Sometimes, geographic blocks can frustrate your sports betting journey, but it all depends on the VPN. So, yes, while some VPNs won’t beat the detection system, some can get you past the restriction. Some sports betting sites, such as bet365, DraftKings, and FanDuel, are only available in certain places. For example, DraftKings and FanDuel are legal in Colorado, Illinois, and New York. However, DraftKings is illegal in Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, etc. If you reside in a restricted zone, you need a VPN. So, this is just a partial answer to the question we will answer today, which is: do VPNs work for sports betting?
First, you need a VPN that is capable, secure and anonymous. If DraftKings or FanDuel, for example, figure out you are using a VPN, they won’t let you play. I’ve tested a bunch of VPNs for this specifically, and the best ones are Express, Nord, and Surfshark. Today, I am going to introduce you to these top VPNs for online sports betting. These VPN options I will discuss will also allow you to access Betfair or RooBet. But as I mentioned earlier, while a VPN works, the type of VPN you use matters a lot. Most free VPNs are either not strong enough or already blacklisted by the sports betting platform. Now, the right VPN will help you access websites restricted in your area. You just have to select different servers through your VPN to access the betting services and other content not available in your region.
Do VPNs Work for Sports Betting?
VPNs 100% work in sports betting. If you tried using a VPN that won’t work, it is simply not the VPN for this occasion. Some VPNs, especially the freemium ones, are not worth it. These may have been blacklisted or have weak systems that typically lead to IP leaks.
Now, before we jump into all the how-tos and VPN stuff, I like you to be sure that you are not breaking any law by trying to reach these betting websites. There is a big difference between a blocked but legal site and one that’s totally banned or lets you gamble illegally. For example, don’t use a VPN to gamble in places in the UAE where it’s against the law and could get you in hot water.
Back to the problem: a lot of online sports betting websites block certain countries or states. If you are in Canada, you will not have access to play on Betfair in the UK. A VPN comes to the rescue. It scrambles all your internet traffic and sends it through another server somewhere else. You can pick where that server is, so you can trick the website into thinking you are in a different country and access the blocked content. Your real location and IP address stay hidden and are replaced with one from your chosen country.
What VPN to Use for Sports Betting?
I have explained the possibility of using a VPN to bypass geo-blocks and place bets from any state or country. Now, we will look at the top three VPNs I mentioned earlier that work for sports betting.
1. NordVPN
The first VPN we will talk about is NordVPN, which I regard as the best-value VPN available for betting sites. NordVPN has over 5,000 servers in over 50 countries around the world. However, I found that having more servers does not automatically improve service, but it can improve speed and latency. This really helps if you use a VPN for gaming or need handy features such as threat protection. Threat protection blocks ads, prevents access to sports betting websites that are malware-infested and shields your device from harmful files. NordVPN also allows you to adjust settings, and it matches ExpressVPN’s speed and performance. You can secure up to 6 devices with a single subscription, compared to ExpressVPN’s limit of 5 devices.
I just decided to talk a lot more comprehensively about NordVPN for you. When you are setting up NordVPN, you have to choose a plan. You can select the Plus or Complete plan if you need the password manager feature. For the basic plan, you will have access to all NordVPN features, and its pricing is reasonable. NordVPN is user-friendly and easy to connect to a server. Just navigate around the map or select a country from the dropdown list, press it, wait for a moment, and it is done; you are set to open any sports betting website that restricts your IP.
When you set up NordVPN, verify the tunneling protocol. On Windows, you will find it in the settings, under the connection tab. I always suggest selecting NordLynx, which comes with the new and modern ChaCha20 encryption. NordLynx also offers the fastest performance, not just by NordVPN standards but in comparison with other providers as well. The rest of the connection settings here are based on your preferences, or maybe just to make your life a bit easier. NordVPN’s general settings are mostly based on your preferences. However, if you plan to use this VPN daily for your betting needs, try to keep the auto-launch feature enabled. It will save you some time. If you use NordVPN on Mac, under the general tab, you will find the protocol settings. However, the important part is activating the kill switch. On a Windows PC, there are two types of kill switches. Make sure to activate at least one of them to prevent any data leaks. If you use NordVPN on an iPhone or Mac, you do not need to worry about this because the kill switch is automatically enabled. However, something Apple users will not find is the split tunneling feature, which is useful if you want certain betting applications to use the VPN connection while allowing others to bypass it.
