Best VPNs for Gambling and Sports Betting 2024

Learn more about the top three VPNs for a secure and private gambling and sports betting experience.
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Best Overall

4.9
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On NordVPN's website

NordVPN
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Best for Speed

4.6
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On ExpressVPN's website

ExpressVPN
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Best Affordable Option

4.9
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On Surfshark's website

Surfshark
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If you’re looking for the best virtual private networks (VPNs) for accessing your favorite gambling and sports betting sites like DraftKings, Betway, and PokerStars, then look no further than NordVPN and ExpressVPN. As two of the most popular VPN services in the industry, they're well-positioned to ensure safe, anonymous internet access while also providing fast connection speeds that won’t slow down your online gaming or sports betting experience.

NordVPN is a great choice when it comes to overall performance, thanks largely to its impressive features like double VPN servers and an automatic kill switch. ExpressVPN is another great option because it offers fast speeds across servers, meaning that you won’t have any connection issues while gambling or placing your bets. Surfshark is an affordable, powerful VPN that works on unlimited devices and successfully unblocked multiple streaming site during our testing.

With the College Football Playoff approaching, you can be sure that your sports streaming and betting will remain safe and secure with any of these VPN providers.

In this article
The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting 2024
NordVPN: Best overall
ExpressVPN: Best for speed
Surfshark: Best affordable option
Honorable mentions
Why use a VPN for gambling and sports betting?
Where are online gambling and betting legal in the U.S.?
Safe online gambling and betting tips
Best VPNs for gambling and sports betting FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting
How we tested the best gambling VPNs

The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting 2024

Gambling and sports betting online requires reliable levels of security, privacy, and anonymity. That’s why many players turn to VPNs when they want to place bets on college football games or NBA matches. A quality VPN provides a secure connection between two or more devices, making it impossible for third-party intruders to intercept the data being transmitted. It also hides your IP address so you can remain anonymous while playing and betting online.

Below are some of the best VPNs for gambling and sports betting currently available on the market. All of them offer a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try them risk-free.

Top 3 VPN services for gambling and sports betting compared

VPN
NordVPN
Best Overall

ExpressVPN

Surfshark
Starting price Starts at $2.99/mo Starts at $6.67/mo Starts at $1.99/mo
Gambling/betting site support
Streaming support Yes — Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, DAZN, Hulu Yes — Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime, Sling TV Yes — Amazon Prime Video, Areena, AbemaTV, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, Disney+, HBO Max, Hotstar, Hulu, YLE Areena
No-logs policy
Encryption AES-256 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

4.9
Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months
Learn More
On NordVPN's website

NordVPN
  • High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
  • Loads of servers for multiple connection options
  • Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
  • Too many confusing plans

Who it’s best for

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

NordVPN's secure tunneling technology ensures that your connection is secure as you browse the web. This makes it ideal for people accessing public Wi-Fi networks in busy areas like airports or cafes. Additionally, those who need access to geo-blocked content can benefit from NordVPN's vast server network with access to 60-plus countries around the world. 

What we liked

NordVPN is a great choice for a variety of online activities, and we chose it as our VPN recommendation because of its many features. It's cheaper than ExpressVPN, yet still offers loads of servers across the globe to give users more connection options.

The safety and security of NordVPN are top-notch. Nord's no-logs policy has been routinely audited and its headquarters are in Panama, which isn't subject to any data retention laws. You can also choose from different protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx depending on your VPN needs. Additionally, you can enable double VPN servers, which routes your internet traffic through two servers instead of to keep your VPN usage undetected.

NordVPN also includes an automatic kill switch to ensure you don't accidentally expose your data when your internet connection is interrupted. It's a great feature for online betting, as it will keep your identity and information secure even if the connection drops out.

Moreover, NordVPN is great for streaming your favorite sports from around the world. With its extensive server coverage, you can access geo-restricted content without worrying about buffering or lagging. Whether you're looking to stream football games or watch ESPN live, NordVPN has got you covered.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN is a popular VPN app, 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 like CyberGhost and Surfshark, which offer more competitive prices.

Additionally, its pricing structure can be confusing for users as it includes multiple different tiers with different features and benefits. For example, the monthly plan offers no discounts or promotional codes, while the yearly plans do, something that might confuse users who just want one simple plan.

