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Best VPNs To Play Online Poker: Unblock Poker Sites in 2024

If you want to play online poker abroad, you need a reliable VPN. In this article, I tell you about the top VPNs for online poker.

When playing online poker, your privacy is of the utmost importance. If you live in an area where playing online poker for real cash is forbidden, such as most of the United States, you can lose all of your winnings if you’re discovered gambling online. (Only Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan and Pennsylvania allow online poker sites when real cash is involved. There are other states that offer some forms of online gambling, such as sports betting.)

Since online poker companies want to stay on the right side of the authorities, they too are on the lookout for players accessing their tables from areas where online poker isn’t allowed. If these gambling firms discover you’re in a forbidden region, they could keep all of your winnings and ban you from their tables.

Can a VPN Unblock Poker Sites?

Luckily for online poker players traveling outside of their state or country where online wagering is allowed, there is a tool to allow them to sit at a virtual table in their favorite online casino. It’s called a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

In addition to enabling you to gamble, a VPN also protects your online security and online privacy by encrypting your internet connection, thereby hiding your online travels from Nosy Nellies like hackers, your ISP, and even the government.

In this article, I’ll provide a look at the top seven VPNs for playing online poker. We’ll take a look at the criteria you should consider before subscribing to a VPN and how well each VPN provider performs in each service category.

Best VPNs for Playing Online Poker

The following top seven VPN providers proved to work best to enhance your online poker experience:

  1. NordVPN: Top online poker VPN pick. This #1 VPN provider offers excellent access to online poker tables. The provider’s comprehensive global server network provides access to geo-blocked tables around the globe, and it provides fast, no lags connection for most popular device platforms.
  2. Surfshark: Saves more money for the tables. This provider has quickly gained a reputation for providing top-notch online protection. It also places no limits on the number of devices you can concurrently connect to their servers on a single username. Plus, it does all of this while charging a bargain-basement price.
  3. ExpressVPN: Premium protection. This VPN delivers fast, reliable connections that do an above-average job of unblocking online poker tables worldwide. The provider also offers excellent online security and privacy protections for all of your online activities on all of the most popular device platforms.
  4. CyberGhost: Good option for VPN newbies. This provider is an excellent option for online poker players with little to no experience with using a VPN, or for players who are looking for easy-to-use yet comprehensive VPN protection.
  5. Private Internet Access: Excellent access to poker sites. This provider’s global server network has shown impressive growth over the last few years. The provider keeps your online wagering covered with fast and well-protected connections.
  6. PrivateVPN: Unblocks tables in the U.S. While the provider’s global server network is the smallest on this list. PrivateVPN’s servers unblock geo-controlled content, including online poker tables.
  7. Atlas VPN: Unlimited protection for online poker. This provider offers protection for your online gambling and other online activities on as many devices as you’d like, providing fast and well-protected connections.

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I ranked the top seven VPNs for online poker websites according to the following criteria:

  • Connection speeds
  • Connection reliability
  • Global server network
  • Servers located in poker site states
  • Online privacy and security protections
  • Device and router support

Best VPNs for Playing Online Poker – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for unblocking Poker sites.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivate Internet AccessPrivateVPNAtlasVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberGhost.comPrivate Internet Access.comPrivateVPN.comAtlas VPN.com
Ranking for poker sites1234567
Total number of servers5,5953,2003,0009,073146200+750+
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps73 Mbps39 Mbps100+ Mbps
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%86%85%70%85%93%
Activity logs SomeNo identifying dataNo identifying data
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TV's, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV
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Here’s my list of the top seven VPNs for unblocking online poker sites.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is the best bet for online poker players who are looking to keep their poker playing safe from prying eyes and safe from DDoS attacks.

This provider’s connection speeds are impressive, scoring in the top five in my last round of speed testing. NordVPN delivers plenty of no-data-cap bandwidth for all of your favorite online activities, whether it’s sitting at the virtual poker table, other types of online gaming, streaming video, or any other popular online activity.

