If poker sites are blocked where you live (or are visiting) you can use a Poker VPN to get around those restrictions. In this guide we show you the best VPNs for online poker, how to use them, and what you need to know before you play your first hand.
PokerStars Proxy Guide. Does your computer connect to the Internet through a proxy server, or do you need to use a proxy to be able to access PokerStars?Here’s a PokerStars proxy guide from PokerStars support, with information on how to connect to with a proxy. PokerStars, as well as other poker rooms do not like the use of VPN. However, for residents of some countries, exceptions are possible, because Due to the peculiarities of the work of Internet.
Last week we had quite a dramatic story where Gordon Vayo was countersued by PokerStars for forging evidence in his suit against them. Vayo had almost $700k of winnings seized by PokerStars for a tournament he won playing on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in the United States (while claiming he was playing in Canada). Pokerstars is the world’s biggest online poker site – by active users. But it’s no fun if you live in a country where gambling is banned. One way around this is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). But not all VPN’s are created equally, some will even give the game away that you’re using.
We recommend using these VPNs for playing Poker online:
ExpressVPN- The best VPN for online poker. ExpressVPN has an expansive and robust server network, perfect for privacy & protecting against DDoS.
NordVPN- Large brand with very good value, and a budget price
CyberGhost VPN- An easy to use VPN for Pokerstars. It has slick apps for iOS and Android too – perfect for accessing PokerStars on the go.
Private Internet Access- One of the most secure Poker VPNs on our list. It keeps zero logs and boasts useful features like a kill-switch & Static IPs.
Surfshark- The cheapest VPN for poker sites on our list. From $2.49 a month you get a wide choice of servers to unblock sites like PokerStars.
With a poker VPN, you can sign up for poker services and online casinos like PokerStars, 888 Poker, or PartyPoker. In some countries, online gambling is illegal. Unfortunately, this also includes playing poker online. Luckily, a VPN can let you access restricted poker sites from anywhere in the world. Even in the US, some poker sites are restricted in certain states – and people playing in poker tournaments may need a VPN to access their accounts.
Before recommending a VPN for playing online poker, we ensure that it offers:
Fast servers in key locations around the world
Solid encryption and privacy features
Responsive and knowledgable customer service agents
Good value for money
The ability to unblock a variety of major poker sites.
Now that you know what we're looking for in our online poker VPN recommendations, let's take a closer look at which providers made the list.
The best VPNs for playing online poker in 2020
Here's an in-depth look at the best Poker VPNs according to our testing:
ExpressVPN is a service that sits at the very top of the VPN industry. It has servers in 94 countries around the world, including all the places you need servers to play poker. It has extremely robust levels of OpenVPN encryption and a privacy policy that can be fully trusted. The VPN runs on Tier-1 servers that are perfectly suited for absorbing the influx of high sudden bursts of requests during DDoS attacks.
Pokerstars Vpn Reddit
The entire network of servers is lightning-fast and is perfect for unblocking poker. ExpressVPN has a kill-switch and permits five simultaneous connections, so you can run this on a virtual machine to protect you against crashes. This VPN is easy to use, available for all platforms, and will protect you both at home and on public WiFi.
Finally, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee to allow you to test the service risk-free.
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Whether you believe that Poker originates from a Persian card game called As Nas? Or a 10th-century Chinese card playing emperor, or maybe a 17th-century French game called Poque? There’s no doubt that it is one of the most popular across the planet! In this article, I am going talk about playing online. And explain why a VPN is potentially your friend, the possible pitfalls, and what are the best Pokerstars VPN’s.
Why use a VPN to Play Poker?
The number of people who have played for real money online using Pokerstars amounts to probably tens-of-millions. As such, that company and those like it have boomed in the last 10-years. However, in recent years, the tied has begun to turn, with authorities across the globe cracking down hard on them!
Provider
Our Review
5136 Votes
$8.32 / month
NordVPN
4186 Votes
$3.33 / month
Why? Well, that depends on your point of view, each-and-every government has its reasons, some philosophical, some religious. But, the end game is, to play Pokerstars online, you now have to jump through a few hoops. In fact, to play almost anywhere for real money, if away on holiday, or if you live in the USA, Australia, Germany, you need a VPN.
Pokerstars Vpn Rules
Is Playing Poker Online Illegal?
Now, before you say “Oh, no, is it illegal?” That is not an easy question to answer.
Depending on where in the world you live, there are probably two types of legislation that control playing poker online. One may ban playing it outright, and the other my just prohibit unregistered sites from operating. Fortunately, if you live in the UK, and some parts of the USA, gambling online is not entirely illegal. Meaning that if you stick to the rules, you’re fine.
Possible Alternatives
As a result of what is and was, sweeping anti-gambling legislation, companies like Pokerstars respect the law. Which means they will block your access if you live in a banning jurisdiction. Meaning, if you live in a US state in which gambling is illegal, you can’t officially play. Additionally, if you want a game against foreign competition, or are on holiday, you can’t connect.
Fortunately, there is an answer which for the majority does work, but it comes with caveats, which you must be aware of!
Play Pokerstars with a VPN
To understand how a VPN can help you to gain access to Pokerstars, you first need to know why people use them. The vast majority of VPN users, use them to protect their identity online, and as an extra layer of security from hackers.
How does a VPN do that? Put simply; such a service will have multiple servers worldwide, of which you choose one to re-route your internet connection. This enables you to surf anonymously, with your actual IP-address hidden, and snoopers not able to see you.
However, there is a complication, you should not choose just any VPN, why? Because companies like Pokerstars and 888 Poker, have developed software to detect VPN usage when gambling. And that means, to learn how to play Pokerstars in the US, you need a virtual private network provider with a difference! In fact, no matter where you are, take notice!
You need a VPN that offers dedicated IP-addresses, not shared or constantly changing ones. Additionally, opt for a service provider which has a Kill Switch built in. Having this will protect your identity should your connection to the VPN server fail.
Which are The Best Pokerstars VPN’s?
Now, I am in no way endorsing the use of a VPN to play Pokerstars, that choice is your own to make. However, there are three clear choices when it comes to choosing one.
1. ExpressVPN
Seen around the world as the premier option this potential poker vpn solution, is a great choice for the security conscious. With 2,000+ servers in 94-countries, it can make you appear as originating from almost anywhere, which is great for unlocking content restrictions.
Pokerstars Vpn Download
More importantly, it offers military grade 256-bit encryption, a Killswitch, plus, IPv6 leak protection.
2. NordVPN
Not very tech savvy? NordVPN is one of the best Pokerstars VPN’s to choose from. It’s simple and quick to set up, with everything done in just a few minutes. However, more importantly, as an online poker player, it has the features you need. Such as a Kill Switch for connection drop protection. Plus, DNS leak protection, double data encryption, and the all-important dedicated Ip address add-on.
Pokerstars Vpn
3. PureVPN
Finally, there is PureVPN, one of only a handful of providers to enable you to reserve an IP-address in another country. Of course, it also offers dedicated IP’s; all can be used via any of its 2,000+ servers. All of which are spread out across 140-countries.
Additionally, it offers the must-have Killswitch, and military grade 256-bit encryption, plus its relatively affordable.