How To Access FanDuel in 2025: Travel Tips & Workarounds

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve opened FanDuel on a trip, only to see the same 403 error message. It doesn’t matter if you’ve just crossed state borders for work or abroad for a holiday; your betting gets blocked the second FanDuel thinks you’re out of bounds.

Over 4.5 million people have an active FanDuel account (Business of Apps, 2025)¹ and risk getting locked out when they travel. Many of these individuals, like myself, want to place bets or cash out, but encounter location blocks, issues with GeoComply, or even legal troubles. On the other hand, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) remains widely available across the US and is a reliable fallback when you’re on the move.

Can you use FanDuel with a VPN? With a VPN, it's possible to access FanDuel securely from anywhere. So, you can check an account balance, review bets, and make withdrawals without interruptions. In this guide, I'll show you what works and what doesn't, as well as some alternative online gaming and betting platforms if FanDuel isn't an option.

Where Is FanDuel Legal in 2025?

The first thing I learned about FanDuel is that it's approved in just over 20 US states, with casino games available in fewer places, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. DFS is where the site has the broadest reach, as it’s classified differently under state laws and is legal in far more places.

The second thing I discovered is that completing FanDuel’s Know Your Client (KYC) process is a must. I remember setting up my account and being asked to download a separate plugin to verify my location. If something doesn’t match up, your account can get stuck in review.

Make sure to log in with your FanDuel account before traveling to avoid this pop-up

Here’s how FanDuel breaks down its products:

• FanDuel Sportsbook. Legal in just over 20 US states, including New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. You must be physically present in one of these states to place bets.
• FanDuel Casino. Much more limited. It’s only available in a handful of states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia.
• FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). The most widely available option, and it’s legal in most US states and even parts of Canada (outside Ontario). DFS contests don’t fall under the same gambling restrictions, which makes it a safer alternative when traveling.
  Stick to alternatives if you're not in a state where FanDuel is supported

Can You Still Use FanDuel Outside a Legal US State?

When I was traveling, I quickly realized that FanDuel doesn’t completely lock you out, but it also doesn’t let you do everything. You can log in, see your balance, and even request withdrawals, but betting itself is blocked the moment GeoComply detects you’re outside a licensed state. I also noticed that the early cash-out features disappear as those “technically” count as wagers.

Here is how it works in practice:

How To Access FanDuel With a VPN — Step-by-Step Guide

A VPN changes IP addresses, making it appear as if someone is in a state where FanDuel is legal. This is why many people try using a VPN when they’re stuck outside a betting state.

The problem is that FanDuel relies on GeoComply’s advanced checks (GPS, WiFi, and even device signals), so a VPN alone often isn’t enough. In many cases, the app detects it and blocks access, or you’ll still fail verification. So, there’s no guarantee that a VPN will work.

Make sure to pick a premium VPN for gambling to access FanDuel safely

That said, if you’d still like to try using a VPN with FanDuel, then here are the steps to follow:

1. Get a VPN

Choose a premium VPN that offers servers in the US states where FanDuel operates. I recommend activating obfuscation, which helps conceal VPN use as regular internet activity to prevent it from getting detected and blocked.

2. Download the App to Your Device

Install the VPN on your phone, tablet, or computer and make sure to log in with your account.

3. Connect to a Server

Pick a server in a FanDuel-legal state. The closer it is to your real location, the better your chances of a stable connection.

Most VPNs have a search bar to quickly find a server

4. Log in to FanDuel

Open the FanDuel website or app and sign in. If you've moved and need to create a new account, you’ll still need to go through the whole identity (KYC) process.

Make sure to use a new email address for creating a new FanDuel account

5. Browse Markets and Track Your Bets

Once connected, you should be able to view markets and use your account safely. However, remember that placing bets can still fail if GeoComply detects the mismatch.

Agree to all necessary permissions and log in to FanDuel

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for FanDuel

Not every VPN can actually get past FanDuel’s location checks. Some are instantly blocked, others are too slow for live betting, and free options almost always fail to work. To save you time, we tested multiple services and narrowed it down to VPNs that offered the best chance of stable access, fast speeds, and strong privacy. Here’s a side-by-side look at the top choices:

What Is GeoComply and Why Does FanDuel Use It?

GeoComply is a third-party geolocation tool that FanDuel uses to confirm that you’re physically inside a state where betting is legal. In theory, this should be simple and easy to use. But, in practice, it’s one of the biggest headaches many face when trying to use FanDuel, especially while traveling.

