The Best VPNs for Gambling and Sports Betting 2024

The best virtual private networks (VPNs) for accessing your favorite gambling and sports betting sites are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. NordVPN is the top choice when it comes to overall performance, thanks to its large server network and extensive security features. ExpressVPN offers fast speeds across servers and Surfshark is an affordable, powerful VPN.

As three of the most popular VPN services in the industry, they're well-positioned to ensure safe, anonymous internet access while also providing fast connection speeds that won’t slow down your online poker hands, casino games, or sports betting experience.

The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting

Gambling and sports betting online require reliable levels of security, privacy, and anonymity. That’s why many players turn to VPNs when they want to place bets on NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games. You can even stream and place bets on international sports with a VPN. 

Below are some of the best VPNs for gambling and sports betting currently available on the market. All of them offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free.

• NordVPN: Best overall
• ExpressVPN: Best for speed
• Surfshark: Best affordable option

Top 3 VPN services for gambling and sports betting compared

VPN	Best Overall
Starting price	Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $6.25/mo (billed annually)	Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years)
Gambling/betting site support
Streaming support	Yes — Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, DAZN, Hulu, and more	Yes — Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Sling TV, and more	Yes — Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, Disney+, Hulu, and more
No-logs policy
Encryption	AES-256-GCM	AES-256	AES-256-GCM
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

How we tested the best gambling VPNs

To guarantee a fair evaluation of each VPN provider, we tested all five services for the same operations, such as staying anonymous online, streaming from websites like YouTube and Netflix, downloading torrents safely, protecting our identity while using public networks (Wi-Fi hotspots), unblocking restricted content (websites or apps) and their ability to bypass geo-restrictions so we can access betting sites abroad. All these tests were conducted to make sure that the VPNs we recommend are reliable and secure.

The main criteria and features we looked at when choosing which five VPNs to include in this article included:

• Connection speed: We tested each of the five VPNs for download and upload speeds. We wanted to ensure that, regardless of where you are located, the VPN connection would not impact your internet experience.
• Privacy protection: All top three VPNs featured in this article offer strong privacy protection. They all use military-grade encryption protocols such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKev2/IPsec, and PPTP.
• Server network: If you're interested in sports gambling and betting but live somewhere where it's illegal, it's important to invest in a VPN with servers in countries that can accommodate those needs (e.g., Australia). 
• Encryption strength: The top three VPNs featured in this article provide a strong layer of encryption to protect your data from being intercepted by third parties or hackers.
• Customer support options: Each provider offers customer support options such as email, live chat, and/or phone support.
• Cost: We looked at the cost of each of the five VPNs and weighed it against the features and performance that they offer.
• Leak protection: A VPN is worthless if it leaks your data. All of the VPN apps we featured here are proven to have no DNS or WebRTC leaks.
• Compatibility: A top VPN works with all your devices. Our top three choices support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and multiple other operating systems, browsers, and device types.

NordVPN: Best overall

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is for anyone who values online privacy and security. It can protect you from potential data breaches, snooping, malicious activity, and more. With NordVPN's secure protocols (OpenVPN, NordLynx) and strict no-logs policy, we think it's a reputable VPN for protecting your data from external intrusions.

Additionally, those who need access to geo-blocked content can benefit from NordVPN's vast server network with access to over 100 countries around the world. 

What we liked

NordVPN is perfect for a variety of online activities, and we chose it as our VPN recommendation because of its many features. It's cheaper than ExpressVPN, yet still offers loads of servers across the globe to give users more connection options.

NordVPN's safety and security are top-notch. Its no-logs policy has been routinely audited, and its headquarters are in Panama, which isn't subject to any data retention laws. Depending on your VPN needs, you can choose from different protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx. Additionally, you can enable double VPN servers, which route your internet traffic through two servers instead of keeping your VPN usage undetected.

Moreover, you can stream your favorite sports from around the world with NordVPN. With its extensive server coverage, you can access geo-restricted content without worrying about buffering or lagging. Whether you're looking to stream football games or watch ESPN live, NordVPN has got you covered.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN is a popular VPN app, but there are a few drawbacks worth considering before signing up. One issue is the cost: NordVPN’s plans are relatively expensive compared to other providers like CyberGhost and Surfshark, which offer more competitive prices.

Another issue is that NordVPN uses static IP addresses. Static IP addresses are bad for activities like gambling and sports betting since they can be tracked by online bookmakers. Gambling websites usually store your IP when you log in. If you use the same static IP multiple times, bookmakers can easily spot it and blacklist you, leading you to be banned from using the site. 

Nord does offer dedicated IP addresses, but they come at an extra cost per month. 