Another issue is that NordVPN uses static IP addresses. Static IP addresses are bad for activities like gambling and sports betting since they can be tracked by online bookmakers. Gambling websites usually store your IP when you log in. If you use the same static IP multiple times, bookmakers can easily spot it and blacklist you, leading you to be banned from using the site. 

Nord does offer dedicated IP addresses, but they come at an extra cost per month. 

NordVPN specs

Price range $2.99–$14.99/mo
Free version No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Gambling and betting site support Yes
Number of servers 6,000+ in 60 countries
Number of connected devices 6
VPN protocol IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx, OpenVPN
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get NordVPN
Read NordVPN Review

ExpressVPN: Best for speed

4.6
E
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On ExpressVPN's website

ExpressVPN
  • Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
  • Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
  • In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
  • More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is a great option for those who want a secure and fast VPN. The provider's no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and independent audits from an external source make it one of the safest options on the market. With features like IP address masking, split tunneling, global server coverage, and unlimited bandwidth, ExpressVPN is a great choice for gambling and sports betting.

ExpressVPN offers unbeatable performance for streaming content or downloading files. It also has ultra-fast servers worldwide, making it ideal for activities like gambling and sports betting outside of the U.S. With servers located in 105 countries, ExpressVPN can provide users with access to services not usually available in their country. Moreover, it has intuitive apps available for plenty of platforms (even Linux, routers, and smart devices) to make your online experience simple and effortless.

What we liked

We chose ExpressVPN because of its impressive list of features and qualities. Its server locations in 105 countries provide a wide range of geographic coverage, allowing you to access content from virtually any region. In addition, the Lightway protocol allows for faster speeds and better security than traditional VPNs and is developed entirely in-house by ExpressVPN’s team of security experts. 

ExpressVPN also has a strict no-logs policy that 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, like MediaStreamer, which is a smart DNS service to improve your streaming, and Threat Manager, which blocks app and website 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 significantly more expensive. It also lacks some important features found in many of its competitors, such as malware and antivirus protection.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's ad blocker isn't the most extensive. It blocks most display ads but unfortunately doesn't seem to block video and audio ads, which will most certainly be a part of your sports streaming experience.

ExpressVPN specs

Price range $6.67–$12.95/mo
Free version No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Gambling and betting site support Yes
Number of servers Servers in 105 countries
Number of connected devices 8
VPN protocol Lightway, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, OpenVPN
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review

Surfshark: Best affordable option

4.9
Limited-time offer: 82% off + 4 months free
Learn More
On Surfshark's website

Surfshark
  • VPN technology offering stability and speed
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Works with Netflix and other streaming services
  • Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is a great choice for anyone who wants to stay secure and anonymous online, or access geo-locked content. It offers fast connection speeds, reliable connections, and advanced security features that make it the perfect choice for any user. Its low price point makes Surfshark ideal for those on a budget while still wanting premium protection. 

For those interested in international gambling, Surfshark gives you the ability to connect from any location in 100 countries around the world with just one account, so you can remain connected securely when away from home.

What we liked

We liked a lot of things about Surfshark. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which is rare in the VPN market. This makes Surfshark great for large households with multiple users who need access to the same network at once.

This is also great for sports bettors and gamblers, as it means they can access the same account from multiple devices at once. So, if you wanted to place a bet while on your laptop and then check the results later on your phone, Surfshark could help you do that easily and securely. On top of that, it's much cheaper than some of the more well-known options such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, while still offering comparable quality.

Another big plus was that Surfshark works with Netflix and other streaming services with limited issues — no annoying buffering or slow speeds here! There's also peace of mind knowing Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy and no data breaches on record; we value our privacy highly so this is an important factor for us.

This is also important when it comes to using a VPN for gambling and sports betting; you need to know that your personal data is secure, so the fact that Surfshark has a 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

There are some drawbacks that should be considered before committing to Surfshark as your VPN provider. Although Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, its headquarters are in a Nine Eyes Alliance country. These are groupings of countries that have entered into intelligence sharing agreements with one another, so your user data may be privy to sharing.