NordVPN’s connections won’t let you down in the middle of the action, with reliable, well-protected connections.

The provider’s global server coverage includes 5,500+ servers that are based in 60 countries, offering access to most online poker tables in the free world. The provider’s owned-and-operated servers means there are no third-party operators with access to your personal information.

All NordVPN connections are protected by banking-grade encryption, a kill switch option, and dependable DNS leak protection. Also available are malware and ad blocking features.

A strict no-logs-on-the-server privacy policy, as well as a private Bitcoin payment option, combine to offer industry-standard privacy protection. The provider runs its servers 100% from RAM. No data is ever written to the physical hard drive. All data is completely wiped from the servers whenever they are restarted or shutdown.

In addition to standard VPN service, the provider also offers NordPass (a password manager), NordLocker (cloud storage with file encryption), and NordVPN Teams (VPN service for businesses).

It’s a good bet that NordVPN offers an app for your favorite device thanks to app offerings for the Android, Android TV, iOS, Amazon Fire, macOS (with native support for Apple’s M1 Macs), Windows and Linux platforms.

Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is extensive router support. Up to six devices can connect at once using a single username.

“Always available” is the way to describe NordVPN’s customer support, which includes 24/7 support chat, a searchable support knowledgebase, and email support.

Pros:

  • Fast connections
  • Budget-priced long-term subscription options
  • Comprehensive online security and privacy
  • Up to six concurrent connections per username
  • Comprehensive app support
  • Extensive global server network

Cons:

  • App interface could be better

BEST FOR VPN FOR CARD SHARKS:NordVPN is the best bet for online poker players who are looking to keep their poker hands undercover. The provider delivers reliable, fast, and well-protected connections from a comprehensive global server network, all for a reasonable price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark may be a fairly recent addition to the VPN ranks, but it has quickly earned an excellent reputation among VPN users.

The provider’s no-data-caps connections deliver plenty of bandwidth, easily keeping up with the action at the tables, as well as other online gaming, HD streaming or file-sharing you might engage in.

While I’ve only used this provider when testing for various purposes, I’ve used it enough to say that it provides rock-solid connections in the poker world.

The Surfshark server network boasts 3,200+ servers in over 64 countries.

The provider’s connections provide advanced security and anonymity thanks to its use of banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak protection. Also available are ad-blocking, tracker, malware, and phishing protection. Plus, its “Multi-Hop” server feature routes your internet connection through two VPN servers, providing double anonymity and encryption.

Your privacy is no issue when using this service, thanks to its no-server-logs-ever policy and its private Bitcoin subscription payment option.

Surfshark offers plenty of multi-platform app support, with offerings for the Android, iOS, Linux, macOS (including native M1 Mac support), Windows and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions, as well as router support, are also available.

Surfshark is one of two VPN providers in this roundup to allow unlimited concurrent connections. So, you can connect every device you own without worrying about hitting an arbitrary connection limit.

A 24/7 support chat option, a contact form, and a searchable support database mean help is always available.

Pros:

  • Unlimited concurrent connections
  • Fast connections
  • MultiHop offers double encryption and anonymity
  • Good native app support
  • Fast-growing global server network

Cons:

  • The regular monthly subscription cost is a bit pricey

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR ONLINE GAMBLERS:Surfshark is the best VPN option for users that would rather save their bankroll to ante at the card tables. The provider has a fast-growing global server network that delivers reliable connections. With the provider’s unlimited connections allowance, your whole poker club can connect at once on a single account. Budget-priced subscriptions offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is a great, all-around VPN for protecting and enhancing your online poker sessions thanks to its well above average performance in every service category.

While online poker doesn’t require super-fast connections like many other online games, a fast connection comes in handy for any online activity, and poker is no exception. ExpressVPN’s connections can easily handle any of your favorite online activities, including gaming, streaming HD video, and sharing files. No data caps are to be found.

There are few things worse for an online poker player than having their connection drop in the middle of a hand. ExpressVPN has proven itself to be a totally reliable VPN provider.

