Best VPN for gambling, sports betting, and online casinos in 2026

Gambling laws vary significantly by location.

Luckily, you can use a VPN for gambling to connect to servers in regions where sports betting, online casino platforms, and slot sites are accessible. Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for gambling thanks to its robust features, while Surfshark is a great budget-friendly choice, and Proton VPN is the top freemium option for sports betting.

NordVPN

Deal

Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free

Visit NordVPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) keeps your connection secure by encrypting your data and routing it through a server in another location. Once connected, it makes it seem like you’re browsing from that region, so you can access sports betting, online casino, slot, and fantasy sports sites more easily.

Below is a clear guide on how VPNs work for gambling, how to use them, and what risks you should consider.

How to use a VPN for sports betting and online casino

1. Choose a reliable VPN. Our team tested 30+ VPNs, and NordVPN performed the best for accessing gambling sites.
2. Install and set up the VPN app.
3. Connect to a server in a region where sports betting and online casinos are available, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or other legal markets.
4. You can now securely access sports betting markets, casino games, and slot platforms without restrictions.

Note:

Using a VPN for sports betting is legal in most places, but it’s crucial to research and understand the online gambling laws in your country and state before using one. In the US, for example, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) limits payments for illegal online gambling, which may affect deposits or withdrawals on sites not authorized in your state. VPNOverview doesn’t condone illegal practices and only aims to provide information about VPNs and online safety.

---

Our recommended VPNs for online gambling

VPN for gambling	Rating	Best for:	Servers	Servers in the US	Speed	Price
1. NordVPN	9.3⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	Best overall for gambling	9300 servers in 137 countries	3338+ servers in 20 locations	458Mbps	From $ 3.49/month
2. Surfshark	9.0⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	Best cheap VPN for unlimited devices	4500 servers in 100 countries	600+ servers in 24 locations	456Mbps	From $ 2.49/month
3. Proton VPN	8.9⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	Best for privacy	20300 servers in 148 countries	5585+ servers in 22 locations	428Mbps	From $ 2.99/month
4. TotalVPN	7.0⭐️⭐️⭐️	Best for beginners	1800 servers in 90+ countries	Undisling site. If you loaclosed	411Mbps	From $ 1.59/month
5. Norton VPN	7.0⭐️⭐️⭐️	Best for existing Norton 360 customers	2000+ servers in 75+ countries	Undisclosed servers in 25 locations	401Mbps	From $ 3.33/month

Try before you buy: NordVPN is the overall best VPN for gambling sites, and Android users can get a 3-day free trial on the Google Play Store. This way, you can use a premium VPN for gambling and still save some money.

---

Legal sports betting and online casino states

The legality of online betting differs from state to state in the US. In some cases, online gambling can be legal, while casino gaming is not. Here is a list of states where gambling is legal.

States with legal online casinos:
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia.

States where online poker is legal:
Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine.

States with legal online sports betting:
Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming.

Gambling remains completely illegal in Utah and Hawaii, where all forms, including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries, are banned. Other states impose strict limitations. For instance, Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina prohibit commercial casinos and sports betting, though they may permit limited activities like state lotteries or charitable gaming. In Alabama, Minnesota, Oklahoma, California, and Idaho, gambling options are similarly restricted, with no legal commercial casinos or sports betting allowed. States such as Alaska allow only certain types of gambling, such as charitable gaming.  Lastly, although some tribal casinos operate under federal law and state compacts in places like Alabama and Texas, commercial gambling remains strictly prohibited in these states.

---

Best VPNs for gambling, sports betting, and casino sites in 2026

The best VPN for sports betting and gambling should excel at unblocking any online casino or sports betting websites that are locked down due to geographical restrictions. It should also offer enhanced security features for protecting what matters most – your data and your money.

My research concludes that NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and Norton VPN are the best VPNs for gambling that can easily bypass geo-blocks and remain undetected.