The fact that Surfshark is based in a Nine Eyes jurisdiction may be an issue for those interested in keeping their gambling and sports betting activities hidden. It's important to note that Nine Eyes countries have much stricter surveillance laws and procedures than other countries, which can make it more difficult to keep one's activities private. For this reason, many people may want to look into VPN providers located outside of these jurisdictions if they wish to remain anonymous while gambling or placing bets.

Surfshark specs

Price range $1.99–$19.99/mo
Free version No, but it a 30-day money-back guarantee
Gambling and betting site support Yes
Number of servers 3,200+ 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

Honorable mentions

In addition to the top three VPNs discussed, there are several additional services that we considered for this list:

  • CyberGhost: CyberGhost is one of the cheaper VPNs available and offers NoSpy, or obfuscated, servers for extra privacy and security. It also offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try CyberGhost out for a little over a month and request a refund if it's not to your liking. You can also purchase a dedicated IP address at an extra cost option.

    Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

  • Atlas VPN: While it didn't make our top three, Atlas VPN still offers an excellent free VPN plan for sports betting and gambling. The lack of speed restrictions and 5 GB of data each month ensure you can safely access sites like bet365 and Betfair without worrying about your info falling into the wrong hands.  

    Atlas VPN's free plan includes servers in The Netherlands and Singapore, two privacy-friendly countries. You'll also get access to U.S. servers in Los Angeles and New York — just know California gambling laws haven't legalized sports betting but New York's have.

    Get Atlas VPN | Read Our Atlas VPN Review

Why use a VPN for gambling and sports betting?

There are many different reasons that you may want to use a VPN while gambling or placing sports bets. Overall, a VPN encrypts your website activity, which gives you added security when on the internet. A VPN also masks your IP address, providing anonymity and allowing you to access content in other locations.

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.

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 internet history of your activities while sports betting.

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.

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.

The U.S. is divided when it comes to the legality of online gambling and betting. While VPNs are legal in some U.S. states, with clearly defined regulations in place, 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 permits online casino games, online poker, or both:

  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Michigan
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • West Virginia

If you’re more interested in online sports betting, the list of states where online sports betting is legal is actually much longer.[1]

Safe online gambling and betting tips

When it comes to online gambling and betting, there are a few simple tips that can help you stay safe when gambling or betting online.

  • 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.
  • 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 scams rather than legitimate sites.
  • Be sure to read all of the bonus terms before you deposit any money onto a site. Many gambling sites have wagering requirements, so make sure that you understand what you need to do in order to receive your bonus or winnings from the site.
  • If you are playing a game of skill such as blackjack or poker, take some time to brush up on strategy online before making a deposit.
  • Know when it’s best to pass on a bonus. Some bonuses come with strings attached and may not be worth the trouble.

Safe online gambling and betting sites

Online sports betting and gambling platforms offer a great 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 when it comes to safe online gambling and sports betting sites. 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.

Best VPNs for gambling and sports betting FAQs


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Should I use a VPN for sports betting?

You should use a VPN for sports betting if you use public Wi-Fi or need extra security while betting. A VPN is also a good solution to avoiding any restrictions there may be on sports betting in your area as well.


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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.


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How do I access gambling sites with a VPN?

Using a VPN is an easy way to access gambling sites and other online gaming or sports betting websites that are blocked in your country. All you have to do is select a VPN server location from outside your home country, log in to the sports betting or online gaming site, and you should be able to play as usual. If you experience any issues, contact your VPN’s customer support. Changing the VPN protocol or other settings may also solve the problem.