ExpressVPN’s global server coverage is some of the best around, with over 3,000 servers stationed in more than 93 countries worldwide. Those servers do a top-notch job of unblocking online poker rooms and other blocked content around the globe.

All ExpressVPN-supplied connections are protected by military-grade encryption, as well as kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection. A split tunneling feature allows users to pick and choose which apps will use the provider’s encrypted protection.

No privacy concerns when it comes to ExpressVPN thanks to a strict no-server-logs privacy policy, an uber-private Bitcoin subscription payment option, and its proprietary “TrustedServer” system. (TrustedServer runs all server operations from RAM, never writing any data to the server’s hard drive. This means all data is wiped from the server when it is rebooted or shutdown.)

Online poker apps are available on most popular device platforms, making multi-platform app support an important factor to consider. ExpressVPN offers apps for the Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, Chromebook, and Amazon Fire device platforms.

If you play at your favorite poker table via the Edge, Chrome, or Firefox browsers, you can protect all of your bets with the provider’s handy browser extensions. Extensive router features allow all of your connected devices to be protected through a single point of access.

Last but not least, ExpressVPN’s customer support is always there when the chips are down thanks to 24/7 support chat, a trouble ticket submission system, email support, and an easy-to-search support library.

Pros:

  • Excellent access to poker services
  • Fast, well-protected connections
  • Top-notch privacy protection

Cons:

  • More expensive than many other VPNs
  • Streaming servers are not labeled

SOLID VPN FOR ONLINE POKER:ExpressVPN is a great all-around VPN option for online poker players. The provider delivers fast, well-protected connections to most countries, ensuring you’ll have access to your favorite virtual card tables. While the provider is more expensive than many of its competitors, a 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a sure bet.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.CyberGhost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

You don’t have to be a technical whiz to use CyberGhost thanks to the provider’s easy-to-use apps that offer one-click connections.

CyberGhost’s connection speeds can easily handle a bit of online wagering, and also provide more than enough no-data-cap bandwidth for HD video streaming, other online gaming, and sharing large files.

I’ve never seen a CyberGhost connection drop in the middle of the action.

The provider’s global server coverage compares quite well with the other top 4 VPN providers thanks to its having over 8,000 servers stationed in 90+ countries.

When you connect to a CyberGhost server, it protects your connection with strong encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak prevention. You can also take advantage of optional ad and tracker blocking, as well as the ability to force websites to serve up secure versions of their pages if they’re available.

Your privacy is also protected well when using this provider, thanks to their no-server-logs-ever policy and ultra-private Bitcoin subscription payment option.

CyberGhost’s ID Guard alerts you if and when your email address is revealed in a data breach. CyberGhost also offers a password manager for everyone, as well as a security suite for Windows, which includes antivirus protection, a privacy tool, and a security updater that scans your device for outdated versions of apps.

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps are available for the Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is excellent router compatibility. Up to seven device connections at once are allowed on a single account.

Customer support is always here for you thanks to 24/7 chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

Pros:

  • Fast connections
  • Easy-to-use yet powerful apps
  • No server logs and Bitcoin payment option
  • Well-encrypted connections

Cons:

  • Apps offer little in the way of power-user options

BEST FOR NEWBIE VPN USERS:CyberGhost offers an excellent VPN service option for newbie VPN users or poker players who are looking for an easy-to-use, sure bet of a VPN. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.privateinternetaccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a well-established and well-respected VPN service provider.

The provider’s global server network is impressive, boasting 3,300+ servers in over 80 countries. In addition to poker sites, the provider also offers reliable access to other geo-controlled sites and services.

While PIA’s protected connections are far from the fastest on this list, they can definitely handle your online wagering, streaming video and audio and any of your other favorite online pastimes. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to spoil the fun.

Banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention and kill switch protection all work together to keep you protected online. The service also offers blocking of ads, trackers, malware and malicious sites.

