VPN for Online Casinos

A virtual private network (VPN) is a form of technology that encrypts your internet traffic. The main benefit is that it hides your IP address to ensure you remain private and secure while using the internet. Even though you’re on your computer using your home internet service, your location remains hidden.

For casino and sportsbook enthusiasts, a VPN is incredibly helpful. You’re on a business trip and you find yourself locked out of your sportsbook accounts. You might want to unwind after a busy convention, only to learn that the state or country you’re currently in is blocked. A VPN allows you to visit casinos that might otherwise prohibit you from being able to view any of the games, promotions, and account details when you’re away from home.

While that’s what a VPN does, it’s important to use it wisely. There are times when a VPN isn’t appropriate. Our guide will explore the things you need to know about using a VPN for gambling.

The Ins and Outs of Online Casinos and Sportsbooks

Online casinos and sportsbooks are website gambling sites that provide the opportunity to play casino games like Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, scratch cards, slots, and others. A sportsbook offers online betting on sports, award shows, political races, horses, and other competitions. Since Gaming Club launched in 1994, online gambling has grown exponentially. Look at the market share over the years.

2020 - $7.59 billion
2021 - $10.93 billion
2022 - $14.96 billion
2023 - $19.14 billion

In another five years, it’s expected that the market size will be over $33 billion. The growth is tremendous, and it’s raising awareness into how much revenue is out there for states to collect. Instead of losing potential tax dollars to overseas gambling sites, some states are legalizing sportsbooks and online casinos.

Where Can You Legally Gamble Online?

Can you legally play in a casino or sportsbook where you’re located? Six states currently allow online casinos that are regulated by the state and bring in tax revenues. They are:

Connecticut
Delaware
Michigan
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
West Virginia

You might expect a state like Nevada would also have online casinos, but it’s a hotly debated topic. At this point, only online Poker and fantasy sports betting are regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Commission. Other online casino games are unregulated.

Sports betting does better and is legal in 38 states. The states where sports betting is illegal are:

Alabama
Alaska
California
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Missouri (Currently in legislation)
Oklahoma (Currently in legislation)
South Carolina
Texas
Utah
Wisconsin

Other states may or may not be allowed to play in online casinos and sportsbooks. It’s a gray area as online sports betting isn’t legal in the U.S. per the Wire Act. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act makes it illegal for businesses to accept payments for unlawful internet gambling. However, that law makes it illegal for businesses, such as a bank to allow a deposit to a casino, but it doesn’t explicitly make online gambling illegal.

No matter what, you should pick a casino with a license. Do not play at a casino that lacks a license as you could end up losing any deposit you made and never be able to claim your winnings. Without a license, there’s no regulator watching to make sure the casino is fair.

How Your Access to Casinos and Sports Betting Sites Is Limited

When you enter a casino or sportsbook, you might notice the pop-up asking to pinpoint your location using location tracking. That’s how casino and sportsbook operators know where you’re playing from.

Many casinos and sportsbooks use what’s known as KYC requirements. KYC stands for Know Your Customer and is a measure that casinos take to prove you are who you say you are. You might create a fictitious name in order to play at a casino, but you can never deposit or withdraw funds if you cannot pass KYC.

KYC verifications are usually performed through a third-party site like Jumio or Veriff and involve you taking a photo of your ID, a selfie, and a photo of a utility bill. Upload those photos and wait for the company to complete the verification process.

Why Players Prefer Using a VPN for Online Gambling

There are several reasons for players to choose a VPN when using an online sportsbook or casino.

Security: While online casinos and sportsbooks use encryption with depositing funds and withdrawing winnings, VPNs offer an additional level of security.
Privacy: Playing in an online casino allows you a bit more privacy when you’re on a VPN. A VPN like the one offered by VeePN provides AES-256 encryption.
Play in Favorite Casinos When You’re Traveling: When you’re on a business trip or traveling to another state or country, you don’t have to wait until you return.
Block Threats: Your laptop or desktop may have security software that protects against malware, spyware, viruses, and other threats, but a VPN adds additional protection.

Questions to Your Questions About Using a VPN on Online Casinos and Sportsbooks

Like other players, you might have additional questions about using a VPN in an online casino or sportsbook. We’ve compiled an FAQ guide covering the most common questions about a VPN.

Is Using a VPN Allowed?

When you use a VPN service, it’s your responsibility to ensure you’re following local laws. If it’s illegal to gamble in your state, province, or country, don’t use a VPN to skirt the laws.

In addition, some casinos make it clear that the use of a VPN to access their casino or play games is against terms. If you use a VPN anyway, you could end up with your account permanently banned or sued for breach of contract. When you join a casino, you always are directed to read the terms and conditions and agree to follow them. Make sure you are.

Here are some of the rules from popular casinos today.

BetOnline – VPNs cannot be used when friends sign up based on your referral.
Bovada – Rule 6.2 prohibits the use of a VPN and access to the account can be terminated if you’re caught. Plus, the casino says they reserve the right to take legal action against you, and any winnings or deposits are forfeited.
Cafe Casino – Same policies as Bovada.
Ignition Casino – Same policies as Bovada.
Liberty Slots Casino – No rules regarding VPNs
Lincoln Casino – No rules regarding VPNs
Red Stag Casino – No rules regarding VPNs
Slots.LV – No rules regarding VPNs

How Do You Use a VPN on an Online Gambling Site?

How do you use a VPN? It’s simple. Install VPN software from a trustworthy company. Create an account and pay for the appropriate plan, if needed. Choose a server that’s tied to the country or state you’re in. Connect to that server and head to the casino or sportsbook.

What is the Best VPN for Online Gambling?

What is the best VPN for online gambling? It’s a personal choice. You want a powerful VPN that is reliable, features the highest level of encryption, and ensures your anonymity. If you have a Mac, you want a VPN that works with macOS. If you are playing on an iPhone, you need a VPN that works with iOS.

Your choice matters more than ever as news came out in 2024 that the CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) found a breach in one VPN company’s software and ordered government agencies to remove the software and warned anyone using the software to uninstall it ASAP. It’s not the first VPN service to be breached, and it won’t be the last. Carefully choosing a VPN service that uses the utmost in security is essential. Make sure you take additional measures to protect any devices that connect to the internet.

VeePN is compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. It’s a trusted VPN that doesn’t keep logs and ensures your privacy. Best of all, you have 89 different locations you can connect to when you need VPN service.