Best VPN for Betting: Sports & Online Gambling Sites 

By Kate Hawkins

Last update: December 23, 2025

Quick Summary: The Best VPN for Betting

Quick Summary: The Best VPN for Betting

NordVPN is the best choice for betting because it effortlessly avoids VPN detection, and it’s fast enough for placing live bets during games. Try NordVPN for 30 days risk-free.

1. NordVPN – Gets around betting site blocks easily, with fast connections that rarely slow down.
2. Surfshark – No cap on device connections, so you can bet on your phone, tablet and laptop without juggling logins.
3. ExpressVPN – Impressively fast connections plus dependable performance.
4. Proton VPN – Ideal for keeping your online gambling private, with Swiss jurisdiction and zero-logs auditing.
5. CyberGhost – Optimized streaming servers actually handle geo-blocked gambling sites well.

Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

Visit NordVPN

I’ll be straight with you; using a VPN when gambling online sits in a gray legal spot, like fog on a London street. Some people connect from overseas to place bets back home. Some care about hiding their gambling activity. And some tweak settings to skip location blocks they really ought not touch.

I’m not here to give you legal tips or play moral cop. Here’s what’s real: some high-quality VPNs work well with gambling sites, and others flag you quicker than a shady dealer spots trouble. If you’re set on trying it, I’ll show you how to stay as safe as possible online.

1. 

   Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

   Visit NordVPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Over 5,400+ servers in 59 countries
2. 

   Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

   Visit Surfshark
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   1700+ Servers in 63 Countries
3. 

   Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

   Get 49% Off ExpressVPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries
4. 

   Overall Rating 8.8 / 10

   Visit Proton VPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   1500 Servers in 61 Countries
5. 

   Overall Rating 7.5 / 10

   Visit CyberGhost
   Money-Back Guarantee

   45 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   7,300 Servers worldwide

Why Use a VPN for Sports Betting & Online Casinos? 

The online gambling world is carved up like a Thanksgiving turkey; every nation, even every U.S. state, draws its own lines on who bets and how. You could be in New Jersey visiting family, logging into your go-to app based in Texas. Perhaps you’re overseas, where DraftKings suddenly won’t load. Or maybe you’re fed up with your ISP tracking every losing $50 bet you make.

A VPN hides your IP by sending your connection through a server in a different location. To a gambling page, it looks like you’re visiting the site from where that server is located. That way, you can get into sites that would usually be off-limits due to where you really are.

Here’s the thing they don’t mention in those “Top 10 VPNs for Gambling” posts: big betting sites look out for VPN use on purpose. Gambling regulations force them to confirm your real location. Some VPNs get spotted right away, while some manage to avoid detection. What sets them apart? That’s precisely why I tested each one for weeks straight.

Quick Guide: How to Use a VPN for Gambling Online

Here’s how I set up my VPN every time:

1. Sign up for a solid VPN that plays nicely with gambling platforms (heads-up: nearly all free options fail). I recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN app and put it on your gadget before betting
3. Connect to a server where your preferred betting site works legally.
4. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies before heading to the gambling page (this matters more than you think it might).
5. Log into the site like usual and check that everything’s running smoothly.
6. Stay logged into the VPN while you bet to avoid sudden drops during play.

My Methodology: How to Choose the Best VPN for Betting Apps 

While working on this review over several weeks, I logged into multiple betting apps in different states, saw countless “VPN detected” errors, and had one VPN fail spectacularly mid-bet (I lost $20, and I’m still bitter about it).

Here’s what actually matters:

• VPN detection evasion: It’s essential that the VPN performs perfectly, making top sites like DraftKings and Betfair think you’re in the correct location.
• Connection speeds: If speeds are too slow, you miss out on live betting odds or could face disconnections during crucial moments.
• Server locations: You need reliable servers available in locations where your betting platform legally operates.
• IP address reliability: Shared IP addresses get flagged quickly, so it’s essential your VPN regularly refreshes its IPs or offers dedicated or residential options.
• Kill switch reliability: If your VPN is interrupted unexpectedly, you don’t want your real location revealed to your betting platform.
• Logging policies: The last thing you want is your gambling history sitting in a VPN company’s servers, so make sure your VPN is zero-logs and, preferably, independently audited.

The 5 Best VPNs for Betting Online 

Here’s a quick overview of the top VPNs for online gambling:

1. NordVPN — Best Overall VPN for Sports Betting

NordVPN’s like a buddy you can count on; it shows up every time without drama. Not the loudest in the room, sure, or the cheapest. But while others fail or freeze out, this one keeps running smoothly.

