Best VPN for online gambling in 2023 | Unblock betting apps
As online gambling continues to increase in popularity, more and more people are attempting to get in on the action. In many countries, gambling is illegal and access to online betting sites is blocked. This is where a VPN for online gambling can help! A VPN changes your IP address and encrypts your internet connection to safely let you unblock online gambling websites from anywhere in the world.
In this article, we list the best VPN for online gambling and show you how to use a VPN service to unblock your favorite betting sites no matter where you live.
The best VPNs for online betting
Here is a quick look at the best VPN services for betting. All the VPN services listed below have the features you need and when we tested them we found that they were able to unblock popular betting websites in the US and UK.
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Before recommending a VPN service for betting, there are a few features we look for:
- Good value for money
- Excellent security and privacy features
- Servers located in countries that have access to the most popular betting sites
How to access legal betting sites abroad?
Using a VPN to unblock censored or geo-restricted gambling sites is extremely easy if you use a VPN. All of our recommendations have custom apps for all popular platforms, which means you can use the VPN on all of your devices. This includes mobile apps for Android VPN and iOS VPN, so that you can gamble on the go on your smartphone or tablet.
Simply follow the steps below:
- Subscribe to the VPN that suits your needs best. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN provider’s app onto your computer and/or install the mobile app onto your smartphone or tablet if you wish to gamble on them.
- Choose a VPN server in the location where the gambling site is available. Click Connect.
- Go to your gambling app/site of choice.
As long as your VPN is connected you should be able to access any foreign betting site and make bets. However, you may need a local payment method. For this, you can opt to get a virtual card.
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The best gambling VPNs in 2023
Below we will take a closer look at the best VPNs for gambling.
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What makes a good VPN for betting?
Not all VPNs are created equally, and they don’t all have the features you need to gamble safely and privately. Our recommendations are reliable, fast, secure, and easy to use. In addition, they all have a rich feature set that allows you to gamble without being tracked.
One of the most important considerations when choosing a gambling VPN is its server locations. Depending on which bookies’ website or online casino you want to use, you will require a VPN server in that country. That is why we have picked VPNs with plenty of servers in countries that have a wide range of bookies to choose from.
With a VPN, you can access gambling services and websites in countries where gambling is restricted. You can also access foreign bookies in countries that permit gambling. This enables you to make use of special offers, free bets, and increased bet sizes.
Fast connections
If you want to use a VPN for gambling it is essential that you pick a VPN that provides fast speeds. Online gambling can often be time-critical, so if you’re stuck with a slow connection due to an inferior VPN – you could miss out on a winning bet.
All of the VPNs we have recommended for gambling have super fast servers so you can place bets quickly and stream online sports competitions live.
How does a VPN for betting work?
A VPN fully encrypts your web traffic and makes it seem like you are in a different country. When you connect to a VPN, the website you visit thinks you live where the VPN server is and, as a result, you can use that website as a local resident would.
A VPN also allows you to bypass local censorship and blocks, so you can use gambling sites even in countries that restrict them. And, because your internet traffic is encrypted through the VPN tunnel, your activity will be hidden from your ISP – meaning that you can place bets with complete peace of mind.
If you want to learn more about VPN services, check out our VPN beginner’s guide.
What you should consider when using a VPN for betting?
If you live in a country like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, UAE, or Iran, gambling could get you in trouble with the law. If you unblock websites that have been purposefully restricted by the government, you could potentially be prosecuted. That is why you must use a secure VPN with the following features:
- Sever locations in countries that allow online gambling
- Strong encryption protocols
- A kill-switch
- DNS leak protection
- Fast connection speeds
- No logging
Even if you live in a country that permits gambling, you may want to access foreign gambling sites. Many people in the EU and the UK want to use international gambling sites, as these have special offers that can help you win big. However, please remember that to place bets in a foreign bookie you will need a valid payment method and a way of cashing out. As a result, you may need to get a virtual online card for that country.
Popular betting sites to consider
Take a look at our table below listing some of the most popular gambling websites you can unblock using a VPN. It also lists the specific VPN we recommend for each gambling site.