The provider follows a strict no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment, these protect your usage and payment privacy, respectively.

PIA native app support includes options for the Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux platforms. Opera, Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, along with impressive router support.

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to PIA servers on a single account.

The PIA customer support department offers live support chat, a trouble ticket form and a searchable support library.

Pros:

  • Reliable access to online poker and other sites
  • Simultaneously protects up to 10 devices
  • Comprehensive online security and privacy

Cons:

  • No streaming-enhanced servers
  • Has issues working in restrictive countries

RELIABLE ACCESS TO VIRTUAL POKER TABLES:PIA provides reliable access to online poker tables, as well as other geo-controlled content. The provider keeps all of your online antics undercover. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN’s global server network is the smallest one on this list. However, the provider has your online poker binges covered.

PrivateVPN’s global server coverage (200+ servers spread among 60 countries) is a bit lacking. However, the provider offers reliable access to content in the countries where it has servers. This includes at least one online poker state, New Jersey.

The provider’s connection speeds are ultra-fast, easily handling your favorite online activities, such as online poker, streaming, video, other types of online gaming and much more.

PrivateVPN connection protection features include military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection and a kill switch on the Windows version.

This VPN service provider keeps no usage logs on its servers, while a Bitcoin payment option keeps your privacy well guarded when you use a disposable email address.

PrivateVPN native app support is limited to iOS, Android, Mac and Windows. While that is somewhat limited, it does cover most of the popular online poker platforms. Browser extensions and router support are not available at the moment.

Up to six devices can simultaneously connect using a single set of login credentials.

Customer support includes an online chat option, email, and a non-searchable FAQ section.

Pros:

  • Fast, well-protected connections
  • Protects your usage and payment privacy
  • Reliable access to virtual poker tables

Cons:

  • Only available for Big Four device platforms
  • Server numbers definitely lacking

PRIVATE POKER PROTECTION:PrivateVPN is a good choice for online poker players that own one of the Big Four devices. Fast connections and top-notch online security and privacy provide top-notch online protection. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

AtlasVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  https://atlasvpn.com/

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Atlas VPN provides access to online poker tables, while protecting your online activities from being monitored.

The provider’s server network, while not all that impressive (750+ servers in 32 countries), takes care of business, so you can take care of betness (I made that word up, just now). Most importantly for our purposes, the provider has servers in online poker-playing areas.

While Atlas VPN’s server network might not be impressive, their download speeds are. This means the provider can easily handle poker and all of your other favorite online activities.

Those connections are protected well, thanks to the provider’s use of military-grade encryption, a kill switch and other protection methods. The provider’s in-house developed Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus features block malicious online services and unwanted ads.

The provider follows a no-server-logs-ever policy, protecting your online usage history from nosy folks. Unfortunately, a cryptocurrency subscription payment option is missing.

Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV apps are available from the VPN, although the provider doesn’t currently support routers, browsers or Linux devices. The provider assures us that all three features are in the works.

The provider places no limits on the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the service.

Customer support includes a subscribers-only live chat feature, email, contact form and a searchable support library.

Pros:

  • Fast, well-protected connections
  • Reliable access to gaming tables
  • Supports most popular gambling-compatible devices

Cons:

  • No browser extensions, router, or native Linux support
  • Global server coverage could stand an ante

UNLIMITED ACCESS TO VIRTUAL POKER TABLES:Atlas VPN’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy means you can access as many online poker tables on as many devices as you’d like. Fast, well-protected connections keep the betting action going. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Poker Sites

You have to be careful when choosing a VPN for playing online poker. That means you need to carefully consider a VPN’s features before betting on it.