How I chose the best VPNs for gambling

How I chose the best VPNs for gambling

Testing these providers for ourselves was important – not every VPN is suited to online betting. Specifically, I looked at the following points when choosing VPNs that can access gambling sites:

• Server locations (30%). Popular betting sites like bet365, FanDuel, DraftKings, and others are often restricted to specific US states or countries. To access them, you need a reliable VPN with servers in the regions where online betting is legal, such as Colorado, Illinois, or the UK
• Data security (20%). Where payment details and potentially large sums of money are involved, cybercriminals will follow. I only considered VPNs for gambling that had robust encryption to protect your data against them.
• Location-cloaking (15%). Changing your IP address is crucial to avoid restrictions when gambling online. I’ve selected VPNs with servers in Colorado, Nevada, the UK, the Netherlands, etc., so they are perfect to unblock gambling sites.
• Functional kill switch (15%). It instantly cuts your internet connection if your VPN stops working, preventing your real location from showing. Even a split second’s loss of connection can expose you.
• Privacy (10%). I’ve only selected VPNs with a strict no-logs policy to ensure your data can’t be handed over to the authorities by the VPN providers themselves.
• Speed (10%). For each VPN, I’ve tested the speed and stability of the connection. With the VPNs I’ve selected, you won’t have the risk of losing your money due to lag.

After testing over 25 VPNs, NordVPN proved to be the best VPN for gambling, sports betting, and online casinos. It has a substantial amount of servers in online betting legal countries, such as the UK, Portugal, the Netherlands, and also US legal states, such as Colorado. It also provides lightning-fast speeds and robust security features for the best betting experience. To get the full picture, I recommend testing the VPN yourself before making any decisions.

1. NordVPN: The best overall VPN for gambling and online casino slots

• Rating: 9.3⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Unblocked sports betting (gambling) sites: FanDuel, DraftKings, 888sport
• Unblocked online casino sites (slots games): Roobet, Stake, Rainbet
• Unblocked all-in-one platforms: bet365, PokerStars, Bovada
• Current deal: Get NordVPN, now 75% off!

NordVPN is the best VPN for gambling, sports betting, or online casinos thanks to its excellent unblocking capabilities and strong security features that keep your data and activity private. Additionally, NordVPN offers thousands of servers in 20 US states, making it easy to connect to a location where online gambling is unrestricted.

With over 3338 servers in the US alone, NordVPN covers key gambling-friendly states like Arizona, Colorado, and Illinois. I tested NordVPN to unblock Stake Casino , GGPoker, Rainbet, Betfair, Betway, 888 Casino, and DraftKings with great success. During this process, NordVPN retained fast speeds, around 458Mbps, making it ideal for playing slots and online betting.

NordVPN server locations	Sports betting	Online casino (slots)	Online poker	Recommendation
Ashburn. Virginia	✅	❌ (pending)	❌ (pending)	Sports betting
Baltimore, Maryland	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Boston, Massachusetts	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Buffalo, New York	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Charlotte, North Carolina	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Charleston, West Virginia	✅	✅	❌	Full access
Cheyenne, Wyoming	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Chicago, Illinois	✅	❌ (pending)	⚠️Limited	Sports betting
Denver, Colorado	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Huntington, West Virginia	✅	✅	⚠️Limited	Full access
Las Vegas, Nevada	❌ (no online)	❌	✅	Poker only
New Haven, Connecticut	⚠️Limited	✅	❌	Casino only
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	✅	✅	✅	Full access
Providence, Rhode Island	❌	✅	❌	Casino only
Trenton, New Jersey	✅	✅	✅	Full access
Wilmington, Delaware	❌	✅	✅	Casino and poker

Here’s where it gets better. NordVPN is the best gambling VPN for protecting your payment details. This is especially true on websites like Stake that use crypto. NordVPN’s security features are second to none. 256-bit data encryption and IP cloaking will safeguard your payment information and withdrawals – that’s why it’s the best VPN for trading crypto, too.

And if you’d rather keep your gambling preferences under wraps, NordVPN keeps no logs of user activity. It also hides your internet activity from everyone, including your ISP (internet service provider). When you do hit the jackpot, nobody needs to know. Well, unless you exercise your bragging rights.

NordVPN’s obfuscated servers also guard you against detection by the gambling sites you use. Winnings can be withheld if a gambling website forbids VPN usage. So, don’t risk it – get NordVPN and avoid the risk of losing your hard-earned cash. 

Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for online casinos, and it is currently available with a 75% off coupon. NordVPN subscriptions start at $ 3.49/month, and you can purchase it totally risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

What I liked

• Unblocks Stake, DraftKings, Pokestar, and other
• 256-bit encryption and zero data logs
• 3338+ US servers, including Florida and Colorado
• Obfuscated servers unblock almost any gambling site
• Advanced kill switch to keep your IP address safe
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Fast and stable connection, ideal for gambling and betting
• Takes payments in cryptocurrency for the utmost privacy

What I didn’t like

• Only 10 simultaneous connections

NordVPN

Deal

Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free

Visit NordVPN

---

2. Surfshark: Affordable gambling VPN for using sports betting apps out of state

• Rating: 9.0⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Unblocked sports betting (gambling0 sites: DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, BetMGM
• Unblocked online casinos (slots games): Stake, Rainbet
• Unblocked all-in-one platforms: bet365
• Current deal: Get Surfshark, now 85% off!

I’ve found Surfshark to be one of the most reliable VPNs for sports betting and online casinos. Its 600+ reliable US servers, including Las Vegas and Detroit, are more than enough to easily unblock Bovada, Fliff, Stake, Rainbet, Betfair, Betway, Bet365, William Hill, and other gambling sites, even in regions with strict restrictions. In my tests, speeds hit around 466Mbps, which means smooth gameplay and no annoying lag during live betting or playing slots.

Surfshark server location	Sports betting	Online casino (slots)	Online poker	Recommendation
Ashburn, Virginia	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Atlanta, Georgia	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Boston, Massachusetts	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Buffalo, New York	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Charlotte, North Carolina	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Chicago, Illinois	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Dallas, Texas	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Denver, Colorado	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Detroit, Michigan	✅	✅	✅	Full access
Las Vegas, Nevada	❌	✅	✅	Casino and poker
Miami, Florida	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
New York City, New York	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Phoenix, Arizona	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Seattle, Washington	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable

Surfshark will easily help you avoid being detected for using a VPN to gamble. I also tested the kill switch, no-borders mode, and dedicated IP addresses. With leak testing, too, I can confirm my true location, and my IP was never exposed. This is all backed up by a strict no-logs policy.

While it doesn’t offer the same level of crypto support as NordVPN, with only Bitcoin available, Surfshark still makes anonymous gambling easy. You can pay using either CoinGate or CoinPayments, making it a quick and simple way to stay private online.

Additionally, Surfshark’s multi-hop feature routes your connection through two servers, adding an extra layer of security and making it even harder for gambling sites or ISPs to detect VPN use. The VPN also supports obfuscated servers, which can bypass deep packet inspection (DPI) used in countries with heavy VPN restrictions.

Surfshark is one of the top VPNs for gambling in 2026, which you can test risk-free with a 7-day free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark’s plans start at just $ 2.49/month. What’s best – Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can enjoy online betting on as many devices as you wish.

What I liked

• Unblocks Fanduel, Rainbet, and other
• 4500+ VPN servers, 600+ in the US
• 256-bit encryption guards your personal information
• Built-in kill switch protects your real IP
• Cheap subscriptions
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• 30-day money-back guarantee

What I didn’t like

• Less support for crypto payments

Surfshark

Deal

Save 85% on a 24-month plan!

Go to Surfshark

Our extended Surfshark review looks at this VPN provider in more detail, including speed tests and a comprehensive security review.

---

3. Proton VPN: Privacy-oriented VPN for gambling and sports betting

• Rating: 8.9⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Unblocked gambling sites: DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, William Hill
• Current deal: Get Proton VPN, now 70% off!

Proton VPN is a well-known gambling VPN due to a huge server fleet, including over 5255 servers in the US, such as Secaucus and Las Vegas. With Proton VPN, I easily accessed Barstool Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and William Hill, while my speeds remained around 428Mbps.

