Best VPN for Sports Betting in 2026: Unblock Online Gambling Websites Anywhere

By Kate Hawkins

Last update: November 22, 2025

Quick Summary: Best VPN for Online Gambling Sites

Quick Summary: Best VPN for Online Gambling Sites

Overall, NordVPN is the best option for sports betting. It’s fast, secure, and its connections are reliable so you don’t miss a moment of the live action when placing your bets.

1. NordVPN – Unblocking sites effortlessly, with servers in 126 locations and fast, steady connection speeds.
2. Surfshark – Works on unlimited devices at once and works with sports streaming sites.
3. ExpressVPN – Fast connections plus servers in 105 countries, but a little pricier than other options.
4. Proton VPN – A free VPN with a clear no-logs stance, making it ideal if you’re big on personal data protection.
5. CyberGhost – Simple layout with specialized streaming servers, but performance dipped a lot when far away.

Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

Visit NordVPN

Using a VPN for sports betting sits in a legal gray area that could cost you more than just your wager. I tried out the best VPNs to check which really let you access betting platforms. However, there’s something you need to know first: even if the tech works, dodging location rules breaks nearly every bookmaker’s policy, risking a locked account or losing whatever cash is inside.

If you’re in a place where betting is allowed and care mostly about securing your data, that’s a little different. You can use one of the best VPNs for sports betting to protect your online activity with high-level encryption. Read on to find out which VPNs work best.

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

Can You Use a VPN to Sports Bet & Is It Legal?

If you’re in a place where gambling is allowed, yet you value privacy, you’re totally okay to use a VPN. You’re simply shielding your info on open WiFi or hiding bets from your internet provider. Sports betting websites might not mind, but they’ll check your location via GPS to confirm you’re somewhere permitted.

If you place bets from a restricted state, things can get tricky fast. Using a VPN is allowed in most places across the U.S., but it goes against the betting site’s rules. Users have shared stories of sites catching them using a VPN and shutting their accounts for good. Someone on Reddit got hit with a $3,000 loss from their earnings like this. These sites run sharp systems that check more than just your IP address.

The fallout differs depending on where you live, but breaking a bookie’s rules might mean your account gets shut down, you lose your profits, or you’re flagged to local regulators. One thing’s clear: “unblock betting from anywhere” marketing claims gloss over the fact that you’re risking real money on a workaround that violates user agreements.

How to Use a VPN to Unblock Sports Betting Sites Risk Free

If you’re in a legal betting state and want to protect your privacy, here’s how to set up a VPN properly. I’ve used NordVPN in this example, but the setup steps will be similar for most VPNs.

1. Choose a VPN With Servers in a Legal State

The key is getting a VPN with servers in a state where betting is legal. That way, you keep your real spot safe while encrypting your internet traffic. 

2. Download and Install Your VPN

Head to your VPN provider’s website or your device’s app store and download the app. Once downloaded, follow the on-screen prompts to finish setup. Then you’re ready to launch the app and log in with your account details.

3. Connect to a Server in a Legal State

Scroll through the server list and find a server in the state where you want to bet from. Bear in mind that many Sportsbooks check both your IP and GPS, so you might need to spoof your GPS location on top of the VPN, depending on what betting site you’re accessing.

4. Verify Your Connection Is Secure

Use a site like ipleak.net before you sign in to your betting site. This is just to see if your actual IP shows up due to WebRTC or sneaky DNS lookups. Every VPN I recommend handled this fine during my tests, but taking 30 seconds to double-check makes sense.

