7 Best VPNs for Online Poker — Play Safely in 2024

Finding the best poker VPN isn’t easy. Online poker sites can ban you if they detect that you’re using a VPN (even if you just want to protect your online privacy while playing online), so you need a reliable one to use your accounts safely when you're on the go.

I tested 45+ VPNs to find the best choice for playing online poker. The ones I chose offer large, reliable server networks and strong security and privacy features to keep you safe. Plus, some offer dedicated IP addresses, so you can play online poker safely without being flagged for suspicious activity.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN, as It was the most reliable during my tests. Its server network spans 105 countries and its speeds are fast for lag-free poker gameplay. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the VPN risk-free. If it doesn't meet your expectations, you can get a full refund. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Online Poker in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for Online Poker — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds Ensure No Lag or Mid-Game Disconnects

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Tested November 2024

Available on:

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN I’ve tested, so you don't have to worry about lag ruining a high-stake game. Its New Jersey server (over 5,000 km away) produced 102.88 Mbps with a ping of 94 ms — only a 9% drop from the starting speed. I found this impressive since connecting to servers far from your location can result in severe speed reductions, sometimes up to 20-50%.

It also has a reliable and extensive server network spanning 105 countries. I tested its servers in the UK, US, New Zealand, and Canada and safely accessed sites like PokerStars, partypoker, and GGPoker without issues.

I played poker for 1 hour with zero interruptions on ExpressVPN’s New Jersey server

Many poker sites restrict or ban users if they detect VPN use, even if you're using it just to protect your connection. This is the case with other sites as well, so if you come across an IP that has been blocked, it won't work. ExpressVPN helps prevent this by consistently refreshing its IP addresses. Since they’re constantly changing, it’s harder for these sites to pinpoint them as being associated with a VPN, so they’re less likely to be blocked.

The one downside to ExpressVPN is that its prices are a little high compared to other VPNs, starting at $4.99/month. However, you can get a 82% discount when you sign up for its long-term plan. Plus, all its plans come with a money-back guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with it, you can get all your money back within 30 days.

Useful Features

• Obfuscated servers. Each of ExpressVPN's servers has built-in obfuscation that makes VPN traffic look like normal traffic. This means you can still play online poker safely on restrictive networks that block VPNs and poker sites, like those in workspaces, hotels, libraries, or other public WiFi. But make sure you comply with the rules and regulations in these places as well.
• Perfect forward secrecy. This feature refreshes your encryption key with every session, so you can put your money on the table worry-free. It makes your online activities practically unreadable.
• IP/DNS leak protection. Your real location won’t be exposed to the sites you visit with ExpressVPN’s leak protection. I tested 10 different server locations for leaks, and my actual IP wasn’t detected once.

2. CyberGhost — Ad, Tracker, and Malware Blocker to Keep You Safe From Malicious Content

Available on:

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Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s Block Content feature lets you maintain your A-game without annoying pop-ups. When I tested it on ads-blocker.com, it was successful in removing all the ads on the page. Just go to the VPN settings in the app and toggle Block Content to the on position to enable it.

It also offers dedicated IP addresses for the US, Germany, France, UK, or Canada as an add-on to your subscription. This is an IP address totally unique to you. It’s easy for poker sites (and other sites) to see when multiple people share an IP, which can result in it getting blocked. With your own personal connection, you can easily dodge IP blocks.

CyberGhost lets you add servers to your “favorites,” so you can quickly find and connect to them

CyberGhost’s fast speeds also mean your poker game will run smoothly. During my tests, I tested a long-distance server in Toronto and recorded a speed of 96.26 Mbps — a 13% drop. It’s not quite as fast as ExpressVPN, but fast enough that I could confidently make quick decisions in the game, knowing that slow speeds wouldn’t interfere.

Its short-term plan is on the pricey side and comes with a shortened refund period of just 14 days. In comparison, you can sign up for CyberGhost’s long-term subscription for only $2.03/month. Even though you have to put more money down initially, this plan comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it for free.

Useful Features

• NoSpy servers. CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers offer an added layer of security. They’re directly managed by CyberGhost staff in Romania (where it’s based), eliminating the risk of third-party interference.
• Automatic WiFi protection. This means that the VPN will automatically connect when it detects an unknown WiFi network. Public WiFi hotspots are common targets for hackers, so this is a great safety net to have if you play online poker on the go.
• Intuitive apps. CyberGhost's apps allow you to favorite specific servers, allowing you to quickly locate them and connect.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge Network for Finding Smooth Poker Game Connections

Available on:

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Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA’s global network makes it easy to find an optimal connection for online poker. It doesn’t cover as many countries as ExpressVPN, but has 29,650 servers to choose from, so you can pinpoint a fast one in the location you want. It's also a great choice for playing online poker in the US since it has the most US servers than any VPN on this list.

