5 Best VPNs for Barstool Sportsbook (ESPN BET) in 2025

Barstool Sportsbook went through a change in 2023 and is now known as ESPN BET. However, the rebranded platform still sticks to its roots, providing access to fantasy sports and casino games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.

That said, this betting/gambling platform is still geo-restricted. Barstool Sportsbook works only in certain US states and uses geolocation to verify if you should have access. The only way to bypass those checks is to change your virtual location, which is why you need a VPN.

Using a VPN, you can change your IP address to one from a US state where Barstool works, allowing you to access it even while traveling outside American borders. A VPN will also let you access region-specific casino games and hide and secure your traffic, keeping your use of Barstool Sportsbook invisible.

In this article, we'll discuss the best VPNs for Barstool Sportsbook. We'll show you how to use a VPN, discuss why you need one, share where Barstool Sportsbook is legal, explain what you can play on it, help you troubleshoot issues when a VPN doesn't work, and finish with a round of helpful FAQs.

What Happened to Barstool Sportsbook?

Barstool Sports was rebranded to ESPN BET on November 14, 2023, and is now fully operated by PENN Entertainment, following a split between PENN Entertainment and Barstool Sports.

The two companies have had a turbulent relationship that prevented the online betting platform from being approved in a number of US states, limiting its expansion. Thanks to its partnership with ESPN, ESPN BET can now look forward to becoming more widely available in the future.

If you already had a Barstool Sportsbook account, that information is now part of ESPN BET. That means your account funds have been transferred, and you can also view all your wagering history over at ESPN BET. Online casinos are also available, operating under the Hollywood Casino brand.

For more information on what to expect from ESPN BET and how the recent transition affects your account, check out this Bartstool Sportsbooks support page.

Barstool Sportsbook (ESPN BET) VPNs – Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for Barstool Sportsbook in 2025
2. Surfshark – Best Barstool Sportsbook VPN with High-End Privacy
3. ExpressVPN – Advanced VPN to Access Barstool Sportsbook Privately
4. CyberGhost VPN – Streaming-Friendly VPN to Use Barstool Sportsbook
5. Private Internet Access – Powerful VPN with Servers in All 50 US States

How to Use Barstool Sportsbook with a VPN?

The process of unblocking Barstool Sportsbook (ESPN BET) or securing your access to it begins with signing up for a VPN. You'll then download its app and connect to a suitable VPN server. Here are the steps to use a VPN for Barstool Sportsbook:

1. Sign up for a VPN that works with Barstool Sportsbook (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download the provider's app on your device(s) and install it.
3. Launch the VPN and log in with your account details.
4. Toggle on the kill switch in your VPN's settings.
5. Select a server in a state that supports Barstool Sportsbook (such as New Jersey).
6. Change your device's time zone to reflect the state selected (e.g., UTC-4).
7. Use a freshly installed Web browser or clear your existing browser's cache.
8. Log in to Barstool Sportsbook or set up an account to start betting.
9. That’s it! Now you can freely gamble on all Barstool Sportsbook services.

Due to legal reasons, Barstool Sportsbook is fervently against VPNs. It uses VPN-detection technologies to prevent users in unsupported regions from accessing its services. So, you need an ultra-powerful VPN, such as NordVPN, with advanced tools for bypassing geo-blocks and servers in US states like New Jersey or Pennsylvania, which typically offer the largest selection of games.

The Best VPNs for Barstool Sportsbook in 2025

While deciding on the best provider aligned with your specific needs, stick to the criteria we determined for our list of the best gambling VPNs. First, pick a VPN that can unblock Barstool Sportsbook and other gambling sites. In other words, your chosen VPN needs servers in the US states where the platform’s services are available, like New Jersey, Illinois, or Arizona.

Next, look for a VPN with strong security and privacy measures, such as impenetrable encryption, robust VPN protocols, and a kill switch to secure your data even during disconnections. Also, obfuscated servers are necessary to hide that you’re using a VPN. Next, a strict no-logs policy is vital so that none of your data is tracked or stored.

Furthermore, all these features should be available on different platforms, and the provider should allow at least a few simultaneous connections. Lastly, you'll want a VPN with a fair price and plenty of value overall. It needs to offer a money-back guarantee in case you don’t like the service, as well as 24/7 customer support.