5. Log Into Your Sportsbook as Normal

If you’re in a place where online gambling is legal and use a local server, things work just like they would without any VPN. The betting site gets an authentic-looking IP from the right area while your device’s location data shows you’re really there. The single change? Your online activity is scrambled for safety.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Sports Betting Websites

After testing these VPNs with online sports betting websites, this is what really counts:

• Server connections in legal betting states: Pick a VPN with servers where gambling is allowed, like New York, New Jersey, or Philadelphia. During busy times, if a server drags, you can switch to a different one quickly.
• A fast connection keeps your in-game bets safe: If there’s a 10-second delay from a slow VPN, you could lose cash when placing bets. That’s why I picked services that maintain reliably fast connections on nearby servers.
• Leak protection that really does its job: Just one DNS slip-up could reveal where you are. I ran each VPN through Wireshark plus ipleak.net, checking them more than once, and only picked those that stayed completely locked down every time.
• Kill switch that kicks in right away: If the VPN drops while you’re placing a bet, it should cut off data fast. During tests, I shut down the connection on purpose and checked how quick the kill switch engaged. Both NordVPN and Surfshark responded within a second.
• Audited zero-log policy: Marketing claims about privacy don’t mean much without verification. I picked VPNs tested recently by outside experts, firms like Deloitte or Cure53, to back up their claims.

The Best VPN for Online Gambling

1. NordVPN — Best Overall VPN for Online Sports Betting

NordVPN always gave me solid speed, strong protection, and smooth use while I tested it. You’ll find servers across all major legal betting states in the US, plus connections in many different countries.

What impressed me most was that the kill switch never failed. I pulled the ethernet plug, shut the app via Task Manager and caused deliberate crashes. NordVPN’s kill switch blocked my traffic near-instantly, which is critical if you’re betting with real money and can’t risk an IP leak.

My Experience With NordVPN: Hands-On Performance

Over three weeks of testing, NordVPN felt occasionally frustrating to use (there’s no instant disconnect button, for example) but its core functionality is rock solid. What really matters is that it works with online sports betting sites. I connected to New York servers and tested FanDuel, DraftKings and several streaming sites. Everything worked as it should.

NordVPN’s built-in Threat Protection blocked nearly all webpage ads during trials, and its malware protection kicked in instantly when I tested it; helpful if you accidentally misclick on a shady online betting link.

NordVPN Pricing and Value

For $2.99 monthly with a two-year plan, NordVPN sits around average in price. It costs about the same as ExpressVPN, but more than Surfshark. You get a clear 30-day refund option; however, the app automatically turns on renewal without asking (I hate when companies do this).

Honestly, you’re paying for reliability. Out of five VPNs I tried, NordVPN worked best no matter the situation. Find out more in our NordVPN review.

Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

Visit NordVPN

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

2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN With Unlimited Connections

Despite being affordable, Surfshark offers high-end tools and great performance. Its unlimited devices lets you cover everything at home, ideal if you’ve got a ton of gadgets. While trying it out, I used it on my computer, smartphone, and iPad at the same time and nothing slowed down.

My Experience With Surfshark: Hands-On Performance

I tested Surfshark for several weeks, and setting it up took no effort at all. The layout feels clean; servers are easy to find and features like Static IP and MultiHop are clearly labeled. MultiHop helps if a site doesn’t like frequent location changes, though not every MultiHop pairing behaved as expected. France to the UK worked, but Canada to Croatia showed the wrong exit IP.

Speed was the only part that held it back. Some servers delivered strong upload performance, but others dropped to just a few Mbps, which slowed down live-betting pages and delayed in-play wagers. If you stick to the faster locations, Surfshark feels smooth, but the variability means you may need to test a couple of servers before settling into a match.

Surfshark Pricing and Value

For just $1.99 monthly on a two-year deal, Surfshark gives the strongest bang for your buck here. The unlimited device connections are genuinely useful, too. Getting your money back is easy, too; it’s an automated questionnaire that processes your request without having to chat with retention specialists.

Keep in mind that monthly VPN plans always cost quite a bit extra; Surfshark’s best plans are long-term commitments. Check out our Surfshark review for more info.

Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

Visit Surfshark

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

3. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds for Sports Betting Platforms

ExpressVPN is a little more expensive than other VPNs on this list, but you’re paying for consistency. Speeds were the most uniform across different servers and different times of day. Where NordVPN occasionally had congestion issues, ExpressVPN maintained solid performance, even during peak hours or high-stakes sporting events.

My Experience With ExpressVPN: Hands-On Performance

What ExpressVPN does well is working properly: I never had to troubleshoot connections, hunt for working servers or deal with unexpected disconnects. It’s a reliable service, making it useful if you want to just switch on your VPN and forget about it while you place your bets.

While the interface is a little dated, it’s simple to navigate around. The ad and malware blockers work well, and the kill switch functions as expected.

ExpressVPN Pricing and Value

At $3.49 per month, ExpressVPN is the priciest option on this list. You’re paying for consistent performance and a track record of stable connections. If your online gambling means you’re betting significant money and need reliability, it’s worth the cost. ExpressVPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee; find out more about it in our ExpressVPN review.

Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

Get 49% Off ExpressVPN

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

4. Proton VPN — Best Free VPN for Online Gambling

Proton VPN’s free plan stands out when you need a solid no-cost option for betting on games. Its basic tier offers endless data use, zero advertisements and keeps your activity private. This helps a lot when switching between bookmakers without stressing over limits.

My Experience With Proton VPN: Hands-On Performance

In my trials, Proton VPN’s free servers worked well for regular sports betting use. You only get one active device and so-so speeds, and you can’t pick your server location. Instead, you’ll be connected to a random server in one of 10 global locations. That said, I could check odds, sign in, plus switch tabs smoothly without losing signal.

Speed-wise, Proton VPN works way better for betting than watching whole games. Since there’s no data limit, I could check live odds and follow several matches. Streaming isn’t optimized, so stick to using it for logging into bookmaker sites safely; switch back to normal internet or grab a premium plan if you’re after lag-free HD sports video.

Proton VPN Pricing and Value

Proton VPN’s free plan doesn’t cost a dime, so you can stick with it forever if you want. If you need more, Proton VPN Plus is $4.49 monthly, and you get faster connections and 120+ server locations. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can read more in our Proton VPN review.

Overall Rating 8.8 / 10

Visit Proton VPN

$4.49 per month (two-year plan)

5. CyberGhost — User-Friendly VPN With Streaming Servers

CyberGhost is a solid paid VPN option, great if you’re into sports betting while watching live matches. With servers in over 100 locations, it gives smooth access to international odds and streams. Its optimized streaming servers are great for sites like ESPN and Fox Sports.

My Experience With CyberGhost: Hands-On Performance

When betting or catching live games, CyberGhost’s streaming-ready servers worked every time restrictions popped up. Its streaming tab shows clear server labels made just for platforms such as ESPN, EuroSport, and similar channels. These connections work well, and often allow access to sports streaming sites on the first try.

CyberGhost runs on optimized protocols like WireGuard, so connections feel quick and smooth. While it’s not as fast as some other VPNs, CyberGhost was fast enough for placing live bets without significant lag or buffering.

CyberGhost Pricing and Value

With two-year plans starting at $2.19 per month, CyberGhost is an affordable option for live sports betting. If you opt for a long-term subscription, you get an impressive 45-day refund window so you can make sure it’s right for you. Find out more in our CyberGhost review.

Overall Rating 7.5 / 10

Visit CyberGhost

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

Can I Use a Free VPN for Sports Betting Online?

Short answer: don’t. Free VPNs are often sketchy or risky, both bad news if you’re using a gambling site. Streaming games gets annoying fast due to poor speed, limited servers, and tight data caps. Some shady VPNs even make cash by pushing ads or reselling your info.

If you really want something free, go with Proton VPN; it’s the sole pick I’d trust. Run by a team that actually cares about privacy, it won’t sell your info and it includes unlimited data.