Proton VPN server location	Sports betting	Online casino (slots)	Online poker	Recommendations
Ashburn, Virginia	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Atlanta, Georgia	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Boston, Massachusetts	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Buffalo, New York	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Charlotte, North Carolina	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Chicago, Illinois	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Denver, Colorado	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Detroit, Michigan	✅	✅	❌	Sports betting and casino
Las Vegas, Nevada	❌	❌	✅	Poker only
Miami, Florida	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
New York City, New York	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Seattle, Washington	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Secaucus, New Jersey	✅	✅	✅	Full access

For the utmost anonymity, Proton VPN accepts not only cards but also cash payments. It is also extremely secure, as it is based in Switzerland, which is not part of the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes Alliances. Proton VPN offers advanced encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a powerful Kill Switch. I also like that it includes DNS leak protection and multi-hop VPN chains, giving me extra layers of anonymity so my gambling activity stays private from ISPs and other trackers.

Proton VPN pricing starts from $ 2.99/month, and you can also test this gambling VPN risk-free using the free version. Even though the free version has limited servers in 10 locations only, it offers a US location, so we consider it to be the best free VPN for gambling. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try Proton VPN’s paid services risk-free and see if it suits your needs.

What I liked

• Supports cash payments
• Network with thousands of VPN servers, 5255 of them are in the US
• Built-in kill switch
• Obfuscated servers
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Unblocks a variety of betting sites, such as DraftKings, bet365, and Roobet

What I didn’t like

• Dedicated IP addresses are only offered for business accounts

Proton VPN

Deal

A solid cybersecurity and privacy package with a whopping 70% off

Check Proton VPN out

While this provider’s a little pricier than the others we’ve tested, it’s definitely worth it. Check out our Proton VPN review for our verdict on cost versus quality.

---

4. TotalVPN: Cheap VPN to access online gambling and casinos

• Rating: 7.0⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Unblocked sports betting (gambling) sites: DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, BetMGM
• Unblocked online casinos (slots games): Stake
• Unblocked all-in-one platforms: bet365

TotalVPN is another top slot VPN that has a solid server coverage, offering 1800+ VPN servers across 90+ countries, giving you plenty of options to access sportsbooks from nearly anywhere. In the US, TotalVPN offers servers across 24 cities, including major hubs like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami, ensuring stable connections in many betting-legal regions.

TotalVPN server location	Sports betting	Online casino (slots)	Online poker	Recommendations
New York City, New York	✅	✅	✅	Full access
Chicago, Illinois	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Los Angeles, California	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Dallas, Texas	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Miami, Florida	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Seattle, Washington	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable

My tests with TotalVPN were very promising. During my tests, I easily accessed bet365 in Mexico, BetMGM, Stake, DraftKings, PrizePicks, and FanDuel outside of the US, but TotalVPN failed to unblock William Hill, Betfair, and Roobet. Nevertheless, the speeds were substantial for a smooth connection – around 411Mbps, which felt reliable during live betting sessions.

TotalVPN is also suitable for streaming sites thanks to its fast and stable servers. With reliable US coverage across multiple states, you can easily watch the Premier League or any other events you’ve put money into.

Of course, I’ve vetted TotalVPN’s security thoroughly. It uses AES-256 encryption, includes a no-logs policy, and has a built-in kill switch and DNS leak protection as a standard. It also supports the modern WireGuard and Hydra protocols, which contribute to its strong performance during testing.

TotalVPN is an affordable VPN for sports betting with solid speeds and broad global coverage. Plans start at $ 1.59/month, and you can try it with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What I liked

• 1800+ VPN servers, 24 US locations
• No-logs policy to protect your privacy
• AES-256 encryption to keep your transactions safe
• Kill switch to protect your real IP address
• Excellent for unblocking
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Unblocks Fanduel, bet365, PrizePicks, and other

What I didn’t like

• Lacks some advanced features

TotalVPN

Deal

Get TotalVPN as part of a full cybersecurity suite for just $ 1.59/month

Visit TotalVPN

---

5. Norton VPN: Secure VPN for sports betting and casino sites

• Rating: 7.0⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Unblocked sports betting (gambling) sites: FanDuel, PrizePicks, BetMGM
• Unblocked all-in-one platforms: bet365

Norton VPN is a strong sports betting VPN thanks to its broad US coverage and solid performance across betting-legal states. It offers 2000+ servers in 75+ countries, including 25 US locations (such as Nevada, New York, Illinois, and Ohio). Some gambling sites restrict players on a state level – meaning you can even be blocked when traveling domestically. However, with Norton VPN, you can make those geo-blocks disappear, no matter where you are in the US.