If you navigate to the Shield icon, you will be able to access threat protection, which will protect you from ads, malicious websites, and even harmful files. It gives real-time protection, similar to what most antiviruses provide. Although NordVPN is primarily a VPN and not an antivirus, based on my own testing, I have found it to be effective. That is why I always keep it activated. For Mac users, the App Store version of the NordVPN app includes only a threat protection light. If you need full capabilities, you will need to download the app directly from Nord’s official website. I appreciate that even the more advanced features are easy to set up. This is one reason I often recommend NordVPN to beginners. And what if something does not work? Then you can reach out to support directly from the app. Just fill in the questions in the pop-up window, and there you have it—it is that convenient.
Why NordVPN Isn’t Perfect
I have a few things I dislike about NordVPn, though. First, the price. NordVPN’s plans are expensive compared to CyberGhost and Surfshark. The pricing structure of NordVPN might confuse users because it has several different levels with various features and advantages. For instance, the monthly plan does not offer any discounts or promotional codes, while the yearly plans do. This could confuse users who prefer a single, straightforward plan.
Another concern is that NordVPN uses static IP addresses. Static IP addresses are not ideal for sports betting because online bookmakers can track them. Gambling sites typically record your IP when you log in. If you repeatedly use the same static IP, bookmakers can easily identify it and blacklist you. NordVPN does provide dedicated IP addresses, but you have to pay an additional monthly fee.
2. ExpressVPN
The second VPN that works for sports betting that I will talk about is ExpressVPN. For this one, I decided to check out Betfair in the US, but it seems like some features aren’t available. I think this had to also do with geolocation, which means the features are different in each state. Anyway, I thought, why not try two things at once? By the way, RooBet works well in Argentina, and Betfair does too! So I decided to see how this VPN thing with ExpressVPN works. You will need the premium to have the perfect VPN experience for sports betting.
Once you turn on the VPN, just pick the server you want, then refresh the betting websites, and you should be in. In this manner, I could access RooBet and Betfair’s full features with no problem. ExpressVPN is really good. It is fast, secure, and has tons of servers—over 3,000 in 105 countries. No matter where you are, you’ll find a server nearby. There are also countries you probably haven’t heard of, especially for sports betting sites like RooBet, which seems like it’s only fully available in South America. NordVPN doesn’t have many servers there, but ExpressVPN has plenty. So give it a try.
I have mentioned several times that the right VPN depends on what you need. ExpressVPN lets you secure up to 5 devices. It has some extras like special servers, ad blocking, different kill switches, split tunneling, custom DNS, and hidden servers. You get a lot of features with over 3,00 servers in 105 countries. 105 countries is still a lot, like most of the world.
If you want the cheapest option, ExpressVPN is expensive. NordVPN is even cheaper, and Surfshark lets you secure as many devices as you want with one subscription. This is good if you want a cheap VPN that works well without skimping on security, speed, or features.
Basically, think about what matters most to you in a VPN: price, features, or number of devices. Then choose the one that fits your needs best. Even cheap VPNs can still offer good security and features. It all depends on what you are looking for.
Why ExpressVPN Isn’t Perfect
I experienced some drawbacks when using ExpressVPN for sports betting. First, when compared to VPNs such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost, ExpressVPN is costly. It also misses some features many of its rivals offer, including malware and antivirus protection.
Moreover, the ad blocker on ExpressVPN is not the most comprehensive. It stops most display ads but, regrettably, does not appear to stop video and audio ads, which are likely to be encountered during sports streaming.
3. Surfshark
And then finally, Surfshark is my third choice for the best budget VPN. I considered Surfshark because it’s cheap, and then it delivers. Here, you’ll have essential features like Express and Nord. However, it does not match their speed. Surfshark does support an unlimited number of devices with just one account. You also gain access to over 3200 servers in over 100 countries. With Surfshark, you also receive bonus features such as an ad blocker to block pop-ups, two types of specialty servers, a no borders mode, and a rotating IP.
Surfshark protects tons of devices with just one plan. So, if you need a basic VPN at a rock-bottom price without giving up too much on security, speed, or features while placing bets on restricted sites, go for this VPN.
You still get special servers, including MultiHop and static IP, a kill switch, split tunneling, an ad blocker, different connection methods, etc., to bypass restrictions.
Why NordVPN Isn’t Perfect
While Surfshark is reliable, I do have some downside experiences you need to know about. First, Surfshark enforces a strict no-logs policy, yet it is headquartered in a country that is part of the Nine Eyes Alliance.
