- Top 5 DraftKings VPNs in 2026
- How to use DraftKings with a VPN
- Why do I need a VPN for DraftKings?
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Best VPNs for DraftKings in 2026: detailed overview
- 1. NordVPN: Overall best DraftKings VPN
- 2. Surfshark: fastest VPN for DraftKings Sportsbook
- 3. Proton VPN: Freemium VPN to bet on DraftKings from anywhere
- 4. CyberGhost: Easy-to-use VPN that works with DraftKings in the US
- 5. Private Internet Access: DraftKings VPN with US VPN servers in every state
- How we tested VPNs for DraftKings
- DraftKings VPN not working: how to fix it
- US states where DraftKings is legal
- Can I use a free VPN for DraftKings?
- VPNs to avoid when using DraftKings
- Final thoughts: use NordVPN to bet on DraftKings from anywhere
- FAQ
DraftKings is the go-to platform for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), sportsbook bets, and online casino games. Access to each feature depends on your location, with Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), for example, it is currently inaccessible in Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. While DraftKings’ sportsbook is legal in 25 states, including Washington, D.C., users in California, Florida, and Texas are still locked out. However, DraftKings Casino is available in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The only way to bypass restrictions is to use a DraftKings VPN that spoofs your location. All you have to do is connect to a VPN server in a legal betting state, log in to the DraftKings app, and start placing your bets. A reliable VPN masks your IP and encrypts your traffic, tricking DraftKings into thinking you’re somewhere else.
Keep in mind that DraftKings actively blocks VPNs by using a plugin called GeoComply to detect your real location, which makes it difficult for most VPNs to work. Therefore, after testing 15 VPNs, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN stood out as the best DraftKings VPNs thanks to their powerful encryption, fast servers, and advanced location spoofing features that consistently bypass detection.
Top 5 DraftKings VPNs in 2026
| VPN for DraftKings | Rating | Best for | Unblocks draftKings? | Servers in the US | Speed retention | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | 9.3⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Overall best VPN for DraftKings | ✅ Yes | 1,970+ | 93% | $ 3.09/month |
| 2. Surfshark | 9.0⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best cheap VPN for multiple devices | ✅ Yes | 790 | 93% | $ 1.99/month |
| 3. Proton VPN | 8.9⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best VPN for secure DraftKings access | ✅ Yes | 3188 | 86% | $ 2.99/month |
| 4. CyberGhost | 8.8⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best VPN for the longest risk-free trial | ✅ Yes | Undisclosed | 91% | $ 1.59/month |
| 5. Private Internet Access | 8.6⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best VPN to access DraftKings in every US state | ✅ Yes | 50 | 81% | $ 1.75/month |
Test it yourself: NordVPN is the overall best VPN for DraftKings, and Android users can grab a 3-day free trial through the Google Play Store. It’s the perfect way to test its performance risk-free before you make a purchase.
How to use DraftKings with a VPN
- Get a reputable DraftKings VPN and subscribe. We recommend NordVPN because it effectively bypasses geo-restrictions in California, Florida, Texas or any other US state. You can now get a 76% discount on NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a server in a legal DraftKings state (like New York or Colorado).
- Go to the DraftKings website and enjoy unrestricted access.
Important
DraftKings requires a valid ID and verification from a US state or another country where the service is not blocked. This makes it impractical to sign up from abroad as a non-resident, but people temporarily away from home can use a VPN to access DraftKings. Be sure to review DraftKings’ Terms of Service (ToS): using a VPN to gamble is against the ToS for some sportsbook and casino operators. If you’re caught, you may have your winnings withheld. We also recommend familiarizing yourself with your local and regional gambling laws.
Why do I need a VPN for DraftKings?
DraftKings is blocked in many US states such as California, Texas and Florida due to licensing restrictions and gambling regulations. It offers online sports betting (the “Sportsbook”), a Casino, and Daily Fantasy Sports. The rules regarding free access vary slightly for each section of the website. For example, the Sportsbook and Casino have the most stringent blocks. This pertains to restrictions on online sports betting.
When you are in an area where DraftKings is blocked you might encounter the following message: “You are attempting to access DraftKings from a location where we do not operate. Draftkings is available in the US, Canada, and other select jurisdictions.”