Betting site |
Location of site |
Recommended VPN |
LeoVegas |
Sweden, UK, Europe |
ExpressVPN |
SkyBet |
UK |
ExpressVPN |
Veikkaus |
Finland |
Surfshark |
William Hill |
UK |
ExpressVPN |
Pari Mutuel Urbain |
France |
PIA |
Paddy Power |
UK, Ireland |
VyprVPN |
BWin |
UK, Europe |
ExpressVPN |
Betway |
UK |
ExpressVPN |
Jackpotjoy |
UK |
ExpressVPN |
888sport |
UK, Europe |
Surfshark |
Eurobet |
Italy |
CyberGhost |
Betvictor |
UK |
PIA |
Sportingbet |
UK |
Surfshark |
Coral Bet |
UK |
ExpressVPN |
Betsson |
Sweden |
VyprVPN |
Ladbrokes |
UK |
Surfshark |
Dafabet |
Asia |
PIA |
Which countries block betting sites and apps?
Different countries will have different reasons for blocking betting websites. One of the most obvious reasons would be those countries where gambling is illegal to begin with. Other countries have strict online censorship laws which can ban access to any website deemed immoral by the government, or that may be perceived as working against national interests or religious beliefs. Some other countries may only allow access to licensed betting sites while blocking all the rest.
For instance, if you are located in a country like Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, or Romania, you will be limited to just a handful of government-authorized betting sites, and locked out of the rest. In that case, you will need to connect through a VPN to access betting websites blocked in the country.
Countries such as Thailand, China, Sudan, Russia, South Korea, and the UAE are all notorious for internet censorship and mass blocking of websites. Censored websites in these countries include gambling websites, so expect to need a VPN to access betting sites if you are located in a country with strict internet censorship laws.
Gambling is strictly forbidden in many countries including Cuba, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan, so you would need to connect through a VPN to access online gambling websites from those countries as well. In fact, a VPN is especially important to use in countries like these because the encrypted VPN tunnel will hide all of your online activity and prevent you from getting into trouble with the authorities for gambling.
Can I use a free VPN for online gambling?
In theory, you can use a free VPN service for online gambling, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Most free services are dangerous in that have been found to contain malware and critical leaks. Their privacy policies also leave a lot to be desired. Some sell your data to third parties to create a revenue stream. This will put your privacy at risk, and could mean that gambling sites and governments are able to figure out what you have been doing. This puts your winnings at risk and could get you in trouble with the law.
There are some free VPNs that we can recommend. However, please bear in mind that these free plans come with limitations that would hinder the quality of your gambling experience, these include:
- Few servers to choose from
- Weaker encryption
- Slower speeds
- Monthly data caps
The best way to gamble securely online is by using a reputable VPN service from this guide. If you want to try one for free, you can do so thanks to their money-back guarantees. The typically last for 30 days and allow subscribers to cancel the service and receive a full refund.
How we pick the best VPNs for betting – VPN testing methodology
Finding a secure VPN that has the features you need to unblock gambling sites, poker games, and online casinos, without being tracked or monitored, can be confusing.
Many VPNs make wild claims about the security of their apps and services or the speeds they can provide. This makes it easy to end up with a VPN you paid too much for, or that is not actually providing the privacy you need.
At ProPrivacy, our experts work tirelessly to compare market-leading VPN services. We use a precise testing methodology perfected over the course of many years. This allows us to recommend VPNs for specific purposes, including for gambling online securely.
Below, we have included some of the important features we looked for when recommending VPNs for betting:
- Secure apps for all devices to let you place bets, enter power tournaments, or access online casinos privately from anywhere.
- Fast speeds and reliable connections to ensure you can gamble without fear of the connection dropping out.
- DDoS protection to ensure you don’t get kicked out from important online card games.
- A global server network to let you access foreign bookies.
- Lots of advanced privacy and security features, including a kill-switch that prevents websites from accidentally detecting your real location and your ISP from being able to see which websites you are visiting.
- Excellent accessibility, including the ability to access online casinos, sports betting, and streaming services like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer.
Why do some countries block gambling sites?
In some countries around the world, gambling is incompatible with local cultures and religious beliefs. For this reason, gambling sites are considered immoral, and may even be illegal. As a result, ISPs in those countries are forced to block access to gambling websites, online casinos, and poker sites from around the world.