Many users have also complained that even when they’re inside a legal state, GeoComply still refuses to verify their location. On Windows and Mac, the plug-in often clashes with router settings, DNS configurations, antivirus software, or Chrome’s security features. The result is a frustrating loop of errors and reinstalls that can block access even for compliant users.

Try switching VPN servers and security protocols to access FanDuel securely

Troubleshooting Legitimate Location Issues

If you’re in a legal state but FanDuel still won’t let you bet, the culprit is usually GeoComply. The software double-checks your physical location, but firewalls, browser settings, or issues with mobile GPS can trip it up. The good news is that most of these issues can be solved with a few quick tweaks.

Fixes For GeoComply on Windows and Mac

• Reinstall the GeoComply plug-in and restart your browser
• Clear cache and cookies, then log back in
• Reset your DNS settings to clear all network data
• Disable antivirus or firewall temporarily if they are blocking the plug-in
• Switch to a different browser, like Firefox or Edge, if Chrome is giving errors
• Restart your router or try connecting through a different network

Fixes For GeoComply on Mobile (iOS and Android)

• Make sure location services are enabled for both your device and the FanDuel app
• Toggle airplane mode on and off to reset your connection
• If using WiFi, switch to mobile data, or vice versa, to refresh geolocation checks
• Update your device OS and the FanDuel app to the latest version
• Restart your phone to clear background processes interfering with GPS

If none of these fixes work, FanDuel recommends contacting their support team directly. Many users report that location verification issues are flagged quickly, and support can guide you through advanced troubleshooting or confirm if it is part of a larger outage. For more details, see FanDuel’s official location troubleshooting page.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for FanDuel

To test VPNs for FanDuel, it was important to assess their performance across the board. We accessed our regular speed results to see which VPNs would allow for fast betting. Obfuscation features were also important as they’re required if you need to hide VPN use. Finally, it was necessary to test the VPNs for leaks under various circumstances to confirm they truly encrypt your connection and change your virtual location.

Risks and Limitations of Using a VPN for FanDuel

FanDuel’s terms require you to be physically present in a legal state to place bets, and using a VPN to get around this can result in your account being flagged or suspended. If you have an active balance, this could put withdrawals on hold until our support team completes a review. In the worst case, repeated “inconsistent activity” might even lead to a permanent ban.

There are also technical limits. FanDuel utilizes GeoComply, which verifies not only your IP address but also WiFi data, GPS signals, and device information. Even with a great VPN, people still complain of constant location errors and the inability to place bets. VPN connections can also drop during live betting, which sounds like a nightmare to me.

Because of these risks, it’s worth considering safe alternatives when FanDuel is unavailable in your location.

Sports Betting Alternatives to FanDuel

If FanDuel is unavailable where you are, you still have legal ways to stay engaged without running into account flags. Here are the main options bettors turn to:

• Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). FanDuel’s DFS product is legal in most US states, even where the sportsbook is not. It allows you to stay active with contests and lineups without encountering sportsbook restrictions. This is my preferred option, as I don't want to take any action that could jeopardize my account.
• Sweepstakes sportsbooks. Platforms like Fliff offer a legal way to make picks and win prizes across most states. They use the sweepstakes model rather than the traditional betting models. It’s a fun change of pace, but it could never fully replace FanDuel for me personally.
• Social sportsbooks. Apps such as Rebet or other free-to-play betting communities let you practice, share picks, and enjoy the social side of betting without risking your account.
• Other legal operators. Competitors like DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars have different state footprints. Depending on where you are, one of them might be licensed even if FanDuel isn’t.

These alternatives allow you to stay engaged without the same risks of account flags or legal complications.

Can You Withdraw Money From FanDuel While Traveling?

Deposits and withdrawals are usually less restrictive than betting itself, but they still come with a few complications when you’re outside a FanDuel-legal state. Why can’t you deposit money with FanDuel? The company is super wary of legal issues, so it may not even let you maneuver your money around when you travel; FanDuel made upwards of $5 billion in 2024 (Business of Apps, 2025)², so it obviously loves money, but it could lose it all with one false move against the law.

Here’s what you can expect when you’re trying to make deposits or withdrawals on the road:

FAQs on Using FanDuel With a VPN

References

1. https://www.businessofapps.com/data/fanduel-statistics/