Luckily, you can still access DraftKings from anywhere using a VPN. A VPN masks your real IP address and encrypts your internet traffic. This makes it appear as though you’re connecting from a state that is friendly to DraftKings, thus bypassing any regional restrictions. Some of the best gambling VPNs also offer GPS spoofing, which helps trick your smartphone’s location services and lets you unblock DraftKings even while you’re on the move.
Best VPNs for DraftKings in 2026: detailed overview
To find the best VPNs for DraftKings, we tested 24 providers to see which ones could reliably bypass DraftKings’ strict location blocks. Specifically, we tested a VPN’s ability to spoof location, to avoid IP bans, as well as the ability to use secure tunneling protocols for stable connectivity, especially on mobile devices.
Some VPNs did not entirely circumvent DraftKings’ geo-restrictions. However, we found 5 top-tier VPN providers that consistently worked and kept us connected, whether we accessed DraftKings Sportsbook, Casino, or Fantasy. Below, you’ll find a quick breakdown of the ones that work and the ones that don’t:
| VPN that works with DraftKings | VPN that doesn’t work with DraftKings |
| 1. ✅ NordVPN | 1. ❌ Hola VPN |
| 2. ✅ Surfshark | 2. ❌ Psiphon VPN |
| 3. ✅ Proton VPN | 3. ❌ Tuxler VPN |
| 4. ✅ CyberGhost | 4. ❌ TunnelBear |
| 5. ✅ Private Internet Access | 5. ❌ Betternet |
1. NordVPN: Overall best DraftKings VPN
Pros
- 1,970+ servers in 20 US cities, including many in states where DraftKings is legal
- Fastest VPN with NordLynx
- No VPN detection during tests
- Bypasses DraftKings’ geo-restrictions
- Kill Switch protects your identity
Cons
- Dedicated IP costs extra
NordVPN is the best VPN for DraftKings and other online gambling sites. It offers 1,970 US servers, including in states where DraftKings is legal and operational, such as Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia.
During our test, NordVPN consistently unblocked DraftKings without any location errors or slowdowns. We connected to servers in New Jersey and Illinois, placed bets, and browsed the app with zero interruptions. Thanks to its NordLynx protocol, speed remained sharp, retaining 96% of our base connection, which is enough for smooth browsing and live sports betting.
NordVPN also stands out in terms of privacy and security. It uses obfuscated servers, which help bypass strict network restrictions and conceal the fact that you’re using a VPN. Features like Double VPN and a strict no-logs policy ensure your personal or payment data shared with DraftKings remains protected. You can even purchase a dedicated IP address in the US for extra reliability, though this comes at a small additional fee ($4.19/month).
Moreover, the user interface is intuitive and supports multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, routers, and more. It also supports up to 10 devices simultaneously. As for price, NordVPN price starts at just $ 3.09/month. Plus, you can test it risk-free with its 3-day free trial for Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more information on this VPN provider, check out our detailed NordVPN review and speed tests!
2. Surfshark: fastest VPN for DraftKings Sportsbook
Pros
- 790+ servers in 22 US cities
- Excellent performance with WireGuard
- Camouflage mode for hiding VPN usage
- MultiHop tool routes traffic via multiple servers
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Some features cost extra
Surfshark is one of the most affordable and effective VPNs for DraftKings Sportsbook, offering smooth access across a wide network of 790+ servers in 22+ US cities. It covers key DraftKings-legal states including New Jersey, Colorado, Arizona, Michigan, and Illinois, so you can easily connect and place your bets from anywhere.
We tested Surfshark by connecting from a restricted state to an Arizona server, and it unblocked DraftKings Sportsbook within seconds. The WireGuard protocol delivered strong performance during our tests, maintaining around 93% of our base speed, which was fast enough for seamless app usage and betting updates.
What makes Surfshark stand out for bypassing DraftKings location restrictions is its combination of Camouflage mode, NoBorders, and MultiHop. These tools disguise VPN traffic and reroute your connection through multiple countries or regions, which helped us avoid geolocation blocks and even evade browser-based detection.
