legality. 

1. To legally place bets using a VPN, first confirm you're betting from a state where online sports betting is legal. To learn more about where sports betting is legal, see the American Gaming Association's State of Play Map.

2. Next, download one of the best VPNs and launch the VPN app.

3. Connect to a server in your state where online sports betting is legal. See the following table for secure VPN locations. 

4. Then, select an online casino or DFS sportsbook to place your bet. Only use state-approved sportsbooks, and avoid offshore platforms for security and legality reasons. 

5. Create an account with the casino or sportsbook. Be prepared to provide proof of identity as required by legal gambling platforms. Proof of identity typically includes your full legal name, date of birth, residential address, and/or the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN).

6. Deposit funds into your sportsbook account using a secure method only. Avoid wire transfers, prepaid cards, or any method that bypasses standard consumer protections.

7. Before confirming your bet, double-check the odds, wager amount, and selection. When you're ready, place your bet. Remember, once you place an online sports bet, your bet is locked. 

VPN servers in states where online sports betting is legal

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
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.

But while VPNs are legal in some U.S. states with clearly defined regulations, others prohibit them altogether. To ensure that you're not breaking any gambling laws while enjoying your favorite casino games online, here’s the list of 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.

While only the seven sites listed above have legalized online casinos, 38 states in total (plus D.C. and Puerto Rico) allow online sports betting. So, to place an online sports bet while traveling through a state with restrictions, you can connect to a VPN server in any state that allows online sports betting to make your picks on a secure network. We were surprised that New York isn't on the list and found that it's typically easier to connect to a secure server in Colorado for online sports betting.

Pro tip: If you're trying to get your fantasy sports bet in but your ISP flags your activity as VPN or proxy use, purchase a dedicated IP address in a state like Colorado for uninterrupted access.

Where is online sports betting illegal in the U.S.?

After a Supreme Court ruling in 2018, sports betting is now 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. 

Although the list of states that have legalized online sports betting is much longer — and the list of states that prohibit online betting is subject to change — here are the states where it's illegal to place sports bets online.^[1]

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

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 attempts to pass legislation to allow gambling and sports betting in Texas, the Texas Senate just won't have it.

But Utah and Hawaii actually have even stricter laws against gambling 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. 

Safe online gambling and betting tips

When it comes to online gambling and betting, there are a few simple tips that can help you safeguard your privacy — and digital wallet.

1. Ensure that any site you choose to gamble or bet on is reputable and trustworthy. Do your research by reading reviews from other players, looking for any complaints filed against the company, and generally getting an understanding of how the site functions.
2. Look out for features such as generous bonuses, fast payouts, good customer service support, and established regulatory oversight. Additionally, be wary of sites that offer exceptionally high bonuses or risky investments; these are more likely to be scams rather than legitimate sites.
3. Be sure to read all of the bonus terms before you deposit any money into a site. Many gambling sites have wagering requirements, so make sure that you understand what you need to do to receive your bonus or winnings from the site.
4. If you're playing a game of skill, such as blackjack or poker, take some time to brush up on strategy online before making a deposit.
5. Know when to pass on a bonus. Some bonuses have strings attached and may not be worth the trouble.

Safe online gambling and betting sites

Online sports betting and gambling platforms offer a super fun way to enjoy your favorite games from the comfort of your own home. But with so many different online sites, it can be difficult to know which ones are safe and secure for players. To help you make sure you’re playing on a safe site, we have compiled a list of the best online gambling and sports betting sites that offer maximum security measures.

• Las Atlantis is regularly audited by independent third-party entities to ensure fairness and compliance with all industry standards.
• Wild Casino offers some of the highest withdrawal limits in the industry, so players can withdraw more money from their accounts without having to worry about hitting a cap.
• Vegas Casino Online stands out as one of the most transparent casinos for safe online gambling and sports betting. The casino regularly publishes its game payout percentages on its website, allowing players to easily check that they are playing fair games and getting the best odds.
• BetOnline has decades of experience in providing players with a secure environment to enjoy their favorite games.

Bottom line: The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting

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 provide the best combination of security, performance, and affordability for gambling or sports betting, NordVPN has demonstrated the most reliable performance during our in-house testing.

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