Based on the criteria above, these are the 5 best VPNs for accessing Barstool Sportsbook in 2025:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for Barstool Sportsbook in 2025

NordVPN is the best Barstool Sportsbook (ESPN BET) VPN if you prioritize privacy. It has 7,400+ servers in 118 countries while offering 1,970+ servers in the US across 15 different locations, including Colorado, Illinois, and Arizona. There are also servers in New Jersey, so you can effortlessly unblock all of ESPN BET's features.

No matter which server you pick, you can be sure you'll get ultra-fast speeds, as NordVPN is among the speediest VPNs overall. Plus, it can also create incredibly stable data tunnels, which means you'll have a smooth connection without any performance fluctuations.

This provider uses AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers and three tunneling protocols (NordLynx, NordWhisper, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN) to safeguard your traffic while connecting to Barstool. You can choose one of NordVPN’s obfuscated servers to hide your VPN usage from the gambling service.

There is also a kill switch feature that will protect your activities if the VPN connection drops. Also, this provider has an ironclad no-logs policy, so your sensitive information will never be collected. Based on our hands-on tests, NordVPN will never leak your IP/DNS data, and it's also among the strongest options for bypassing VPN detection mechanisms.

With 10 simultaneous connections allowed, NordVPN can be installed on many devices and platforms, including laptops, desktops, mobile phones, routers, and other smart devices.

You can start using this VPN for $3.09 per month for 24 months, and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also find NordVPN coupon codes to pay the lowest price available. Let's not forget to mention that NordVPN also offers reliable customer support. There's 24/7 live chat available, in addition to a wide range of tutorials, guides, and FAQs.

2. Surfshark – Best Barstool Sportsbook VPN with High-End Privacy

Surfshark is an excellent VPN for Barstool Sportsbook with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Its 600+ US servers are spread across Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, and Michigan - one of the states where ESPN's sportsbook and casino options are available.

You'll also be pleasantly surprised by Surfshark's performance. You can expect extra-fast speeds no matter if you pick a nearby or remote server. And, yes, that happens even without any tinkering or fine-tuning. Just install the VPN, connect, and you'll have a speedy and extra-stable connection.

Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption keys and highly secure VPN tunneling protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN to protect all your devices. Furthermore, it recently patented a new type of encryption to hide additional metadata. It also offers a kill switch, obfuscation, and a strong no-logs policy.

Plus, you won't have to worry about IP or DNS data leaks, ensuring the integrity of your VPN tunnel. Our team of reviewers can also testify that Surfshark can easily bypass VPN detection using its Nexus technology, which routes your traffic through multiple servers, making it more than suitable for unblocking even the toughest digital services.

As a bonus, Surfshark has incorporated a unique GPS spoofing feature for Android users, which can definitely help when trying to avoid ESPN BET's VPN detection.

This VPN is available on all platforms and allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so no matter what device you use to gamble, you’ll be ensured of complete privacy and security. It starts at $1.99 per month for its 24 months and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its subscriptions. Finally, this VPN also features 24/7 live chat support.

3. ExpressVPN – Advanced VPN to Access Barstool Sportsbook Privately

ExpressVPN is another capable VPN, with an undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries, many of which are in the 15 US states it covers. That means you'll be able to unblock Barstool Sportsbook with servers in many of the locations where the platform is available, including Arizona, Illinois, and Colorado. It also has servers in New Jersey, where both the sportsbook and casino games are available.

We'll also note that ExpressVPN is among the fastest options, especially when using its refined Lightway Turbo protocol, as reviewed by our team. It manages to bring extra-fast and extra-stable connections across nearby and remote servers. Plus, it does so without any tinkering needed, making it suitable even for first-time VPN users.

This VPN provides impenetrable security with AES-256 and ChaCha20/Poly1305 encryption backed by an audited no-logs policy. Its tunneling protocols (OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2) are also secure, and ExpressVPN offers a network kill switch to keep your IP hidden even if your VPN connection drops. There's also reliable protection against IP and DNS leaks.

It also has a significant number of obfuscated servers. On top of that, you can install ExpressVPN on 60+ different devices, meaning you'll be able to use ESPN BET on your phone, tablet, computer, and more.

You’re allowed up to 8 simultaneous connections, which seems quite generous. That said, if you want VPN security on all your gadgets, you can also set up ExpressVPN on a router and avoid its device limit.