Key Features: What Makes NordVPN Ideal for Gambling Online? 

• Dedicated IP addresses: For a small extra cost, get an IP address exclusively for your use. Gambling platforms blacklist addresses tied to odd behavior, like dozens of logins from the same IP, but solo IPs skip this mess entirely.
• NordLynx protocol: During my speed tests, connecting to a NJ server from CA gave me speeds of 280Mbps, which meant zero lag when grabbing live odds that change every few seconds. Fast speeds make a difference here.
• Meshnet: Route your connection through another device you own in a different location, like your home PC when you’re traveling abroad. Routing your gambling connection through your home network helps avoid blocks and location issues.

My Experience With NordVPN: Hands-On Performance

I connected to servers in New York, then hopped over to New Jersey and Nevada. Every time, sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Unibet opened right up. Not once did they flag me, even after logging in each day for nearly fifteen days straight.

NordVPN stands out for its obfuscated servers. They cloak your connection data so it seems just like normal web browsing traffic, rather than a VPN connection. When I purposely checked if DraftKings would spot my VPN use, these masked servers worked flawlessly.

NordVPN Test Results

The only hiccup I had was when FanDuel’s geolocation system got finicky. Switching from a shared IP to a dedicated IP solved it immediately.

NordVPN Pricing and Value

For $2.99 a month on the two-year deal, NordVPN’s pricing is pretty average. Tack on an extra $3.69 each month for a fixed IP and you’re near $7 total. That’s roughly what one bad wager costs, so if you bet often, that steady connection might just save you more than cash. Take a look at our NordVPN review for more information.

Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

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$2.99 per month (two-year plan + three months)

2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for Betting on Multiple Devices

Surfshark is what you get when a VPN builder finally rolls their eyes at random device caps. Most others I checked pin you down to 5 or 10 gadgets max. Not this one; this crew asked “what’s the point?” then just wiped the cap off the map.

Key Features: What Makes Surfshark Ideal for Gambling Online? 

• Unlimited device connections: I signed in on my iPhone, iPad, laptop, and desktop, and every single one ran smoothly. Got a game going on the big screen while checking odds on your tablet, then placing bets from your phone? That’s when it counts.
• NoBorders mode: This feature detects if the network limits VPNs, then tweaks your connection without asking. During my test at uni Wi-Fi, where they shut down nearly every VPN, it switched on by itself.
• Static IP locations: Get fixed IP spots in five nations, like the US. They’re not as solid as NordVPN’s dedicated IPs, but steadier than jumping between changing shared addresses. Plus, they’re free for subscribers to use.

My Experience With Surfshark: Hands-On Performance

Surfshark worked way better than expected for a cheap VPN, but there were some hiccups now and then. It’s not the fastest option around, but streaming or grabbing big files felt smooth most times.

The biggest problem I ran into? Upload speeds. Lots of servers delivered great downloads, always over 250 Mbps on my 300 plan, but uploads dipped below 10 in far-off locations. When placing bets, that’s hardly an issue because you’re mainly pulling data down; still, it’s good to keep in mind.

Surfshark Test Results

Surfshark was consistently reliable during my testing. If I encountered a block, I could switch to a different server, and my issue was typically resolved within one try.

Surfshark Pricing and Value

For just $1.99 monthly on the two-year deal, Surfshark is an excellent choice if you have a ton of devices to connect. For light users who don’t place bets every day, it’s a reliable pick that won’t break the bank. All plans have a 30-day refund guarantee, or you can take a look at our Surfshark review.

Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

Visit Surfshark

$2.49 per month (two-year plan + three months)

3. ExpressVPN — Best Premium VPN for Consistent Betting Access

ExpressVPN is the right choice when you’re fed up with getting VPN errors; no more headaches, just reliable performance. When big money’s on the line and an unreliable connection isn’t an option, go with this one.

Key Features: What Makes ExpressVPN Ideal for Gambling Online? 

• Lightway protocol: ExpressVPN’s custom setup really outperforms OpenVPN and also beats WireGuard when I tested it. My downloads regularly topped at 295 Mbps, surpassing my usual internet speed. If you’re placing live bets, every millisecond counts.
• TrustedServer technology: Each ExpressVPN server works purely through RAM, so everything vanishes once it restarts. While others save info on disks, these servers can’t record anything. Worried someone might dig up your betting past? This setup shuts that down tight.
• Split tunneling: ExpressVPN allows certain apps, like gambling ones, to use the encrypted link while other stuff stays on normal internet. I kept Netflix fast by using my usual network, yet had betting tools protected via ExpressVPN.