Plus, more servers means more IP addresses, so if you do face any blocks, you have hundreds more to choose from. This happened to me during testing when I tried to use PokerStars with one of PIA’s US servers — switching to one in Pennsylvania solved the issue.

I recorded fast speeds with PIA and never had more than a 20% drop

The one downside is that PIA is based in the US, which has strict data-sharing laws and is part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. However, it doesn’t store any logs, so it won’t have any data to share with third parties anyway.

All of PIA’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, too. If you decide it isn’t for you, you can get a full refund easily using its 24/7 customer support chat.

Useful Features

• MACE ad blocker. Similar to CyberGhost’s Block Content, MACE effectively blocks ads, trackers, and malware so you can focus on your poker game without distractions.
• Customizable security options. PIA has lots of useful (although slightly techy) advanced security and privacy features. If you want to optimize your connection for privacy or speed, you have tons of options to play with.
• Dedicated IP. Like CyberGhost, PIA also offers a dedicated IP option for a small monthly fee to reduce the risk of being flagged by poker platforms.

4. NordVPN — Special Servers to Play Online Poker Safely on Restrictive Public Networks

Available on:

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Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s obfuscated servers conceal your VPN use so you can play online poker privately, even on public restricted networks. Some networks block VPNs, so you can’t access certain sites. For example, your work or school network might block PokerStars, even though it’s totally legal to use it, so you’re not distracted from your work.

To use the obfuscated servers, all you need to do is select them under Specialty servers in the app. I went to my local library to test them out — it blocks all poker and other gambling sites on its WiFi. Using the Canada and UK obfuscation servers, I played on PokerStars and 888Poker securely without issues.

I got great speeds on its Montreal server, so I didn’t have to worry about being disconnected from my game

NordVPN’s network isn’t as vast as other VPNs in this list, though, with servers in 111 countries worldwide (as opposed to ExpressVPN’s global reach of 105 countries). That being said, its servers were all reliable — just check that it offers servers in the location you need.

NordVPN offers 3 tiers of plans that have slightly different features, but all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Double VPN. These specialty servers ensure your traffic is encrypted twice by routing it through 2 separate servers. It provides another layer of security, ensuring no eavesdroppers can snoop on your poker game.
• Threat Protection. Like CyberGhost and PIA’s ad-blocking tech, Threat Protection works great for blocking pop-ups.
• Great speeds. Despite the robust security measures, NordVPN maintains commendable speeds. My speeds only dropped by 10% when I tested its Montreal server, so I was able to play poker online with minimal lag.

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections Let You Play Online Poker on All Your Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark offers unlimited connections on all its plans, making it great value for money. With other VPNs, you can only connect to around 5-10 devices at a time, needing to disconnect one to use it on another. With unlimited connections, you can use Surfshark on your mobile, computer, and tablet simultaneously and share it with your household with just one subscription.

I was skeptical that having so many devices connected would affect my connection, so I tested it out. I connected 5 devices to the same server while I played on PokerStars with my Android — there were no disconnections or slowdowns.

My speeds never dropped more than 35% with Surfshark, so I could play several hands with no interruptions

Similar to PIA, the biggest issue for me is the fact that it’s also headquartered in a country that’s part of a data-sharing alliance — the Netherlands. That said, Surfshark has had its server infrastructure audited, and it was proven not to store any data.

Surfshark is really affordable, too. Its plans start from just $1.99/month. You can try Surfshark for free because it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• MultiHop. Surfshark's MultiHop feature allows you to route your traffic through 2 VPN servers, like NordVPN's Double VPN servers. It adds an extra layer of privacy to your online poker games.
• Quick-connect. If you don't have a particular server location in mind, you can just use the Quick-connect option. It connects you to the fastest server near you, so you can play online poker safely without having to think about which server to choose.

6. IPVanish — Robust Security Features to Protect Your Data on Online Poker Sites

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try IPVanish VPN >

www.ipvanish.com

IPVanish keeps you safe when playing online poker with strong security features. It uses AES 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy to enhance your security by generating a fresh encryption key for each session. In my tests, no DNS or IP address leaks were detected. Plus, its obfuscation effectively masks VPN usage, granting unhindered access to poker sites on restrictive public WiFi networks that block VPNs.

My online poker game was totally lag-free using IPVanish thanks to its fast speeds

Although I was a little disappointed that IPVanish doesn’t accept cryptocurrency, it does offer widely used payment methods like PayPal and major credit cards.