This alliance consists of countries that have agreed to share intelligence with each other, which means your user data might be shared as well. This does not affect its use on sports betting websites. Nevertheless, it could still be a concern for those who want to keep sports betting activities private. From my findings, Nine Eyes countries enforce much stricter surveillance laws and procedures compared to other nations, so, yes, it becomes harder to maintain privacy. Therefore, if you desire to stay anonymous while betting on sports, I would advise you to consider VPN providers based outside these jurisdictions.
Why Are These the Best Betting VPNs?
The bedrock of the tests was conducted on 5 services for a fair evaluation. These tests included:
- Privacy protection
- Server network
- Customer support options
- Speed
- Cost
All these five factors combined helped to determine what VPN you really need for sports betting while staying anonymous.
1. Privacy Protection
All VPNs mentioned in this article provide strong privacy protection using military-grade encryption protocols such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKev2/IPsec, and PPTP to safeguard your information. Moreover, a VPN must protect your data without any leaks. The VPN applications we have featured are verified to have no DNS or WebRTC leaks, ensuring your data remains secure. The top three VPNs in this article guarantee robust encryption against your data being intercepted by third parties or hackers. The byproduct is that you stay private and protected – no restricted betting website is able to detect your presence.
2. Server Network
We have mentioned the number of servers each VPN has, and they each run into thousands. That may have nothing to do with security but you are guaranteed a more convenient access whenever and wherever. So, irrespective of the country where the betting website supports, you can still access them and continue your sports betting activities without legal repercussions.
3. Customer Support Options
Each VPN provider offers various customer support options, including email support, live chat support, and/or phone support. If you ever encounter any issue, you simply reach out and it’ll be resolved, be it to do with payment or any technical issues.
4. Connection Speed
The VPNs on this list do not take forever to load pages. Therefore, even if the sports event you want to bet on is starting a minute from now, you will catch up without connection issues cutting you off. I tested the download and upload speeds of each VPN, paying attention to the connection. For these 3, none will negatively affect your internet experience, regardless of your location or the geo-blocked location you are targeting.
5. Cost
These selections are not exactly cheap, apart from Surfshark. However, you are going to experience the true value of your money.
Can You Sportsbet Using VPN?
Yes, you can 100% Sportsbet using a VPN. It works, whether you prefer NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark. Any of these VPNs will make sure that you have access to Sportsbet if it is restricted in your area. As for speed, you have nothing to worry about. We are talking about reliable latency, security, and multiple server locations that make sure you never miss out.
Can FanDuel Detect VPN?
It is correct that FanDuel can detect VPNs. However, this is only the case if you are using a free VPN or paid for a weak VPN that FanDuel may have already blacklisted. You do not want to visit this site with a blacklisted IP – you will be detected and blocked from the FanDuel. The VPN you need is the premium NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark. These are the options I have tested and can confirm work excellently.
Does VPN Work with DraftKings?
Not all VPNs work with DraftKings. If you have a free, unreliable VPN, it will not work. The chance is that DraftKings already identified and blocked those IPs. So, you need a premium IP address to access DraftKings if it has been blocked in your region. Sometimes, you are just traveling to another location, only to find that you can’t access your account due to an IP block. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark bypass DraftKings easily.
Does VPN Work for BetMGM?
I have tested multiple VPNs, both free and paid ones, on BetMGM and found that some premiums work. Two of the VPNs that work on BetMGM are NordVPN and Surfshark. Give these two a try – they are both flawless on BetMGM.
Can I Use a VPN with Caesars Sportsbook?
You can 100% use a VPN with Caesars Sportsbook only if it is NordVPN or ExpressVPN or any other reliable one you may have your hands on. What I found with some VPNs, which I won’t mention the names is that you simply will not be able to access this real money gaming without quitting them for premium stuff. A lot of them work but the ones I have talked about in this post work better.
Conclusion
The main target of this article was to answer this troubling question: do VPNs work for sports betting? However, I shifted this article further by providing you with three VPNs I have tested that 100% work with sports betting. You could be worried that after paying the subscription fee, the VPN will not work. Don’t worry – I only recommend VPNs with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied, you can cancel within the valid window and get your money back. Even some VPNs I tested which did not work as intended did refund my money. I got the refund through the live chat support. Yes, these VPNs work on any browser and device type. I have tested them on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more.