From our experience, the app is intuitive and worked without issues across desktop and mobile. One standout perk is that Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so that you can use it across all your devices without limits. Additionally, Surfshark costs only $ 1.99 per month, with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our in-depth review of Surfshark VPN examines this provider in greater detail.
3. Proton VPN: Freemium VPN to bet on DraftKings from anywhere
Pros
- 3182+ US servers in 17+ cities
- Consistently bypasses DraftKings location blocks
- Excellent privacy and security features for safe betting
- Secure Core for extra privacy
Cons
- No US access on the free plan
Proton VPN is a solid freemium VPN option for DraftKings, particularly if you prioritize privacy and access. It offers 3,182 servers in the US, including draft-friendly states like Massachusetts, Illinois, Arizona, and Colorado, making it easy to connect and bet from almost anywhere.
During our test, Proton VPN reliably unblocked DraftKings without location errors. We connected to servers in Illinois and Colorado, placed bets, and navigated the app smoothly. Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, speeds remained fast, retaining around 90% of our original connection speed. We also noticed that the VPN Accelerator helped maintain stable performance even when connecting to servers farther away.
Proton VPN really shines when it comes to privacy. It follows a strict no-logs policy and also includes Secure Core servers, which route your traffic through extra-secure data centers before reaching your target, keeping your DraftKings activity private. Features such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection provide additional security.
The interface is clean across all major platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and more. You can use it on up to 10 devices at the same time. While Proton VPN offers a free plan, its free servers are not compatible with DraftKings; therefore, you’ll need the premium plan, starting at $ 2.99 per month. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it out risk-free.
Detailed analysis of Proton VPN can be found in our comprehensive review.
4. CyberGhost: Easy-to-use VPN that works with DraftKings in the US
Pros
- Built-in kill switch to prevent accidental location leaks
- Extended 45-day money-back guarantee
- 11500 VPN servers across 100 countries
- Zero-logs policy and 256-bit encryption keep your data private and secure
Cons
- Not as fast as Surfshark or NordVPN
CyberGhost is one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs that works reliably with DraftKings. It offers over 11500 servers, including key DraftKings-friendly states such as Illinois, Arizona, and New York. With such wide coverage, it’s easy to spoof your location and access DraftKings legally from anywhere in the world.
During our tests, CyberGhost quickly unblocked DraftKings without errors or delays. We connected to servers in Illinois and New York, placed bets, and browsed the sportsbook without a hitch. Thanks to WireGuard and its optimized streaming and browsing servers, speeds remained fast. This allowed us to retain around 88–91% of our base connection, which was more than enough for real-time betting and smooth navigation on the app.
CyberGhost runs on a strict no-logs policy, uses 256-bit AES encryption, and even offers a dedicated IP address option, ideal if you want to avoid VPN blocks or re-verification requests at DraftKings.
CyberGhost stands apart with its 45-day money-back guarantee, the longest refund window among premium VPNs. That gives us a significantly longer trial period than most services. Plans start at $ 1.59 per month, and the service supports up to 7 devices simultaneously.
Check out our full review of CyberGhost for more information about this provider!
5. Private Internet Access: DraftKings VPN with US VPN servers in every state
Pros
- 35,000+ servers, including one in every US state
- Proven no-logs policy protects your DraftKings activity
- AES-256 encryption and a built-in kill switch for privacy
- Good speeds overall
Cons
- Dashboard disappears when switching windows
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great choice for DraftKings thanks to its unmatched US coverage. It’s the only VPN on our list that offers servers in all 50 states. That means we can easily connect to locations where DraftKings is legal, such as Colorado, Illinois, Virginia, and Arizona, and place bets without encountering geo-restriction errors.
During our tests, PIA reliably unblocked DraftKings on both desktop and mobile. While some servers were slower than others, switching to a nearby state with legal access solved the issue. We still managed to maintain smooth browsing and uninterrupted access while building fantasy lineups and checking live odds. Speeds were solid overall, retaining about 81% of our base connection, which was good enough for consistent use.
Additionally, PIA’s built-in obfuscation (via Shadowsocks or SOCKS5) and its ability to assign a dedicated IP address for a small fee help bypass DraftKings blocks. Moreover, our connection and data were always protected by its no-logs policy and advanced encryption standards (AES-256).
PIA starts at just $ 1.75/month, supports unlimited simultaneous device connections, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
We took an in-depth look at this provider’s speeds and security features in our PIA review.
How we tested VPNs for DraftKings
Since 2014, VPNoverview has delivered unbiased, expert-backed insights through in-house research and hands-on VPN testing. Our team has tested VPNs across dozens of use cases, from streaming and torrenting to online gaming and now, betting platforms like DraftKings. We specifically evaluated how well VPNs bypass DraftKings’ location checks and whether they hold up against plugins like GeoComply. Our testing of VPNs for DraftKings Sportsbook focused on the following:
- Server locations. Since DraftKings restricts access by state, you’ll need a VPN with many US server options, not just cities, but also states that permit online betting. We prioritized services that offer wide coverage, including locations like New Jersey, New York, Michigan, and Colorado, where DraftKings operates legally.
- Speed. Lag is the last thing you want when live-betting or managing a DFS lineup. We only included VPNs that maintained high speed retention (more than 80%) in our US tests, even when connected to out-of-state servers, which means no delays, freezes, or loading errors.
- Mobile app support. As DraftKings is built for mobile, we tested each VPN’s iOS and Android apps to ensure smooth, reliable betting on the go.
- Zero data logging. If you’re verifying your identity with information, such as your name, address, and payment details, your privacy matters. Every VPN on our list has a strict no-logs policy, meaning your data isn’t stored or shared. Additionally, all our recommendations are protected by strong encryption to ensure your connection remains secure, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
DraftKings VPN not working: how to fix it
If your DraftKings VPN isn’t working, it’s likely that the platform has detected and blocked your VPN connection. Due to the fact that real-money betting is only legal in certain states of the US, DraftKings is required to verify your true location. GeoComply can still detect the real location of your computer even when you’re using a VPN, since it uses GPS data and IP tracking. To fix the DraftKings not working with a VPN issue, follow these steps:
1. Switch to a different VPN server. The IP address you’re using may be blacklisted by DraftKings. Try another US server in a legal state, such as New Jersey or Colorado.
2. Use a reliable VPN. Not all VPNs can bypass DraftKings’ detection, while top options like NordVPN and Surfshark are more reliable due to their obfuscated servers and rotating IP addresses.
3. Clear cookies and cache. Your browser may store old location data. Make sure all of it is cleared before trying again.
4. Enable leak protection. Ensure your VPN blocks DNS leaks, IPv6 leaks, and WebRTC leaks, which could reveal your true location.
5. Disable location services. Disable location services to prevent GPS conflicts with your VPN’s spoofed location on mobile devices.
US states where DraftKings is legal
Across the US, online gambling has been largely illegal for years, but laws are slowly changing. In this case, several states have legalized online sports betting. Still, the list of approved states where DraftKings Sportsbook is available is shorter than the list of states where it is blocked. As of January 2026, DraftKings is legal in:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Washington, D.C.
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Michigan
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
The availability of DraftKings products, such as Fantasy Sports, Sportsbook, and Casino, varies by jurisdiction. For example, DraftKings Online Casino is only legal in a handful of states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut. On the other hand, DraftKings Fantasy Sports is legal in most states, but you still won’t be able to play it in places like California, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Washington, Montana, Hawaii, Idaho, and Alaska. In some cases, DraftKings’ services may be legal in theory, but state laws prevent full access. So, if you’re traveling or living in a restricted state, using a reliable VPN for DraftKings can help you bypass these geo-blocks by masking your real location and allowing you to access the platform from a legal state.
Note:
Accessing DraftKings from a state where it’s banned can lead to serious consequences, including withheld winnings, account suspension, or even legal penalties depending on local laws. VPNOverview does not encourage or condone breaking the law. Nonetheless, our mission is to help you stay safe, and if you use a VPN, please do so responsibly.
Can I use a free VPN for DraftKings?
No, we do not recommend a free VPN to access DraftKings. While they might seem tempting, most lack the advanced features needed to bypass DraftKings’ strict geo-blocking. In fact, the platform detects VPN usage, especially from free providers, which often share overcrowded servers and lack obfuscation. As a result, DraftKings can easily block access, flag accounts, and even withhold winnings.If you’re really keen on checking out a free VPN service, our list of the best free VPNs will help you understand more about the best providers in this area. To save you a little time, our single best free VPN at the time of writing is Proton VPN.