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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, which includes sportsbook betting, daily fantasy sports, and a virtual casino. You can use a VPN with DraftKings.
  • FanDuel: With FanDuel you can place bets on horse racing, fantasy sports, sportsbook, and play in a virtual casino. FanDuel also offers a Faceoff, which allows you to play games against other people for cash. FanDuel still works with a VPN.
  • Betway: Similar to other sites, Betway offers sports betting and casino games. It offers sports betting for the NFL, College Football, NBA, and more. Betway is also compatible with a VPN.
  • Roobet: Roobet is another online casino and sports betting platform. Roobet is different from others because the site only allows crypto-currency including bitcoin, litecoin, and ethereum. Roobet works with a VPN.
  • Stake: Another crypto casino and online betting site is Stake. Stake is not available in the United States, so you may need a VPN to access the site.
  • bet365: Bet365 is another popular sports betting site. It offers betting on a variety of sports, including the NBA, NFL, NHL, and more. You can also use a VPN with Bet365.
  • PokerStars: PokerStars is an online gaming site that focuses on poker — but you cannot win real money with PokerStars. You can use PokerStars with a VPN.
  • Bovada: Bovada offers poker, sports betting, and an online casino. Bovada accepts cryptocurrency or major credit cards. You can use a VPN to access Bovada if it is not available in your area.

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Can DraftKings detect a VPN?

Yes, DraftKings can detect if you're using a VPN. However, it cannot tell which specific country or region you are connecting from. So you should be able to access the site without getting blocked. The only thing to keep in mind is that it's always advisable to use a reputable and secure VPN service, as this will ensure your connection remains private and secure at all times.


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Can you best on sports in Florida?

The simple answer is no, you cannot legally sports bet in the state of Florida. While betting on horse racing is legal in Florida, there are currently no official sportsbook websites that accept bets from anyone within the state. There are illegal offshore websites that offer sports betting services to Floridians, but these sites do not hold a license from any U.S. jurisdiction and thus should be avoided for safety reasons.


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How do you bet on sports in Texas?

If you're a sports fan in Texas who would like to bet on your favorite teams, the best way is to open an account with an offshore betting site. Although Texas does not currently allow sports betting within the state, there are many reputable offshore betting sites that are licensed outside of the country and accept bets from Texans.

Bottom line: The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all provide the best combination of security, performance, and affordability for gambling or sports betting. NordVPN is our top choice overall due to its robust network and advanced security measures, such as double encryption.

ExpressVPN provides some of the fastest speeds of any VPN on this list. Finally, we have Surfshark, which offers excellent protection at an affordable price point, making it perfect for budget-conscious users looking to stay secure while enjoying their favorite pastimes.

3 best VPNs for gambling and sports betting 2024

Starting price Best for Learn more

NordVPN
Starts at $2.99/mo Best overall See NordVPN Pricing

Read NordVPN Review


ExpressVPN
Starts at $6.67/mo Best for fast speeds Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review


Surfshark
Starts at $1.99/mo Best affordable option Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

How we tested the best gambling VPNs

To guarantee a fair evaluation of each provider we tested all five services for the same operations, such as staying anonymous online, streaming from websites like YouTube and Netflix, downloading torrents safely, protecting our identity while using public networks (Wi-Fi hotspots), unblocking restricted content (websites or apps) and their ability to bypass geo-restrictions so we can access betting sites abroad. All these tests were conducted to make sure that the VPNs we recommend are reliable and secure.

The main criteria and features we looked at when choosing which five VPNs to include in this article included:

  • Connection speed: We tested each of the five VPNs for download and upload speeds. We wanted to ensure that, regardless of where you are located, the VPN connection would not impact your internet experience.
  • Privacy protection: All top three VPNs featured in this article offer strong privacy protection. They all use military-grade encryption protocols such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKev2/IPsec, and PPTP.
  • Server network: If you're looking to engage in sports gambling and betting but you live somewhere where it's illegal, it's important to invest in a VPN with servers in countries that can accomodate those needs (e.g., Australia). 
  • Encryption strength: The top three VPNs featured in this article provide a strong layer of encryption to protect your data from being intercepted by third parties or hackers.
  • Customer support options: Each provider offers customer support options such as email support, live chat support, and/or phone support.
  • Cost: We looked at the cost of each of the five VPNs and weighed it against the features and performance that they offer.
  • Leak protection: A VPN is worthless if it leaks your data. All of the VPN apps we featured here are proven to have no DNS or WebRTC leaks.
  • Compatibility: A top VPN works with all your devices. Our top three choices support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and multiple other operating systems, browsers, and device types.
4.9
Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months
Learn More
On NordVPN's website

NordVPN
  • High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
  • Loads of servers for multiple connection options
  • Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
  • Too many confusing plans
Author Details
Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.

Citations

[1] State By State Betting In The USA