My Experience With ExpressVPN: Hands-On Performance

During testing with ExpressVPN, DraftKings didn’t flag me, and neither did FanDuel, BetMGM, or any international sportsbook I used. Zero alerts. This performance beats every other VPN I ran through the same tests.

Speeds stayed rock-solid throughout. When I linked up to the New York server while in California, each speed check hit at least 285 Mbps. Latency sat around 65ms, which was more than good enough for real-time betting without a hitch. Everything simply functioned as it should.

ExpressVPN Test Results

The one downside I’ve noticed? ExpressVPN’s smart location kept choosing spots that didn’t work well for my gambling apps. Instead of New Jersey, it’d drop me into California, so I had to change servers myself. Not a big deal, but still kind of irritating.

ExpressVPN Pricing and Value

For $3.49 each month with yearly billing, ExpressVPN is slightly pricier than others. Still, there were no detection issues, no drops, zero problems to fix. In case your stakes are high and just one hour offline burns more cash than this service, then it pays off hands down. Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days, or read our ExpressVPN review for more information.

Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

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$3.49 per month (two-year plan + four months)

4. Proton VPN — Best VPN for Privacy-Conscious Bettors

Proton VPN is managed by the same team as Proton Mail; these folks truly care about keeping data private. Instead of just saying they value secrecy, this one follows strict Swiss rules known for top-tier protection. Plus, it’s been independently audited to prove its claims are true.

Key Features: What Makes Proton VPN Ideal for Gambling Online? 

• Secure Core: Your traffic passes via several servers in places that respect privacy before reaching the site. It’s a little slower, but if someone hacks the last server, they still can’t find you. If you’re placing bets and don’t want anyone tracing you, that peace of mind counts.
• Independent audits: While plenty of VPNs say they’ve passed audits, most keep the proof hidden. Not here; Proton VPN details it all on the blog. It’s undergone multiple security audits and passed every time.
• NetShield ad blocker: A bunch of gambling pages are packed with pop-ups plus spying tools. During my tests, Proton VPN’s built-in blocker nuked 99 out of every 100 annoyances.

My Experience With Proton VPN: Hands-On Performance

Proton VPN kept my data safe without slowing things down too much. When I tried the Secure Core setup, the delay bumped up around 50 milliseconds, but streaming stayed smooth for real-time wagering. Normal servers, skipping that extra hop, were faster.

The US servers were hit-or-miss on gambling sites. A few Proton VPN connections cleared DraftKings and FanDuel just fine, while others tripped alarms right away. After some trials, I noticed servers like US-NY25 (with higher numbers) did a better job, probably because they’re still under the radar.

Proton VPN Test Results

Proton VPN’s speed worked fine for gambling, though it dipped now and then compared to ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Still, I’d bet on its privacy promises over nearly any other provider out there.

Proton VPN Pricing and Value

For $2.99 each month on a two-year deal, Proton VPN is neither cheap nor pricey. You’re paying slightly more to get solid privacy from Switzerland, along with proof it doesn’t track you. Try it risk-free for 30 days, or check out our Proton VPN review for more details.

Overall Rating 8.8 / 10

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$4.49 per month (two-year plan)

5. CyberGhost — Best VPN for Accessing International Betting Sites

CyberGhost sneaks in under the wire here. A lot of gambling-centered reviews skip it which is odd, as its specialized servers handle global betting site blocks really well.

Key Features: What Makes CyberGhost Ideal for Gambling Online? 

• Specialized servers: Though they never mention gambling pages outright, CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers work really well here. Testing the UK connection on BBC iPlayer worked flawlessly. Those same servers smoothly loaded Betfair and similar local wagering spots with zero flags.
• Smart Rules: Get CyberGhost to auto-connect to certain servers once you open your betting app. For example, I had it jump straight to New Jersey every time I started DraftKings. That way, I skipped the whole remember-to-connect thing each session.
• Massive server network: Over 11,800 servers spread through 100 nations, so if a gambling site blocks one, you’ve still got loads more to switch to.

My Experience With CyberGhost: Hands-On Performance

CyberGhost worked way better than I thought it would, but it didn’t feel quite as smooth as top-tier picks. Its desktop app looks clean, with each setting explained simply; still, the phone version seems stripped down, missing features like link-level split tunneling found on PC.

The streaming servers handled betting platforms really well, dodging location limits far more often. BBC iPlayer ran without issues, top American gambling services loaded fast, but Disney+ shut me out (it usually does, no matter which network you use).