Norton VPN server location	Sports betting	Online casino (slots)	Online poker	Recommendations
Ashburn, Virginia	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Atlanta, Georgia	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Boston, Massachusetts	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Chicago, Illinois	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Dallas, Texas	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Denver, Colorado	✅	❌	❌	Sports betting
Las Vegas, Nevada	❌	❌	✅	Online poker
Los Angeles, California	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
Miami, Florida	❌	❌	❌	Unreliable
New York City, New York	✅	✅	✅	Full accesss
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	✅	✅	✅	Full access

While testing various betting sites, Norton VPN delivered average speeds of around 401 Mbps. Although slightly slower than the top-ranked options, the connection remained stable with no noticeable lag during live betting sessions. I successfully unblocked betting sites like FanDuel, bet365, and BetMGM.

This wide server network also benefits sports fans. When testing Norton VPN, I was able to access live sports streams across different US locations and the world, without major issues. So if you’re an avid sports betting fan, Norton VPN provides stable connections whether you’re in the US or connecting internationally.

Norton VPN includes AES-256 encryption, a system-wide kill switch, and a no-logs policy. It also features its proprietary Mimic protocol, designed to help VPN traffic blend in on restrictive networks. You can try Norton VPN for gambling with a 30-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Subscriptions start at $ 3.33/month, positioning it as a mid-range gambling VPN option.

What I liked

• 2000+ servers worldwide, including 25 US locations
• AES-256 encryption to protect your personal data
• No-logs policy
• 30-day free trial and 60-day money-back guarantee
• Unblocks Fanduel, bet365, and BetMGM

What I didn’t like

• No manual city selection

Norton VPN

Deal

Grab a year subscription to Norton VPN for only 54% per month!

Visit Norton VPN

---

---

What makes a VPN suitable for online gambling?

If you are looking for a reliable gambling VPN, I would advise taking a look at the following features:

• Strong encryption. When gambling online, it’s crucial to protect your traffic and payment details with a VPN that uses strong encryption like 256-bit or ChaCha20.
• No-logs policy. To ensure your internet traffic remains private, you need a VPN provider that doesn’t keep any logs and hence cannot share any information with authorities.
• Advanced security features. To prevent your real IP from leaking while accessing gambling or casino sites, use a VPN that blocks IP and DNS leaks. In addition, a functional kill switch is indispensable to staying anonymous.
• Unblocking capabilities. To access gambling sites, a VPN with obfuscated servers is the best option. These servers make sure your traffic won’t be recognized as VPN traffic.
• Speed. Lag is very annoying while gambling online, which is why I advise you to go for a VPN with fast and stable connections for uninterrupted online gambling.

A VPN with these features lets you change your IP address and unblock gambling websites, such as online casinos and sports betting websites.

---

How to use a VPN for sports betting and gambling

In countries where online gambling is banned, websites block players by detecting their IP addresses. This is why using a VPN for online gambling is common: a VPN changes your IP address, so you can spoof your location and unblock gambling sites.

Here’s a quick guide on how to gamble online with a VPN:

Step 1. Choose a reliable gambling VPN

Based on our tests, NordVPN is still the best VPN for gambling and sports betting thanks to its excellent unblocking capabilities and robust security features. You can also try Surfshark or Proton VPN, as they successfully bypass geo-restrictions and offer competitive pricing.

Step 2. Download and install the VPN on your device

Download the VPN app directly from your selected provider’s official website (www.nordvpn.com) if you want to use it on a laptop or PC. For mobile devices, you can find the app on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Once you have the app, install it following the instructions and grant all permissions if asked.

Step 3. Connect to a VPN server in a country or state where betting is legal

Currently, sports betting is legal in 39 US states, including New York, New Jersey, and Michigan. If you’re interested in playing slots in online casinos, connect to a server in Delaware, West Virginia, or Maine. For online poker, choose a server in Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Once you launch your VPN, connect to a server in one of these states to access gambling platforms securely.

Step 4. Clear your cookies to remove old location data

This step is optional but recommended since cookies and cache collect users’ data, including location, and can expose you even with a VPN. To do so, go to your browser’s settings, find Privacy and security, and select Clear browsing data or similar settings.