IPVanish offers a range of pricing plans to suit various needs, and you can try it free, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Unlimited simultaneous device. IPVanish allows you to connect unlimited devices at the same time. While I was using it on my desktop for poker, I also had it running on my tablet and phone, ensuring every device you play on remains protected.
• Great speeds. When I tested IPVanish, my online poker games ran smoothly without any noticeable lag. Across its faraway servers in Canada, my speeds only dropped by 9%.

7. PrivateVPN — User-Friendly Apps to Easily Play Online Poker

Available on:

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Router Smart TV More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN makes it easy to play poker safely online since it has a beginner-friendly interface. It has “simple” and “advanced” app views. The simple view is great for VPN newbies since it’s not cluttered with advanced features. During my tests, I was able to find a server to play on PokerStars safely in seconds and connect in 1 click.

Despite its small server network, PrivateVPN has plenty of reliable servers

One downside is that PrivateVPN has fewer servers than most other VPNs. However, during my tests, each server I connected to let me play on poker platforms like PokerStars and GGPoker.

PrivateVPN offers various pricing options to fit your budget. And if you're hesitant, you can even try it for free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Customizable security options. PrivateVPN’s advanced view offers tons of customizable security options to tailor your connections for better speeds or heightened security.
• Good speeds. Although it wasn’t as fast as some of the other VPNs on this list (my speeds dropped 35% on average). It was still fast enough for real-time poker games without noticeable lag.

Quick Comparison Table: Online Poker VPN Features

When I was looking for the best VPN for online poker, I considered the most important features to ensure the best and safest experience. I looked for large or medium server networks so you have enough locations to choose from to protect your online poker games. Another important feature is speed — if it’s too slow, you could get disconnected and lose your winnings.

In addition, I evaluated each VPN's ability to overcome network restrictions (using obfuscation technology) to access poker sites on restricted public WiFi. Some VPNs even provide the option to acquire a dedicated IP to decrease the chances of the VPN IP getting blocked. I also took into account its cost and the number of concurrent connections to highlight the complete value of each VPN.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Online Poker

VPNs offer a lot of features, and it can sometimes be overwhelming to know which ones actually matter for a particular use case. These are the criteria I used when choosing the best VPNs for online poker. You can use this as a reference should you wish to search further:

• Large server network — A vast server network is crucial to give you plenty of server options to play online poker safely and smoothly. Larger networks often mean that servers are less crowded, so you won’t suffer slower speeds from over-congestion. Plus, larger networks are less likely to suffer DDoS attacks.
• Fast speeds — If your speeds aren’t fast enough, you might experience lag, or the game server may disconnect you mid-game for inactivity. All the VPNs on this list offer speeds more than fast enough for online poker. Plus, global networks that ensure you can find a server closest to you for the fastest connection possible.
• Strong security and privacy features — You need strong privacy features so your online activity or payment info doesn’t fall into unwanted hands. All the VPNs I shortlisted adhere to no-logs policies and use military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and the most secure protocols available to safeguard all of this.
• Obfuscated servers — A great feature that many VPNs offer is obfuscated or stealth servers. These essentially disguise your VPN traffic as regular traffic and let you access poker sites on public networks that often block gambling sites.
• Dedicated IP — Shared VPN IPs are often detected (and blocked) by poker sites. Dedicated IPs are one solution and are offered by a few VPNs for a small extra fee. It gives you a unique IP address that only you use.
• Extensive device compatibility — All of my top choices are compatible with major operating systems like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, so you aren’t limited to which device you can play on. They also come with multiple device connections with a single subscription.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Countries Where Online Poker is Legal

It's crucial to remember that the legal landscape concerning online gambling, including poker, varies significantly across countries. While we provide information about how VPNs can enhance your experience and protect your privacy while playing poker online, it's your responsibility to be aware of the laws and regulations in your country and jurisdiction.

Always adhere to your country's laws and gamble responsibly. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the legal status of online poker may frequently change due to legislative updates. Therefore, it's always wise to verify the current legal situation of online poker in your particular area.

That being said, the following list shows a few countries where online poker isn't banned at the time of writing:

FAQs on the Best VPNs for Online Poker

Is it legal to unblock poker sites with a VPN?

It depends on where you are. Laws and regulations on online gambling are constantly changing worldwide, so it’s important you make yourself aware of the rules, not only in the country you’re in but in the state or province as well. While VPNs allow you to play online poker with added security and privacy, I don’t condone using one to gamble illegally.

Since poker sites can face repercussions for allowing users from unlicensed regions to play, they invest a lot in VPN detection to avoid this. If a VPN is detected, some casinos might not let you play with real money, or they may seize your funds. I’d recommend checking out the site’s Terms and Conditions before using one so you know the potential consequences.