CyberGhost Test Results

The speeds held up well on local servers, but distant connections slowed down a lot. When linked to Australia from the US, my upload hit just 9 Mbps, so streaming live video struggled, although placing bets worked okay.

CyberGhost Pricing and Value

For just $2.19 a month on the two-year deal (with 45 days to try it) CyberGhost gives you the longest no-risk test around. Try it through half a football season, then ask for cash back if it falls short for your bets. You can take a look at our CyberGhost review for more details.

Overall Rating 7.5 / 10

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$2.19 per month (two-year plan + two months)

VPN Not Working for Gambling Online: Troubleshooting Tips

Some top VPNs still face blocks on gambling sites now and then. When that happens, here are some easy fixes: 

• Clear cookies and caches: Cookies and site data can store your past login spots, and betting platforms watch for this. Use private mode or delete history right away when switching locations.
• Try a different server in the same country: If one server doesn’t work, switch to another nearby. Since betting sites often target single IPs instead of whole areas, hopping between local servers might help sneak past blocks.
• Use a dedicated or residential IP: Go with a private or home-based IP instead; shared ones are often blocked since tons use them at once. A fixed IP appears more like a normal household setup.
• Disable WebRTC: Turn off WebRTC in your browser. Otherwise, it might show your actual IP even if you’re using a VPN. Use a blocking tool instead, or just switch it off inside the browser’s options.
• Check your DNS settings: Look at your DNS setup and go with the VPN’s servers instead of your internet provider’s. If you don’t, leaks can show where you really are.
• Switch VPN protocols: If OpenVPN doesn’t work, go for WireGuard or whatever custom option your service offers.

Are Free VPNs Safe for Betting? 

Generally, no, free VPNs aren’t safe for betting. And they’re not reliable choices, either.

I tried Proton VPN’s no-cost plan, Windscribe’s basic version, and TunnelBear’s free option with DraftKings and FanDuel. Each one got spotted and then shut out fast, usually within seconds. These free services run on very few IPs, ones that gambling sites already flagged way back.

Free VPNs can also be risky. Instead of protecting you, many pass your online activity to ad companies. Others slip ads onto the sites you visit. There are even cases where they’ve loaded harmful software onto devices. Accidentally picking a shady free VPN really isn’t worth the risk to your device or your payment details.

Which Casino/Betting Sites Can I Access With a VPN? 

Provided your VPN is up to par, you can access pretty much all casino/betting sites. It depends on how easily a site spots VPNs and how well yours dodges detection. From what I’ve tried, these are the ones that are accessible:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• BetMGM
• Betfair
• Unibet
• Bet365
• Roobet
• PokerStars
• Barstool Sportsbook
• Caesars

Keep in mind, just because you can get into these sites doesn’t mean it’s allowed. Using a VPN to skip location blocks usually breaks the terms of service. Get caught and they might take your winnings.

Where Is Online Gambling & Sports Betting Legal in the U.S.? 

By late 2025, U.S. gambling rules look like a messy collage; lawmakers struggled to sync policies, failing even basic agreements while shaping laws that sprawl in every direction.

Thirty states, along with D.C., have legalized certain types of sports gambling. Yet that word – “legal” – hides big differences between them. In some places, you must go inside a real casino to create an online betting profile. Elsewhere, signing up happens completely from home. A few spots permit app wagers no matter where you are statewide. Meanwhile, others force users onto actual casino grounds to place digital bets.

California and Texas still haven’t joined in. Each year brings new votes or laws about gambling, yet each time things fall apart because gambling opponents, tribal interests, and commercial gaming interests can’t agree on terms.

Where Is Online Gambling & Sports Betting Legal Abroad? 

The international landscape is slightly less chaotic but no less complicated. Here are the notable examples:

Most of Europe has moved toward regulated legal gambling markets rather than outright bans. The regulatory approach varies (some countries allow everything, others restrict casino games while permitting sports betting), but the trend is clearly toward legalization with strong consumer protections.

Where Is Online Gambling Illegal? 