U.S. States Where Online Betting Is Illegal

As of late 2025, placing bets on sports through the internet isn’t allowed in 11 states across the U.S. These are the places where it’s still totally off-limits:

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

Some states let you bet at stores but block internet gambling. Meanwhile, a few ban sports wagering completely. Rules change every time you enter a new state, which is why sportsbooks use GPS verification and IP address checks.

Can You Bet on Sports in California?

Nope. Betting on sports online isn’t allowed in California.

Is Georgia Sports Betting Legal?

No, sports betting is still not legal in Georgia. It might take a few more years to legalize, if it happens at all.

Can You Bet on Sports in Texas Online?

No. Texas blocks online sports betting, despite lawmakers trying to legalize it several times.

Can You Bet on Sports in New Jersey?

Yes, in New Jersey, you can legally bet on sports using big-name apps. Just make sure you’re actually inside the state when doing it.

Is Gambling Online Legal in Alabama?

Nope. Alabama outlaws internet sports bets plus nearly all digital gambling. Tribal casinos can operate under federal law, but they don’t offer sports betting.

Where Are the Most Popular Gambling Sites Legal in the U.S.?

Major sportsbooks operate in multiple sites, but each has slightly different coverage. Here’s where the most popular platforms are available legally:

Online Gambling and Sports Betting in Other Countries

I prefer breaking down worldwide gambling rules by sorting nations into three main types. That way, you get a clearer picture of where internet wagering’s outlawed, heavily regulated, or pretty much free.

Countries Where Gambling Is Completely Banned

• UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar all have bans that are enforced harshly, and penalties remain severe across all three.
• Brunei and Pakistan both outlaw every type of betting.
• China bans betting nationwide, though spots such as Macau are allowed exceptions.
• India’s new 2025 rules on internet betting bring punishments that include up to five years in prison.

Countries With Legal but Heavily Regulated Gambling

• UK players can only use sites licensed by the UKGC that stick to strict age verification, offer responsible gambling features, or place limits on ads.
• Australia allows betting on sports online, but blocks virtual casinos.
• Germany allowed online betting in 2021, but it came with tight rules on how much people could spend, along with a shared ban system across the country.

Countries With Minimal Gambling Restrictions

• In Antigua & Barbuda, Curaçao, Bahama, rules aren’t as strict, so lots of online businesses go there instead.
• Malta and Gibraltar are famous spots where companies get licenses easily thanks to laws that help businesses grow.
• The Philippines has economic areas set up for online gambling businesses.

Global Trend

I’ve noticed a change across the globe; places that once had relaxed rules are now boosting safeguards for users, whereas some nations are loosening restrictions just to bring in cash through taxes. No matter where you are, always look up local laws and regulations before placing any bet, since authorities usually care if you “didn’t know it was illegal.”

Conclusion

NordVPN works best for keeping sports betting private: speeds are fast, it covers lots of approved states, and it shuts off leaks reliably. If you want a free option, try Proton VPN.

Using a VPN helps protect your online traffic during legit bets, but don’t think they let you dodge location rules. Betting sites can spot VPNs more easily, and trying to skirt restrictions can get your account shut down.

Have you used a VPN for sports betting? What’s been your experience with geo-blocks and privacy protection? Any horror stories about frozen accounts or detection? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading, and bet responsibly (and legally).

FAQ: Best Sports Betting VPN

• Where Is Bet365 Legal?

  Bet365 is legal in more than forty countries. In the US, you’ll find it in New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Outside the US, it’s available widely in Europe, some areas of Latin America, Australia, and certain spots across Asia.

• Where Is Dabble Legal?

  Dabble is only legally available in Australia, and it’s blocked for the rest of the world. Australian residents can jump on anytime. Folks overseas might sneak in using a VPN, though that move breaks the terms of service.

• Can FanDuel Detect VPN Use?

  Yes, FanDuel can spot VPNs by checking IP databases, cross-referencing location data, or analyzing internet traffic patterns. Some players say they got locked out after logging in via a virtual network from banned areas, and they lost their cash too.