Step 5. Access a sports betting site

Once you are connected to a server, go to a betting site and use it as you would normally do.

Important:

Double-check that your VPN is connected before visiting your preferred gambling site. If you load the site without a VPN, it may log your IP address and location. When you return to the site with a VPN active, it will recognize that you have a different IP address and may then block you from using the site further.

---

How to gamble online in illegal state

In the US, gambling laws vary by state. If online betting is restricted in your area, you can still access the platform with a VPN. It hides your true location by providing a new IP address of the state where the online casino is legal. This way, you can bypass geographical restrictions with ease.

For this task, I recommend choosing a trustworthy and tested gambling VPN provider, such as NordVPN. It has reliable speeds, an extensive server fleet, and advanced security features, all of which are needed for online gambling. It also successfully bypasses VPN detection on gambling sites.

How to gamble online in Texas

Gambling online in Texas is illegal under state law. Texas’s constitution prohibits most forms of gambling, and there are no enacted legislative exceptions for online betting and casinos. To gamble online in Texas, you can employ a VPN to change your virtual location. For instance, NordVPN has servers in Colorado. With it, you access online betting sites without any issues.

How to bet on sports in California

Sports betting is not legal in California due to strict state laws. To bet on sports in California, you will need to access online betting sites through a VPN connection. Connecting to a server in Nevada might be the best call, since sports betting is legal there, and you will have a reliable connection and great speeds due to proximity.

How to gamble online in Florida

In Florida, some forms of gambling are legal, though they are still heavily regulated and restricted. In the state, the Seminole Tribe holds a near-monopoly on casino games and sports betting, and all such activities online must be conducted through their Hard Rock Bet platform. For example, major sportsbooks, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, operate their Daily Fantasy Sports games in the state, but not their sports betting platforms. To access the sites unavailable in Florida, use a VPN, like NordVPN, connect to a server in one of the US states where online gambling is fully legal, like Tennessee, and access the platforms as if located there.

---

Countries where gambling is illegal

Currently, gambling is illegal in a number of countries where laws or religious regulations prohibit both land-based and online betting activities. These countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Mauritania, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Libya, Brunei, Qatar, North Korea, Oman, Kuwait, Pakistan, Syria, Iran, and Iraq.

List of countries with partial bans on sports betting:

• The US
• Canada
• India
• Japan
• Norway
• Poland
• Singapore
• Sweden

You can easily use a VPN to access online casinos and sports betting sites when you’re temporarily traveling abroad. I recommend using NordVPN because it has a wide range of servers across the world, all of which have great unblocking capabilities.

Be cautious and always double-check each country’s or state’s online gambling laws, as they can vary widely. While a VPN can bypass geo-restrictions, accessing platforms in regions where gambling is prohibited might violate local regulations.

In some regions, you may have to pay a fine if you are caught gambling online, whereas in others, like the UAE, you may even end up going to prison.

Here is a list of some countries where online gambling is legal:

• United Kingdom
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Malta
• Ireland
• Croatia
• Italy
• Spain
• Denmark
• Mexico
• Portugal
• Colombia
• Phillipines
• South Africa

---

Avoid these VPNs for online gambling

I hope that you’ll heed my recommendations above for the best VPN for online gambling. But in case you’re looking at alternatives, please be wary of these providers. In my opinion, you should avoid these VPNs for gambling if you want to remain secure and undetected.

VPN service	Why you should avoid it
Hola VPN	Hola offers a free service in addition to its premium plan. Unfortunately, neither tier came out clean in our Hola VPN review and test circuit. VPNOverview awarded Hola just one point for security – avoid this VPN for gambling.
Psiphon Pro	I advocate VPNs for privacy and to avoid tracking. Unfortunately, Psiphon Pro does track users who engage with the service, and they may also share that data.
Tuxler VPN	Tuxler has great unblocking potential, but it fell short of expectations in our full review. Aside from poor speeds, I have concerns about the app’s security.

Free VPNs can be especially dangerous. If you are not paying with money, you might well be paying with your privacy. Some of these VPNs collect and share your data, others might have annoying in-app advertisements.