Some nations treat online betting so strictly that bypassing rules via VPN can lead to real trouble; not just losing access, but facing legal action. These are places where wagering is off-limits, no matter if you’re using a virtual private network or not:

• 🇦🇪 UAE bans every type of gambling – Breaking this law may lead to jail or being forced to leave the country.
• 🇰🇵 North Korea – Citizens may not gamble; however, non-residents might access authorized gaming venues.
• 🇰🇭 Cambodia – following actions against China-linked gaming sites, Cambodia stopped online betting in 2019.
• 🇧🇳 Brunei enforces Sharia law – gambling is completely banned under religious rules.
• 🇶🇦 Qatar – Gambling in any form is banned; breaking this law may lead to jail time.
• 🇱🇧 Lebanon – Betting is generally forbidden by law, but there are exceptions for long-standing institutions granted a state license.
• 🇸🇬 Singapore – Access is tightly limited; residents need to pay ~$100 entry fee for casinos; internet betting isn’t allowed.
• 🇯🇵 Japan – Gambling is mostly banned, yet there are a few legal cases such as horse races; in contrast, bike and boat contests also count. Pachinko remains permitted despite restrictions. Recently, resort zones with casinos gained approval.
• 🇰🇷 South Korea – gaming halls open only to non-residents; locals banned from digital betting sites.
• 🇹🇭 Thailand – Gambling is banned everywhere, though the government runs a lottery; offenders face legal action.

If you visit one of these places, connecting via VPN to bet online might lead to major legal issues. Penalties can include anything from fines to jail time; claiming ‘it’s only sports betting’ won’t help much under Sharia-based systems.

In places where gambling is allowed yet tightly controlled, connecting via VPN to foreign betting platforms might still break rules. Check local laws carefully, and don’t assume a VPN offers protection.

Is Using a VPN for Sports Betting & Gambling Illegal? 

The legality of using a VPN for sports betting and gambling depends on one of three cases. Firstly, when traveling but logging into a betting account permitted in your home area, it’s typically lawful but commonly breaks the site’s user agreement.

Next, being in a location where online wagering isn’t allowed and masking your position via VPN to enter a permitted zone might breach regional gambling regulations along with operator policies. Money could be seized, and although personal charges don’t happen often, they’re definitely possible.

Lastly, connecting through a VPN within nations that limit such tools or punish gambling harshly (like China or the UAE) involves real risk and may result in major legal trouble.

Most VPN betting falls into the first two categories; legal action against individual users is rare. Still, betting sites keep a close eye on profiles, especially after big wins. They do this even more when they see a proxy tool that lets them get around a region lock, which could mean losing prizes without being able to appeal.

In short, logging into your allowed local account from abroad through an encrypted tunnel is not very risky. However, accessing restricted services this way from your area is risky, and trying it where gaming or anonymizers are banned is very unwise.

Best Practices: How To Stay Safe When Betting Online 

Even if you use a VPN – or don’t – this is how to stay safe while betting online:

• Don’t reuse passwords: Your account holds cash plus card details. Pick fresh logins each time instead of recycling old ones from other places.
• Turn on two-step login: Most big gambling sites have this feature. Just activate it. If a hacker grabs your password, the extra step blocks their entry.
• Go for approved betting spots only: Offshore ones could give higher payouts, yet lack oversight, so you’re stuck if they don’t pay. Use official bookies where laws protect players.
• Keep your login info private: Everyone knows this, but sharing passwords breaks rules while letting others reach your money. When organizing shared bets, pick apps built just for that job instead.
• Keep an eye on your account: Look over your bets and money moves often. Spot something off? Tell the team straight away.
• Set betting limits: Nearly every legal betting site gives you the option to cap how much you can deposit each day, week, or month. These controls are built in on purpose to help avoid gambling issues, and yes, they actually do help.
• Remember, the house always wins: Okay, it’s not about safety exactly, yet it still matters. Gambling online? Think of it like watching a movie, not making smart money moves. If you’re using cash you’d feel bad losing, maybe skip placing that bet.

Conclusion

I spent weeks testing different VPNs to see if they would work with the new, advanced blockers that betting sites use. Overall, NordVPN stands out as the best choice. Sure, the dedicated IP add-on isn’t free, but it keeps working on DraftKings, FanDuel, and others that shut down cheaper options.

What VPN did you try for placing bets? Did it work well, or did the site spot it right away? Share your thoughts below, and thank you for reading.

FAQ: Access Gambling and Sports Betting Sites 

• Can You Use a VPN to Sports Bet? 

  Yes, a good VPN can help with sports betting (especially ones that dodge detection well, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN), but it might break the site’s rules. 

• Can DraftKings Detect VPNs? 

  Yes, DraftKings detects many VPNs, especially cheap or free versions that use shared IPs. However, high-end services with unique IP addresses tend to slip through more often.

• What VPN to Use for Betting? 

  NordVPN is the best VPN to use for betting. Throw in a dedicated IP for solid access without being flagged on betting sites. It’s reliable and works well when you need consistent entry.

• Can PokerStars Detect VPNs? 

  Yes, PokerStars can spot some basic VPNs. However, it often misses stronger ones such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN.