- Top 5 PokerStars VPNs: Overview
- Why You Need a VPN for PokerStars
- How to Use PokerStars With a VPN
- Best VPNs for PokerStars in 2026
- What is Our PokerStars VPN Ranking Based On?
- What is the Best VPN for PokerStars?
- Why is PokerStars Not Working With a VPN?
- How to Fix PokerStars Not Working With a VPN?
- What Countries is PokerStars Blocked in?
- Can I Unblock PokerStars With a Free VPN?
- Wrap-Up: Access PokerStars From Any Country
PokerStars is a popular gambling platform where you can test your luck. However, it’s not available everywhere. Most US states have placed geographic restrictions on PokerStars, making it impossible to access.
Luckily, there’s a solution: with a VPN you can change your virtual location to one where PokerStars Casino is still legally available, such as Michigan, New Jersey or Pennsylvania. You can also connect to servers in different countries to bypass geo-blocks.
What’s even better is that a VPN makes your connection private and keeps you protected against online threats. Below, you can find the best VPNs for PokerStars that passed our rigorous testing circuit.
Top 5 PokerStars VPNs: Overview
Only a few VPNs are be able to give you access to PokerStars from anywhere in the world. We’ve tested 25+ of the most top-rated VPN servers and have rounded up our top 5 below.
Try it first: NordVPN is the best VPN for PokerStars, and Android users can activate a 3-day free trial via the Google Play Store and see how well it works before paying.
Why You Need a VPN for PokerStars
Online gambling is not permitted everywhere in the world. When it comes to PokerStars, specifically, the platform is banned in almost all US states, along with some countries. Your access to PokerStars Casino will be blocked — unless you use a VPN.
A VPN is a piece of software that lets you change your virtual location: all you need to do is choose a location on a map to reroute your internet connection. For PokerStars, you can connect to a location where the gambling platform is freely available. Instead of being blocked, you’ll get access.
On top of that, using a VPN offers you protection when gambling online: your internet connection will be heavily encrypted, making your connection safer and more private. To keep your account private and place your bets safely, make sure to use a reliable VPN for PokerStars!
How to Use PokerStars With a VPN
Never used a VPN before? It’s easier than you think! Here’s how to set up a VPN and use it to play PokerStars:
- Choose a secure VPN to unblock PokerStars. We recommend NordVPN which you can now get with 76% off!
- Download and install the NordVPN app.
- Select a server in a state or country where PokerStars is available.
- Get the PokerStars app to start playing.
- Sign in and enjoy unrestricted access!
What are the best server locations for PokerStars?
PokerStars is not legal everywhere in the world. Luckily, most VPNs have servers in locations where you can freely access the gambling platform. We’ve listed some of the best PokerStars server locations for you here:
- Africa: Botswana, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Tunisia, Uganda
- Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Jamaica, Mexico, , Peru, Venezuela
- Asia and Oceania: India, Japan, New Zealand
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
Best VPNs for PokerStars in 2026
Ready to unblock PokerStars? We’ve listed the best PokerStars VPNs for you below! All VPNs come with a verified money-back-guarantee, so you can try them all risk-free.
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for PokerStars
Look no further: the best VPN for PokerStars is NordVPN. When testing this VPN, we could get access to PokerStars easily. Thanks to its minimal speed reduction (96% of original speeds), we didn’t experience any lagging or buffering while placing bets.
In terms of security, you’re also fully covered. Threat Protection blocks ads and keeps malware at bay, 256-bit encryption makes your connection private, and NordVPN’s obfuscation features keep your VPN use undetected.
Finally, NordVPN is easy to set up and easy to use with PokerStars. You get access to a huge server network (incl. locations where PokerStars is legal) and can browse the web anonymously. NordVPN’s support team has helped us out on many occasions in the last years and is available 24/7. Finally, NordVPN’s pricing has a great value-to-money ratio.
We’ve included a full run-down of NordVPN’s exceptional performance in our NordVPN review.
Pros
- High-speed servers for unrestricted gambling
- Top-notch security features (incl. AES 256-bit encryption)
- 9300 servers in 137 countries
- Fantastic value-for-money: plans starting at $ 3.09/month
- 30-day money-back-guarantee
Cons
- Web-based log-in instead of app log-in
2. Surfshark – Most affordable PokerStars VPN
Surfshark works flawlessly with PokerStars. If you’d like to get some bang for your buck, this VPN is the way to go! Surfshark can be used on unlimited devices, offers dedicated IP addresses, and has the most international server network with servers in 100 countries.
You’ll be able to unblock PokerStars on lightning-fast servers (94% speed in our testing circuit) without worrying about your privacy and data. Thanks to Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode and NoBorders feature, we were able to unblock PokerStars quite easily and could play without restrictions.
Browse the web privately, without worrying about intrusive ads or malware, and use the highly-secure OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols to encrypt your connection. Thanks to the 24/7 live chat, you’ll also find Surfshark to be one of the most user-friendly VPNs around. Plus, Surfshark is very affordable.
For more information, we’ve covered everything you’d want to know about Surfshark in our full Surfshark review.
Pros
- Very affordable VPN with premium features
- Get access to servers across 100 countries
- High-end security and privacy features (256-bit encryption & OpenVPN)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on one account
- A US-based server in Michigan
Cons
- You'll run into CAPTCHA tests occassionally
3. CyberGhost – Cheap PokerStars VPN with many servers
CyberGhost has a huge server network with 11500 servers in 100 countries. This makes it the perfect VPN for unblocking blocked services like PokerStars. When testing, we couldn’t use any of the American servers, but were able to access PokerStars UK.
This zero-logs VPN won’t collect or leak any of your private data. You can browse, gamble, stream, and game to your heart’s content without worrying about anyone looking over your shoulder.
CyberGhost is also a very user-friendly VPN. It’s not as feature-rich as Surfshark or NordVPN, but it’s a very solid and trustworthy provider with obfuscation features and an effective ad blocker. You can try it for 45 days without committing!
We’ve covered this VPN’s performance extensively in our dedicated CyberGhost review.
Pros
- One of the cheapest premium VPNs you can get
- 45-day money-back-guarantee to use for PokerStars
- Verified no-log policy: no data collected at any point
- Versatile VPN with dedicated servers for streaming and gaming
Cons
- Slightly slower speeds than Surfshark or NordVPN
- No servers in Michigan, Pennsylvania or New Jersey
4. Private Internet Access (PIA) – VPN for PokerStars with US-based servers
With 35000 servers worldwide, Private Internet Access (PIA) has the largest server network in the world. Since PokerStars is blocked in almost all US states, it helps that PIA has servers in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In these states, PokerStars is still available.
Unblocking PokerStars Casino becomes a piece of cake thanks to PIA’s 256-bit encryption and obfuscation. While the app is a little less user-friendly than our top 3, it still gets the job done. For extra security, you can also run your VPN connection through multiple servers (multi-hop).
PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections, as well as the option to get a dedicated IP address. You can expect a smooth, private, and fully anonymous connection with this excellent VPN for PokerStars.
Have a look at our Private Internet Access review to see how it compares to the other VPNs in this list.
Pros
- American VPN with servers in all US states
- Great speeds for browsing, streaming, and more
- Dedicated IPs available to avoid VPN blocks
- Zero-log VPN (audited and verified no-logs policy)
Cons
- Interface disappears when you click out of it
- Not as many additional features as other VPNs
5. ExpressVPN – Highly secure VPN for PokerStars
ExpressVPN is our final recommendation to unblock PokerStars. This VPN has made a name for itself when it comes to privacy and security and is widely regarded as a real powerhouse. We used the New Jersey server to access PokerStars with ExpressVPN.
Every single one of ExpressVPN’s servers is automatically obfuscated (hiding your VPN use), so you don’t have to toggle with any complicated settings. Thanks to ExpressVPN’s no-log policy we didn’t have to worry about any data leaking through.
While ExpressVPN is pricier than Surfshark or CyberGhost, you will get a highly-secure VPN that gets the job done. You can try the VPN for 30 days and grab our additional discount of 78% by signing up today.
You can compare ExpressVPN to its competitors and find a full run-down of its features in our ExpressVPN review.
Pros
- Built-in obfuscation on all VPN servers
- Trustworthy VPN provider that's audited frequently
- Easy-to-use app and software on any device
- Zero-logs policy and secure VPN protocols
Cons
- More expensive than its competitors
- Speeds can vary per server location
What is Our PokerStars VPN Ranking Based On?
Not every PokerStars VPN will get you past geo-restrictions. We’ve tested 25+ VPNs on specific criteria to find the ones that will allow you to place your bets safely and privately.
Here are the main factors we use to determine our PokerStars VPN ranking:
- Unblocking capabilities: Of course, the VPN needs to get the job done. We make sure to only recommend VPNs that can actually unblock PokerStars. Stealth features and obfuscation are a big plus!
- Server network: A wide server network allows you to easily get access to PokerStars, no matter where you are in the world. By choosing a server in a location where PokerStars is not banned, you can access the platform without issue. For this reason, we reviewed server coverage extensively.
- Privacy and security features: With real money involved, it’s essential that your VPN keeps your data private and your finances protected. At the very least, your VPN should offer DNS leak protection, AES 256-bit encryption, and a functioning kill switch.
- Optimal speed and performance: Naturally, you can’t work with a VPN that slows down your device. The best VPNs for PokerStars retain 90% of their initial speeds, at minimum.
We also pay attention to price and payment options, favoring VPNs with free trials, solid money-back guarantees, and the option to pay for your subscription anonymously.
What is the Best VPN for PokerStars?
The best VPN for PokerStars is NordVPN. We’ve tested a large variety of different VPN providers and NordVPN is most suited to unblock PokerStars and gamble safely online.
It has a few key features that work really well for playing PokerStars:
- Fantastic security features: AES 256-bit encryption, Threat Protection, built-in kill switch
- Obfuscation features to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN
- Very fast speeds to prevent buffering
- Supportive 24/7 customer service
You can start a NordVPN subscription from as little as $ 3.09/month. Since there’s a 30-day money-back-guarantee on all plans, you won’t have to commit to anything while trying the VPN!
Why is PokerStars Not Working With a VPN?
In order to prevent people from developing gambling addictions or making risky decisions, online gambling sites tend to have restrictions. There’s a chance that PokerStars may not always work with your VPN.
In some cases, the site will be able to detect VPN use and block your VPN’s IP address. It’s also possible that your real IP is leaking through. Have a look at our tips below for how to fix a VPN that’s not working.
How to Fix PokerStars Not Working With a VPN?
Here are a few things to do when you run into issues on PokerStars with your VPN:
- Consider using a dedicated IP: A VPN provider’s IP address stand out because many users are using them at the same time. This can look suspicious to online poker sites and get you blocked. With a dedicated IP, however, you get a VPN’s IP address that only you use. This prevents detection.
- Use obfuscation: If your VPN has any obfuscation/stealth features, make sure they are enabled. This will mask your VPN traffic and make it look like regular internet traffic, giving you a higher chance of bypassing blocks.
- Clear your cache: Make sure you’ve cleared your cache and cookies before accessing PokerStars.
- Keep your software updated: Using the most recent version of your VPN software gives you the highest chance of success.
- Contact customer service: If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service. We’ve had great experiences with NordVPN’s customer support team pointing us in the right direction many times before.
What Countries is PokerStars Blocked in?
Some countries have blocked PokerStars completely. We’ve created an overview of countries with a PokerStars ban below:
| Region | PokerStars Banned Countries |
|---|---|
| Africa | Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Libya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe |
| Asia and Oceania | Afghanistan, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Taiwan, Telangana and Nagaland (within India), Palestine, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen |
| Americas | Colombia, Cuba, United States (except Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) |
| Europe | Slovenia, Switzerland, Vatican City |
Can I Unblock PokerStars With a Free VPN?
While you might get lucky, it’s very unlikely you’ll be able to unblock PokerStars with a free VPN. On top of that, we advise against it for several reasons:
- Security risks: One of the biggest issues with free VPNs is that they don’t sufficiently protect you against cyber threats. On top of that, encryption may be faulty, which can result in your real identity and private details being exposed easily.
- Slow speeds: Unfortunately, free VPNs don’t reach the same speeds as premium services. This can impact your gambling chances and ruin your online experience.
- Limited servers: You won’t be spoilt for choice when it comes to server locations; free VPN services tend to have only a handful of free locations. You might not be able to manually select a server or even find one in a location where PokerStars is available
- Data sold: In order to make some type of profit, free VPNs may collect and sell your user data.
Wrap-Up: Access PokerStars From Any Country
If you’re a fan of online gambling, PokerStars is a fantastic platform! Unfortunately, it’s not available worldwide. Luckily for poker enthusiasts, you can unblock PokerStars from anywhere by using a VPN.
The #1 VPN for PokerStars is NordVPN. This fast, secure and reliable VPN will get you around geo-restrictions with a few simple clicks. You can try the VPN for 30 days without having to commit by making use of the money-back-guarantee.
For more information, have a look at these related articles:
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Do you have any lingering questions about playing PokerStars with a VPN? Have a look at our FAQs below for some quick answers!
The best VPN for PokerStars is NordVPN. We tested this VPN extensively and had no issues unblocking PokerStars. NordVPN is an easy-to-use VPN with plenty of servers in locations where PokerStars is legal, as well as high-speed servers to make online gambling more enjoyable.
Yes, you can play PokerStars with a VPN. Do keep in mind that not every single VPN is suited for PokerStars. Unless you use a high-end, premium VPN, your access will likely be blocked. Luckily, we didn’t have any issues with top VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark.
Right now, PokerStars is legal in various countries, including Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, and more.
If you want to play PokerStars with a VPN, follow these steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN provider. Our #1 best-tested VPN is NordVPN.
- Download the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a server in a US state where PokerStars is available, such as Michigan or Pennsylvania, or if you prefer to play from a different country, Sweden or the United Kingdom.
- Head over to the PokerStars application or website and enjoy!