NordVPN specs

Price range	$2.99–$17.99/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days
Gambling and betting site support	Yes
Number of servers	6,800+ servers in 111 countries
Number of connected devices	10
VPN protocol	IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx, OpenVPN
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review

ExpressVPN: Best for speed

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is for those who prioritize privacy and want a super secure, fast connection when streaming their favorite sports teams, playing online poker, or placing online bets. Its military-grade AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN, Lightwayw, and IKEv2 protocols, and strict no-logs policy verified by a independent audits make it one of the safest options on the market. 

ExpressVPN has ultra-fast servers in 105 countries, making it ideal for activities like gambling and sports betting outside of the U.S. It also offers unbeatable performance for streaming content or downloading files, increasing our speeds. Moreover, it has intuitive apps available for plenty of platforms (even Linux, routers, and smart devices) to make your online experience simple and effortless.

What we liked

We chose ExpressVPN because of its impressive list of features and qualities. Its server locations in 105 countries provide a wide range of geographic coverage, allowing you to access content from virtually any region. This means you can stream out-of-market games and place secure bets. 

In addition, the Lightway protocol allows for faster speeds and better security than traditional VPNs and is developed entirely in-house by ExpressVPN’s team of security experts. 

ExpressVPN also has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, ensuring that no user activity logs are stored or tracked by the company. What’s more, its 24/7 live chat support is available to everyone, not just customers. 

Finally, ExpressVPN offers several additional features, like MediaStreamer, which is a smart DNS service to improve your streaming, and Threat Manager, which blocks app and website trackers.

What we didn’t like

ExpressVPN has a few shortcomings that should be taken into consideration. Firstly, compared to other top-tier VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost, ExpressVPN is significantly more expensive. It also lacks some important features found in many of its competitors, such as malware and antivirus protection.

Additionally, ExpressVPN doesn't list its specific server count — only the number of server countries it offers. 

ExpressVPN specs

Price range	$4.99–$12.95/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days
Gambling and betting site support	Yes
Number of servers	Unlisted in 105 countries
Number of connected devices	8
VPN protocol	Lightway, IKEv2, OpenVPN
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review

Surfshark: Best affordable option

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is for anyone who wants to stay secure and anonymous online on a budget. It offers advanced security features that make it the perfect choice for any user. 

For those interested in international gambling, Surfshark allows you to connect unlimited devices with just one account, so you can stay securely connected even when you're away from home.

What we liked

There's a lot to like about Surfshark. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which is rare in the VPN market. This makes Surfshark ideal for large households with multiple users who need access to the same network at once.  

With Surfshark, you can place a bet on your laptop, then check the results later on your phone, all while keeping all the devices in your home connected. On top of that, it's much cheaper than some of the more well-known options, such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, while still offering comparable quality.

Another big plus is that Surfshark works with Netflix and other streaming services with limited issues — no annoying buffering or slow speeds here! 

This is also important when using a VPN for gambling and sports betting; you need to know that your personal data is secure, so Surfshark's robust privacy policy makes it well-suited for this kind of activity. Also, its strict no-logs policy means you won't have to worry about anyone tracking your online gambling activity.

What we didn’t like

Although Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, its headquarters are in a Nine Eyes Alliance country. These are groupings of countries that have entered into intelligence-sharing agreements with one another, so your user data may be privy to sharing. This may be an issue for those interested in keeping their gambling and sports betting activities hidden. 

It's important to note that Nine Eyes countries have much stricter surveillance laws and procedures than other countries, which can make it more difficult to keep one's activities private. For this reason, many people may want to look into VPN providers located outside of these jurisdictions if they wish to remain anonymous while gambling or placing bets.

Surfshark specs

Price range	$1.99–$17.95/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days
Gambling and betting site support	Yes
Number of servers	3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

Honorable mentions

In addition to the top three VPNs discussed, there are several additional services that we considered for this list:

• CyberGhost: CyberGhost is one of the cheaper VPNs available and offers NoSpy servers or obfuscated servers, for extra privacy and security. It also offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try CyberGhost out for a little over a month and request a refund if it's not to your liking. You can also purchase a dedicated IP address at an extra cost option.

  Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

• Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access is another affordable provider with a low starting price and an allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections. It can also unblock Netflix and other streaming services.

  Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review

• Proton VPN: With Proton VPN's free plan, you can test if this service is suitable for sports betting and online gambling without putting any money down. And if you opt for a paid subscription, you'll get advanced security features like double VPN and specialty servers suited for streaming.

  Get Proton VPN | Read Our Proton VPN Review

Speed tests

One type of test we conduct on VPNs is speed testing. We determine how much each VPN we test impacts our baseline internet speed by connecting to servers worldwide.

NordVPN is the stand out VPN here, having increased our internet speed by 45% with the U.S. server. ExpressVPN also increased our speed while Surfshark only had a minimal decrease.