Below, I’ve listed the most important factors I consider when ranking the best VPN bets for reliable access to poker sites:

  • Connection speeds: Fast connection speeds are an important consideration when the cards are dealt. Each VPN on this list provided above-average connection speeds when I tested them.
  • Server network: Any VPN worth consideration needs to have servers located in the areas where your favorite virtual tables are located. Also, look for providers with a large number of servers in each of its server farm locations. This means there is less chance of an individual server being overwhelmed with users.
  • Value: Sure, you’d rather save your money for the next ante. Why waste your money on an overrated VPN provider? Always look for a VPN that offers comprehensive protection and performance for a reasonable price.
  • Ease of use: Easy-to-use apps for a large number of devices can help to get your virtual butt in a seat at the table much faster. All of the VPNs on my list provide easy-to-use apps for most popular platforms.
  • Security and privacy: Online security and privacy are important considerations for any of your online activities. This is especially true when it comes to your bankroll. Always look for banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection (at a minimum). Also, look for a no-server-logs-ever policy, meaning there are no records of your online antics.
  • Streaming: You can’t gamble all the time, right? So, you’ll probably want to take a break and watch The Cooler or Casino while you’re waiting for your luck to improve. Each VPN on my list offers reliable access to multiple streaming sites, including ESPN, Netflix and other popular streaming services.

My research does not end with the above features. They are just a small part of what I consider as a part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach allows me to carefully consider each VPNs and its services, allowing me to recommend only providers that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

How to Use a VPN to Enhance Your Online Poker Sessions

Online poker players who are looking for a way to enhance their online card club options can do so by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a Virtual Private Network.
  2. Download the provider’s app onto your connected device.
  3. Log into the VPN network.
  4. Select a VPN server located near your favorite online poker provider.
  5. Connect to the virtual poker room’s server.
  6. Put on your shades and lay your bets.

Why Use a VPN to Play Online Poker Games?

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your online activities from prying eyes by encrypting and anonymizing your internet connection. A VPN accomplishes this by covering your connection in a tube of encryption, hiding your travels much like a tunnel does for a train. A VPN offers numerous benefits to online poker players.

A VPN can protect you from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks from your competitors. A VPN can also open up access to online content you might not usually have access to and allow you to play a few hands of poker from your computer or mobile device while at school or work.

Since online poker companies want to stay on the right side of the authorities, they too are on the lookout for players accessing their tables from areas where online poker isn’t allowed. If they discover you’re in a forbidden region, they could keep all of your winnings and ban you from their tables.

A VPN that offers excellent protection for online poker players will offer comprehensive privacy protections. These will include being located in a privacy-friendly country, as well as having a strict no-logs policy. Private payment options, such as a willingness to accept private payment options such as Bitcoin cryptocurrency, are a bonus.

A full-service VPN will also protect your privacy by providing a kill switch-protected connection. A kill switch completely disconnects your computer or device’s internet connection if you lose contact with the provider’s VPN servers. This prevents your connection from being laid open to observation.

A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is when a disgruntled poker player, or some other less-than-honorable party, directs an army of computers (and other connected devices they have taken control of) to send an overwhelming number of requests to a targeted IP address.

This results in the targeted device’s (usually a server or other type of computer) internet connection being overwhelmed by the requests being sent its way. This results in said target’s connection slowing down greatly or even shutting down completely. If a player can’t continue to play, the time allotted for their play runs out, and the player loses by default.

A VPN protects against DDoS attacks by hiding your real IP address and substituting the address of one of their VPN servers instead. By hiding your IP address from detection, a VPN makes it much harder for a successful attack to be waged against your connection.

Over the years, I have discovered that a VPN’s encrypted protection is the most reliable way available to access nearly any kind of blocked content, especially content that’s being blocked at school or work. (Schools and employers frown on your gambling on their time.)

Many virtual poker rooms will restrict tournaments to specific regions, meaning you may not always have the opportunity to rake in the pots on your favorite virtual table. Plus, many countries restrict betting of actual money to certain areas. (Only 4 states in the U.S. currently allow their citizens to use real money in online casinos.)

A VPN can open access to these gambling opportunities thanks to its ability to “spoof” your true location by temporarily assigning your device a new IP address in another region of the world.

I am certain that none of my readers would cheat at a virtual card table or bully other card players. However, you can easily get banned from virtual gaming tables and other websites and services for many reasons. These include hacking, being rude to other players, account sharing, and even using a VPN.