Instead of a free VPN for gambling, get a premium VPN that offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee, such as NordVPN or Surfshark. NordVPN offers a 3-day free trial on the Google Play Store, while Surfshark’s 7-day free trial is available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Additionally, both providers offer 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to test the service even longer.

---

Online gambling sites by state: availability and access guide

Here is my top 14 best online gambling sites for real money in 2026 list, offering a range of games, bonuses, and features that suit various preferences:

Online gambling site	Supported games	Legal US states	Access guide
Stake	Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Live Casino, Sports Betting	Arizona, Connecticut, California, Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia	How to access Stake
DraftKings	Daily Fantasy Sports, Sportsbook, Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Live Dealer Games	Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming	How to access DraftKings
FanDuel	Daily Fantasy Sports, Sportsbook, Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Video Poker, Live Dealer Games, Baccarat, Craps, Mississippi Stud	Arizona, Arkansas, Washington DC, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming	How to access FanDuel
William Hill	Sports Betting, Slots, Live Casino, Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, Bingo, Baccarat	Tennessee, Virginia, New Jersey, West Virginia, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada	How to access William Hill
bet365	Sports Betting, Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, Live Casino	Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia	How to access bet365
PrizePicks	Daily Fantasy Sports (player prop contests) across various sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Esports, PGA, Tennis, NCAA, WNBA, Soccer, etc.)	Available in all 50 US states	How to access PrizePicks
PokerStars	Poker (Texas Hold’em, Omaha, etc.), Slots, Roulette, Blackjack, Sports Betting	Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania	How to access PokerStars
Parimatch	Sports Betting (Cricket, Football, Tennis, Esports, etc.), Live Casino (Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, Game Shows), Slots, Video Poker, Teen Patti, Andar Bahar, Craps	Illegal in all 50 US states	How to access Parimatch
BetMGM	Slots, Blackjack, Texas Hold’em Poker, Live Casino, Video Poker, Craps, Sports Betting	Arizona, Colorado, Washington D.C., Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming	How to access BetMGM
Rainbet	Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Live Casino, Plinko, Limbo, Game Shows	Illegal in all 50 US states	How to access Rainbet
Betfair	Sports Betting, Casino Games (Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker), Exchange Betting	New Jersey	How to access Betfair
Betway	Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Video Poker, Live Dealer Games, Sports Betting	Virginia, Colorado, Indiana, New Jersey, Iowa, Arizona, Pennsylvania	How to access Betway
Betano	Sports betting (wide markets: football, tennis, basketball, etc.); Sportsbook Review; Casino games: slots, table games; Live Casino: blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat.	Illegal in all 50 US states	How to access Betano
Polymarket	Prediction / event-based markets (not traditional casino games)	Available in all 50 US states	How to access Polymarket
Roobet	Slots, Table games, Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Game Shows, Crash, Dice, Mines, Tower	Illegal in all 50 US states	How to access Roobet
GGPoker	Slots, Live casino games, Bounty tournaments, Spin & Gold, Short Deck, Fast-fold poker, Satellite tournaments	Pennsylvania, Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Michigan	How to access GGPoker
Bovada	Slots, Table Games, Video poker, Bingo, Dice, Keno, Horse Racing, Virtual Sports, Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack	Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming	How to access Bovada
Fliff	Sports betting (Sports Picks, Moneylines, Parlays, Player Props, Spreads), Leaderboard competitions, Fluff Cash	Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming	How to access Fliff
Barstool Sportsbook	Sports betting (Moneyline, Point Spreads, Totals, Parlays), Live betting	Iowa, Arizona, Tennessee, New Jersey, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, Colorado, Pennsylvania	How to access Barstool Sportsbook
Cloudbet	Sports betting, Slots, Table games, Video poker, Jackpot, Bingo, Keno, Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Cash games, Arcade games	Illegal in all 50 US states	How to access Cloudbet
Duelbits	Sports betting, Slots, Video poker, Jackpot, Bingo, Table games, Roulette, Baccarat, Dice, Mines, Plinko	Illegal in all 50 US states	How to access Duelbits
1xbet	Slots, Sports betting, Jackpot, Bingo, Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack	Illegal in all 50 US states	How to access 1xbet
Unibet	Sports betting, Table games, Slots, Jackpot, Blackjack, Baccarat, Slingo, Bingo	New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Arizona, Indiana, Virginia	How to access Unibet

---

Final tips for using VPNs with gambling sites

Due to local and regional laws, many sports betting, gambling, or online casino sites are geo-restricted and available only in specific regions. The only way to enjoy gambling online without any restrictions is by using a VPN. Additionally, a robust gambling VPN will not only unblock your favorite betting sites but also ensure that your digital footprint stays private.