ExpressVPN costs $4.99 per month for 24 months, which is the lowest price you can pay for this VPN. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free investment. Lastly, you can count on ExpressVPN's reliable 24/7 live chat support.

4. CyberGhost VPN – Streaming-Friendly VPN to Use Barstool Sportsbook

CyberGhost is another popular VPN that offers 2,100+ high-speed servers in the US across 10+ locations, including Illinois and Arizona. It can easily unblock Barstool Sportsbook, but doesn’t provide access to all its features as there are no servers in states where Barstool's casino games are supported.

Overall, it has one of the largest networks on the market, offering an undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries. No matter which location you pick, none of CyberGhost’s RAM-only servers will log your data or online activity. On top of that, they publish transparency reports periodically to show how they are keeping up with their strict no-log policy. 

CyberGhost delivers reliable performance, medium-fast connections, and stable connections across its whole network. It uses AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption, the most advanced VPN tunneling protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard), and a kill switch to protect online traffic. It also has no IP/DNS leaks, as verified by our team hands-on.

However, this provider does not offer obfuscated servers, which could make it a bit more difficult to bypass ESPN BET's location checks from more restricted countries. On the plus side, this VPN supports up to 7 simultaneous connections, which should be enough to protect all your devices. Moreover, it can be easily installed on many devices and operating systems.

CyberGhost is priced at $2.29 per month for 3 years, and a unique feature of this VPN is its 45-day money back guarantee, which applies to its long-term plans. Also, as you can expect from a capable VPN, 24/7 live chat support is available as well.

5. Private Internet Access – Powerful VPN with Servers in All 50 US States

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an advanced and reliable VPN service provider, featuring an undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries. PIA has servers in all 50 US states (including Arizona, Colorado, and Illinois), so it can handily unblock Barstool Sportsbook. You can connect to servers in New Jersey and the three other states with its full suite of games and features. 

Regarding security, PIA uses AES-128-GCM, AES-256-GCM, AES-128-CBC, AES-256-CBC, and ChaCha20 encryption, robust protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec (IKEv2)), a kill switch, and obfuscated servers. Moreover, your privacy will be fully protected with its no-logs policy. Let's not forget to say that you won't have to worry about DNS or IP leaks or this VPN being detected at any moment.

This provider delivers consistent performance and is highly customizable, so you can modify its settings to prioritize speed or security. That said, if you choose to max out your security levels, your speed will suffer, and vice versa. Nonetheless, you can count on incredibly stable connections.

PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription package and supports a wide variety of platforms, so you can protect all your devices. You'll get to use it on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and plenty more.

Despite its high-end features, PIA is an affordable option priced at $2.03 per month for24 months. It comes backed by a solid 30-day money-back guarantee. Lastly, this VPN provider also offers 24/7 live chat customer support.

How We Test VPNs for Barstool Sportsbook (ESPN BET)?

In preparation for this guide, we focused on the top-rated VPNs with a score above 9 (out of 10), as reviewed by our team of experts. Our team used a computer (a MacBook with the latest macOS version installed) and an iPhone 15 to test the VPNs across desktop and mobile platforms.

We paid attention to the features that create a secure, private, and seamless betting experience for Barstool Sportsbook. More precisely, we checked how well each VPN can bypass geo-restrictions imposed by the betting platform while doing long-term connection stability tests in the background.

We also checked the speed of nearby and remote servers using Ookla's Speed Test, ensuring that we highlight the fastest VPNs only. Then, we checked for IP and DNS leaks using the IPLeak.net testing tool. Furthermore, we researched each VPN's server network, checking the size of each network and the location of its servers, which must match ESPN BET's supported regions.

Of course, privacy is also crucial, as gambling is a highly sensitive activity. So, we read countless privacy policies and checked whether independent audits have been done. In the end, we also approached each VPN's customer support to note their response time and the overall speed and quality of the support provided.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Barstool Sportsbook? 

A VPN is an indispensable tool for bypassing Barstool Sportsbook's geo-blocks, allowing you to use the platform from any country. Even if you're in a supported US state, a VPN will help change your virtual location, giving you access to a wider range of casino games.

Without a VPN, you’ll see the following location error message when trying to access Barstool Casino or Sportsbook: "Looks like you're outside of an operating area. You can still browse markets and deposit funds, but you must be physically located in an operating area to wager."