While a VPN can’t change your username (you’ll need a new one of those), it can give you a fresh IP address by giving you a virtual IP address. This IP address hasn’t been used at online gambling sites in the past, so you will once again have access to the tables.

However, keep in mind that since you’re using a different account, you will be starting from scratch, without access to your previous winnings.

Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Online Poker?

I wouldn’t bet on it if I were you.

While I’m sure you can find a free VPN that will allow you to hit the tables, I’m willing to wager that your online gambling experience will be less than satisfactory.

First of all, you’ll probably be forced to cool your jets before you’re allowed to hit the tables. When you connect to a free VPN provider, you are often forced to wait in a queue with other free users before being allowed to connect to a server.

Once you’re given the green light to connect, you may then find there are a limited number of servers to connect to, and that’s only if you’re not automatically connected to a server of the VPN provider’s choosing.

Once you’re connected, you’ll likely find that your connection speeds are severely slowed. That’s because free VPNs will throttle their free users’ connection speeds to preserve bandwidth for their paying customers.

Free VPNs will also impose a daily or monthly data cap on their users, meaning you could be disconnected from your online poker room in the middle of a hand.

The “private” part of “Virtual Private Network” is also missing from the free VPN experience.

Even a free VPN isn’t a not-for-profit organization. They have salaries and electric bills to pay. To do so, they’ll often monitor their customers’ online travels, save that sensitive information in a log file, and then sell that valuable info to advertisers and other nosy parties.

Some freebie VPN services have been caught injecting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions. And those cookies keep tracking you, even when you’re no longer connected to the VPN’s server network.

Does any of this sound like a good bet to you?

What Else Can a VPN Do For Me?

A VPN not only improves your online poker experience, it also protects and enhances all of your online activities.

A VPN improves your online entertainment experience by temporarily assigning a new IP address to your connected device.

Since an IP address is used to detect a device’s geographic position, a new IP address can make it appear as if you’re connecting from another part of the world, fooling streaming services and other geo-controlled entertainment providers into allowing you to access their content libraries that are restricted to the location that your VPN is spoofing for you.

A VPN also encrypts your connection, meaning your ISP, the government or hackers cannot monitor your online activities.

That means your ISP can’t block or throttle your connection simply because you’re streaming from an “unapproved” streaming source, or are sharing files via BitTorrent. They also can’t log your online travels and either sell or give that information to interested parties like advertisers or the government.

Encryption also prevents hackers from monitoring you while you’re connected to an unprotected WiFi hotspot at a coffee shop or the airport.

Hackers love hotspots because they’re usually unprotected, and with a few easy-to-use tools, they can monitor your online shopping or banking, and steal your credit card or checking account information. A VPN’s encryption hides all of this from them.

Conclusion

Online poker players who are looking for a way to protect and enhance their time at the online gaming tables will appreciate what a VPN like NordVPN can offer. No need to give up your real location unless you want to.

NordVPN provides the best all-around comprehensive VPN protection of any provider on this list. The provider’s well-encrypted yet speedy connections provide top-notch online protection from hackers and DDoS attacks while enhancing all of your online activities.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, NordVPN.

Unblock Online Poker Sites FAQs

Can You Play Texas Holdem Online For Money?

There are numerous poker sites that offer Texas Holdem for money. You’ll likely need to use a VPN to ensure that you have access to the site, as many require you to live in their state or country before allowing you to lay down your money.

Will a VPN Work With My Poker App?

Yes, a reliable VPN service will work with most popular poker apps and poker websites, allowing you to sit down at virtual poker tables from nearly anywhere around the globe.

Will PokerStars Reopen to U.S. Players?

Playing poker on PokerStars for real money is only available in New Jersey and Philadelphia (unless you use a VPN). Unfortunately, regulated online poker in the U.S. is moving at a snail’s pace, so it’ll be a while before PokerStars is available to more U.S. players.


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