My in-house tests revealed that NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are the best VPNs for gambling in 2026. All three top providers offer servers that have proven to work with various gambling sites and use all necessary security features to add an extra layer of privacy. If you’re looking for ways to gamble online privately without restrictions, a VPN is your best bet.

If you want to know more about the legality of a VPN or how to access popular online casinos with the help of a VPN provider, check out the articles below.

• Is It Legal to Use a VPN?: Legal Usage of VPNs, Explained
• Best VPN for Online Poker

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Has my article left you with unanswered questions? Please check out my FAQ for an answer. If you don’t see one, leave us a comment!

Can I use a VPN to play online poker?

Yes, you can use a VPN to play online poker. A VPN’s main purpose is online privacy and security, and it’s not prohibited in most countries. However, before using a VPN for online poker, it’s important to get familiar with the poker site’s terms of service first.

Can you place sports bets in Texas?

No, you cannot place sports bets in Texas. Due to the state’s gambling laws, sports betting is illegal in Texas. The only way to place sports bets in Texas is by using a robust VPN that can bypass such geo-restrictions, like NordVPN.

Can I use a VPN to place sports bets online?

Yes, you can use a VPN to place sports bets online, and it will even help keep your private information secure by encrypting it. To use a VPN server for online sports betting, simply connect to one in a country or state where it is legal. After that, your IP address will be changed, allowing you to place bets without restrictions.

Can you use a VPN to gamble online?

Yes, you can use a VPN to gamble on sports online if the website is restricted in your area. A VPN assigns you a new IP address, which can be used to access online gambling sites. It is useful if they are banned in your region or if you travel in a country where such activities are restricted. However, remember that using a VPN may go against the Terms of Service for some platforms.

Which VPN is best for online gambling?

NordVPN is my top choice of VPNs for online gambling. With strong security and a broad range of servers, you can easily and securely bypass geo-restrictions worldwide. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers will ensure you don’t show your cards to anyone.

Do VPNs work for casinos?

VPNs work for casinos and online sports betting sites in general. Crucially, ensure you choose a tested, premium VPN for gambling. Free VPNs just won’t do – most can’t unblock casino websites, and even if they do, you’re putting your security at risk. The best VPNs offer robust security to safeguard your data.

How to play online casino with a VPN?

Choose a trustworthy VPN that works with online Casino sites. I recommend NordVPN, as it offers reliable servers in gambling-friendly locations and ensures total privacy online. Then connect to a server in a country where online betting sites are legal. Now you will have a new IP address, which allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and play online casino without any issues.

How to use a VPN for sports betting?

Accessing sports betting apps out of state requires the use of a VPN. First, choose a highly reliable sports betting VPN, like NordVPN, download its app and install it. Launch the app and connect to a server in a US state where sports betting is legal, such as Nevada or Pennsylvania. Head to your preferred bookmaker site and access it without restrictions.  

Is using a VPN for sports betting illegal?

No, it’s not illegal to use a VPN for sports betting. A VPN simply allows you to bypass geographical restrictions, but such action may violate the platform’s Terms of Service. If VPN usage is detected, some sportsbooks may suspend or permanently ban your account, while restricting access to your winnings. Therefore, using a trustworthy VPN with strong security features is crucial to avoid such risk.

Chris Bluvshtein Author

Senior Journalist

Chris is a tech journalist with many years’ experience covering online privacy and cybersecurity. He’s also a published author and works as a Product Manager for some of the most innovative software development companies.

More articles from the Best VPN section

Best VPN for World Cup 2026

June 11, 2026

Best VPN for Stake in 2026: how to play Stake in the US

June 8, 2026

Best New York VPN in 2026

March 25, 2026