Even in the US, where gambling is considered legal in the majority of states, it is important to note that laws vary by state. In Utah and Hawaii, for example, all forms of gambling are illegal, including casinos, sports betting, and lottery games.
Some US states may only allow certain types of gambling, such as horse racing or charitable gambling, while others only allow gambling on Native American reservations. Other states have completely banned all forms of gambling, so you will need to check local laws.
The reason for these blocks varies by country and state, but are usually enforced for religious reasons, or to protect people against the losses that gambling can incur. This means that you may need to use a VPN to access gambling sites and online casinos in some countries and US states.
Below, we have included a list of reasons why gambling sites may be blocked where you live:
Religious Beliefs
Some people believe that gambling is immoral and goes against their religious beliefs. Followers of Islam are particulalry vociferous in their opposition to gambling, though it is also frowned upon by the more devout followers of religions such as Christianity, Hiduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. An adherence to the tenents of a particular religion tends to be the primary reason when gambling is made illegal anywhere. This is true of countries such as Qatar, Thailand and several others.
Negative Social Consequences
Gambling can lead to negative social consequences, such as addiction, financial problems, and increased crime. This causes some countries and states to ban gambling. In 2019, Albania imposed a ban on gambling in an attempt to tackle organised crime and social problems. That same year, the government in Kosovo outlawed gambling for ten years after two murders in the country’s casinos.
Historical Precedent
Some locations have a history of banning gambling, and blocks may be enforced in these places to maintain tradition or cultural values.
Economic Concerns
Some places enforce specific gambling blocks to help preserve the local economy. For example, some states may ban casinos but allow gambling on sports events and horse racing.
Can I use a VPN for age-restricted online gambling?
While a VPN is great for hiding your location and keeping your data private, it cannot hide your age. In countries where gambling is legal, the minimum age for gambling is always at least 18. If you’re under 18, trying to use a VPN for gambling won’t work.
Gambling sites that operate in a particular country must abide by its laws, which generally require age verification. In the UK, for example, the Gambling Commission says that “All online gambling businesses must ask you to prove your age and identity before you gamble.” Proof might include a passport, driving license, or household bill.
Gambling VPN | Conclusion
As we have outlined in this article, using a VPN is critical for anyone who wants to unlock the full capacity of online gambling opportunities available on the internet. Simply put, using a VPN is the quickest, easiest, and most secure way to access all of your favorite betting sites online. With a VPN, you can be virtually anywhere on the planet and unblock virtually any betting site, at the same time encrypting all of your online communications to ensure no one will be able to detect what you’re up to.
The best part of it all is that you don’t even need to comb through the thousands of VPN providers out there to find the best one for your online betting needs, as we’ve done all the work for you. Simply choose one of the providers from here and you’ll be placing bets in a matter of minutes!
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Best VPN for online gambling – FAQs
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Is it legal to use a VPN with betting sites?” answer=”In most places in the world, it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN to access different gambling websites. The exceptions are countries where online betting (<a href=’/vpn/comparison/vpn-singapore’>Singapore</a>, Japan, the UAE) or VPNs themselves (China, <a href=’/vpn/comparison/belarus-vpn’>Belarus</a>), are restricted. Currently, the only country that forbids both is North Korea, which is not very surprising considering the country’s strict ideologies. We would definitely not advise online betting in North Korea, but in most other cases there are ways to bypass these restrictions.
ProPrivacy is not entitled to give legal advice, so before attempting to access gambling sites in countries with restrictions, make sure that you’re familiar with the current laws. And, regardless of your country’s gambling laws, make sure you always use a secure VPN when placing bets online – for your own protection.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can I get banned from a gambling website for using a VPN?” answer=”No, most betting sites won’t block their user accounts even if they detect VPN usage, because that would mean losing customers and, ultimately, money. What some of them do instead is block the servers which they suspect belong to VPNs. This way, they get to keep their customers, while restricting their activity to those games which are available in their respective regions.
So, if this happens to you, don’t worry. Sometimes all you need to do is pick another server in the same country and continue with your gambling activities as intended.” /]]