Can I play poker with a VPN in the UK, the US, or Australia?

Yes, but you should check local laws to be safe. Using a VPN while playing online poker helps you keep your bets private, but it doesn't protect you if you're doing something illegal. Online gambling is totally legal throughout the UK. As for the US, playing online poker is (at the time of writing) only legal in 6 states. Under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, you can only play poker online in Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan.

In Australia, any online gambling service must acquire a license from the government in order to operate legally in the country. If you use a VPN to play poker on a site that’s not registered in Australia, it’s technically illegal. The list of legal and registered sites (and the Interactive Gambling Act itself) can be found on the Australian government website, so check to ensure you’re not breaking any laws.

Will a VPN protect against DDoS attacks when playing online poker?

Yes, any VPN should protect you against DDoS attacks. These attacks happen when hackers send an overload of data to a server, causing it to fail and crash. VPN servers are designed to accommodate massive amounts of traffic since they are shared by hundreds of people at once on a normal day. If a hacker sent an overload of data to a VPN server, it just wouldn’t do anything since the server is most likely powerful enough to process it without issue.

Gambling sites are common targets for hackers — they might be trying to cause a malfunction to access personal data, or trying to ensure their own win by screwing with your connection. Playing online poker without a VPN leaves you more vulnerable to DDoS attacks that freeze your internet connection, kick you out of the game, and cause you to lose your money. When you use a VPN, which connects you to a protected server, you won’t be forced off the website.

Can online poker sites detect VPNs?

Maybe, but it depends on the VPN and its security features. Most online poker sites and casinos state in their terms of service that you cannot use a VPN or proxy server when playing poker online. Because of this, they will use VPN detection tools to ban certain IP addresses from accessing the site. That’s why I recommend using a VPN with built-in obfuscation, as this feature makes it harder for anyone viewing your data to detect that you’re using a VPN.

If an online poker site detects that you’re using a VPN and violating its terms of service, it may take action against your account. PokerStars, for instance, states in its terms of service that you may lose any funds in your account and the ability to place bets. Other sites may still let you play poker, but you won’t be able to bet real money.

Which poker sites are safe to use with a VPN?

You can safeguard your connection for playing on PokerStars, GGPoker, 888Poker, and other poker websites while connected to a VPN, though you need to be aware of their terms of service (ToS). Using a VPN is the best way to keep your bets away from prying eyes, but you could face other consequences. The ToS of most online poker websites prohibit the use of VPNs or proxy servers.

Every legitimate poker website also requires proof of identity and residence for you to play. If you’re regularly using different servers (with different IP addresses and locations) to access your online poker account, then your account may be penalized for suspicious activity.

If you want to use a static IP address for protection, then you’ll need a VPN that offers dedicated IP addresses. These IP addresses are unique to you, so you can keep your data private while minimizing the risk of unfair IP address bans.

Can you get banned from online poker sites for using a VPN?

You can get banned, but it depends on the platform. I tested all the VPNs in this list with popular poker sites without any issues (or bans). Some poker sites have strict rules against using a VPN, and if you are found to breach their terms of service, you might end up with a site-wide ban and any earnings being confiscated.

Others have less severe consequences — a VPN is ultimately a tool for online privacy and security, so it’s a shame using one for online poker can be so risky. Therefore, I always recommend reading up on each site’s ToS before you use a VPN to play poker online.

Can I use a free VPN to play online poker?

Technically, yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Free VPNs always come with limitations, such as slower speeds, fewer server choices, or data caps. These constraints can lead to laggy gaming sessions, which is far from ideal in the middle of a high-stakes poker game. I recommend using a premium VPN that doesn’t interfere with your gameplay.

Plus, many free VPNs are notorious for selling user data to advertisers. This means your online activities, including your poker games, might not be as private as you think.

Get the Best VPN for Online Poker

There are definitely some risks involved when using a VPN for online poker. With so many regional laws and restrictions, not to mention currencies, it’s not a huge shock that sites like PokerStars restrict the use of VPNs. While I don’t condone the use of a VPN to gamble illegally, I do think that you should be able to exercise the right to protect your privacy online, which a VPN can do.

After testing dozens of VPNs, I can say ExpressVPN is the best option for playing online poker safely. It has a reliable global server network and fast speeds, so you don’t have to worry about being kicked out of a game for a bad connection. Its money-back guarantee means you can test it out risk-free. If you’re not happy with it, then you can get a full refund within the first 30 days of subscribing.

To summarize, the best VPNs for online poker are…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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