	VPN speed to US server	Normal speed	Speed loss
NordVPN	430.75 Mbps	297.64 Mbps	45% increase
ExpressVPN	177.08 Mbps	171.08 Mbps	4% increase
Surfshark	333.43 Mbps	345.75 Mbps	4% decrease

A good VPN can decrease your internet connection because it's routing your internet traffic through a remote server, so it's no longer going through the shortest route. However, a VPN shouldn't decrease your speed to the point where it makes your device unusable. That's why all three of our top VPNs are a great option for speed. 

Why should you use a VPN for gambling and sports betting?

There are many different reasons to use a VPN while gambling or placing sports bets. Overall, a VPN encrypts your website activity, giving you added security when on the internet. A VPN also masks your IP address, providing anonymity and allowing you to access content in other locations.

Geographic restrictions

A VPN can help you access geo-restricted content by masking your IP address. If you live in a location where gambling and sports betting are unavailable, you can use the VPN to connect to a server in a location where gambling and sports betting are allowed.

Privacy and anonymity

Using a VPN can give you more privacy when gambling. A VPN encrypts your web activity and masks your IP address. By using a VPN, there will be no trace or internet history of your activities while sports betting.

Online security

Whether you’re in a busy coffee shop on public Wi-Fi or just want extra peace of mind that your information is safe, a VPN can help protect your personally identifiable information. By masking your IP address, you make it more difficult for hackers to access your information, which could include transactions and bets placed on your favorite teams.

Improved internet speed

A VPN can also improve your internet speeds, especially if your internet service provider (ISP) throttles your internet speeds after too much use — or for no reason at all.

Where is online gambling legal in the U.S.?

The U.S. is divided when it comes to the legality of online gambling and betting. While VPNs are legal in some U.S. states, with clearly defined regulations in place, others prohibit them altogether. To ensure that you're not breaking any gambling laws while enjoying your favorite casino games online, here’s the list of states that permit online casino games, online poker, or both:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• West Virginia

Where is online sports betting illegal in the U.S.?

After a Supreme Court ruling in 2018, sports betting is now legalized and regulated at the state level. According to our sports betting survey, 80% of participants believe online sports betting should be legal in their state. 

Although the list of states that have legalized online sports betting is much longer — and the list of states that prohibit online betting is subject to change — here are the states where it's illegal to place sports bets online.^[1]

• Alabama
• Alaska
• California
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah

Safe online gambling and betting tips

When it comes to online gambling and betting, there are a few simple tips that can help you safeguard your privacy — and digital wallet.

1. Ensure that any site you choose to gamble or bet on is reputable and trustworthy. Do your research by reading reviews from other players, looking for any complaints filed against the company, and generally getting an understanding of how the site functions.
2. Look out for features such as generous bonuses, fast payouts, good customer service support, and established regulatory oversight. Additionally, be wary of sites that offer exceptionally high bonuses or risky investments; these are more likely scams rather than legitimate sites.
3. Be sure to read all of the bonus terms before you deposit any money onto a site. Many gambling sites have wagering requirements, so make sure that you understand what you need to do in order to receive your bonus or winnings from the site.
4. If you are playing a game of skill such as blackjack or poker, take some time to brush up on strategy online before making a deposit.
5. Know when to pass on a bonus. Some bonuses have strings attached and may not be worth the trouble.

Safe online gambling and betting sites

Online sports betting and gambling platforms offer a super fun way to enjoy your favorite games from the comfort of your own home. But with so many different online sites, it can be difficult to know which ones are safe and secure for players. To help you make sure you’re playing on a safe site, we have compiled a list of the best online gambling and sports betting sites that offer maximum security measures.

• Las Atlantis is regularly audited by independent third-party entities to ensure fairness and compliance with all industry standards.
• Wild Casino offers some of the highest withdrawal limits in the industry, so players can withdraw more money from their accounts without having to worry about hitting a cap.
• Vegas Casino Online stands out as one of the most transparent casinos when it comes to safe online gambling and sports betting sites. The casino regularly publishes its game payout percentages on its website, allowing players to easily check that they are playing fair games and getting the best odds.
• BetOnline has decades of experience in providing players with a secure environment to enjoy their favorite games.

Best VPNs for gambling and sports betting FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for gambling and sports betting

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all provide the best combination of security, performance, and affordability for gambling or sports betting. NordVPN is our top choice overall due to its robust network and advanced security measures, such as double encryption.

ExpressVPN provides some of the fastest connection speeds of any VPN on this list. Finally, we have Surfshark, which offers excellent protection at an affordable price point, making it perfect for budget-conscious users looking to stay secure while enjoying their favorite pastimes.

3 best VPNs for gambling and sports betting 2024

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
	Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years)	Best overall	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review
	Starts at $6.25/mo (billed annually)	Best for fast speeds	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review
	Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years)	Best affordable option	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review