If you want to gamble online safely and avoid having your account restricted, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for DraftKings, offering a 7-day free trial for Android users and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This gives you plenty of time to see how well it works with DraftKings Sportsbook, Casino, or Fantasy Sports, no matter where you are.
VPNs to avoid when using DraftKings
In our test circuit for DraftKings VPNs, we also came across a few services that are best avoided. Some VPNs — particularly free VPNs — are a risk to data privacy. In case you decide to try any VPNs out for yourself, check out our table for some VPNs that aren’t suitable for managing your sportsbook.
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Hola VPN | Hola VPN performed very poorly in our review circuit, scoring just one point for security. This VPN logs your data, which could pose a privacy risk to you if you’re online betting with DraftKings in a banned state. |
| Psiphon Pro | This VPN has been known to not only track users but also share data with commercial companies and other third parties. If you prefer to keep your online betting private, that might be challenging if you start seeing targeted advertising. |
| Tuxler VPN | While Tuxler VPN can unblock many platforms that other free VPNs can’t, it’s very slow. It’s also missing many of the basic privacy and security features we rely on to keep data safe from prying eyes. |
| TunnelBear | Despite its simplicity and friendly design, TunnelBear doesn’t offer state-specific servers or the obfuscation tools needed to bypass DraftKings’ strict location checks. In our tests, DraftKings easily detected the VPN, blocking access due to location mismatch. |
| Betternet | Although it is easy to set up, it lacks the essential features needed to bypass DraftKings’ strict location checks. It doesn’t offer obfuscated servers, and its limited number of US servers is often flagged and blocked. During our tests, DraftKings detected the VPN connection and restricted access, making it unreliable for betting or fantasy sports. |
Final thoughts: use NordVPN to bet on DraftKings from anywhere
DraftKings is only available in certain states due to local gambling laws, which can make access tricky if you’re traveling or living somewhere it’s restricted. The platform uses GPS data and IP tracking to block users outside of approved regions, even if you already have an account. This makes it nearly impossible to place bets, join fantasy leagues, or play casino games from unlicensed locations.
Luckily, a reliable VPN for DraftKings can change your virtual location, and after testing dozens of providers, we found NordVPN to offer the most consistent and secure access. It has a vast network of US servers, including those in key states such as New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. It also uses obfuscated servers and leak protection to circumvent DraftKings’ detection systems.
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FAQ
A VPN routes your internet traffic through a secure server in another location, encrypting your data and masking your real IP address in the process. This makes it appear as though you’re accessing the DraftKings site from a different state or country. However, while a VPN can hide your true location, DraftKings uses advanced location-tracking methods, including IP detection, GPS data, and location plugins, to block VPN usage and comply with state gambling laws. Hence, that’s why we recommend NordVPN, which offers obfuscated servers, leak protection, and rotating IP addresses to circumvent these restrictions.
After testing various VPN services, NordVPN stood out as the best VPN for DraftKings Sportsbook and other gambling sites. There are over 1,970 servers in the US, allowing you to select a server in a state where DraftKings is legal. Thanks to advanced features like obfuscated servers, leak protection, and rotating IPs, NordVPN reliably bypasses DraftKings’ geo-restrictions.
Yes, DraftKings can detect VPNs using advanced tools that check IP addresses, GPS, browser location, and Wi-Fi data. If your VPN IP address is known or your device shows conflicting locations, your access will be blocked. That’s why only premium VPNs with obfuscated servers and fresh IPs, like NordVPN or Surfshark, can reliably bypass DraftKings’ detection.
Yes, you can use a VPN with DraftKings Sportsbook to bypass geo-restrictions and access it from restricted locations. However, DraftKings actively blocks VPNs, so only premium providers like NordVPN or Surfshark, which offer obfuscated servers, can reliably bypass these blocks. Just connect to a VPN server located in a state where DraftKings is legal (New York, Arizona, Virginia, or Connecticut), and you’ll be able to access the platform smoothly.