A VPN can help you change your virtual location by giving you a new IP address, which is how you'll gain access to the platform from anywhere in the world. That said, the best VPNs will provide you with some other benefits as well, including the following:

• Gain Access to ESPN BET from Anywhere – A VPN gives you access to US servers, which will provide a US IP address in a state where ESPN BET works. This will make it seem like you’re located in a supported area, so the site will grant you access. 
• Bypass Licensing Issues and Unlock Games - Barstool Sportsbook adheres to state-specific licenses, which means that some games are available in specific US states only. Using a VPN, you can pick a US state where more or unique games are available, bypassing licensing issues.
• Make Secure Deposits & Withdrawals - The platform allows you to deposit and withdraw money via direct bank transfer, checks, PayPal, and other ways. However, those payment methods depend on your digital location, which you can change using your VPN.
• Use Barstool Sportsbook While Traveling – If you’re traveling outside the US and still want to use Barstool Sportsbook, you’ll need a VPN. All you’ll have to do is connect to a US server in a supported state, and you’ll be able to gamble with no restrictions from anywhere you are. 
• Use Barstool Sportsbook on Public Wi-Fi - We don't recommend using public Wi-Fi to access sites that use your personal or financial information, as those networks are prone to all kinds of data manipulation. However, a VPN can cover those vulnerabilities.
• Protect Your Online Privacy and Finances – Not only can a VPN unblock Barstool Sportsbook, but it can also protect you online and hide your Internet activity. It encrypts your Internet traffic and uses other data leak protection measures to keep everything concealed.
• Unblock A Wider Range of Gambling Sites – One subscription to the most powerful VPNs can give you access to a wide range of online gambling services with ease.  
• Make Your Web Traffic Anonymous - Why would you allow Internet trackers to follow you on the Web and see where you go online? Your ISP can see that, as well as individual websites that serve cookies. Most VPNs employ anti-tracking technologies that give you online anonymity.
• Negate ISP-Induced Throttling - It's no secret that many ISPs throttle those who download or upload huge volumes of data. So, if you're a heavy Internet user, know that a VPN will hide you from your ISP, making it impossible for your provider to throttle your traffic.

How to Choose the Best VPN to Bet on Barstool Sportsbook?

It's crucial to pick a VPN provider with strong privacy and security features when using one with Barstool Sportsbook. You'll also need strong content-unblocking capabilities, a worldwide server network, and fast speeds. Let's go over everything in greater detail:

• Ability to Bypass Barstool's Geo-Restrictions: Your chosen VPN provider must be able to unblock the site or app every single time on any device you own.
• Server Network Distribution & Size: ESPN BET is available in a limited range of US states, so you need a VPN with servers in all legal states across the US - the more, the better.
• Presence of Obfuscated Servers: The best way to bypass geo-blocks is to use obfuscation, which makes your VPN data packets smaller, helping you evade anti-VPN blocks.
• Privacy-Protecting Kill Switch: You'll want a secure VPN tunnel that comes without leaks while using Barstool Sportsbook with a VPN. A kill switch prevents that from happening.
• IP and DNS Leak Protection: A capable VPN must create a leak-free data tunnel. Remember that your private data can get exposed if an IP or DNS leak happens.
• Solid No-Logs Policy: You can hide your gambling/betting activities from your ISP and others on the Web by using a VPN with a no-logs policy (an audited one, preferably).
• Powerful Protocols & Encryption: Our strong recommendation is to use OpenVPN, which is the strongest protocol available right now. WireGuard is a good alternative.
• Simultaneous Connections and Native Apps: Make sure you can use Barstool on any device you want by having a native VPN app with enough simultaneous connections.
• Throttle-Free Performance: A VPN will slow you down, but not by much. So, it's important to do your research about what kind of performance you can expect in the long run.
• Value for Money: There's no need to overpay for a quality VPN. Make sure to pick a VPN with plenty of value, and pay special attention to long-term plans to get the lowest price.
• No-Questions-Asked Money-Back Policy: Make your purchase risk-free by getting a VPN with generous money-back guarantees, which can last from 30 to 45 days.
• Customer Support Resources: When technical issues arise, you'll be happy to have access to reliable customer support, like 24/7 live chat support.

In What States Is Barstool Sportsbook (ESPN BET) Legal?

Barstool Sportsbook (ESPN BET) is legal in 17 US states, so you can’t use the platform to place bets or play casino games outside the US. However, with a suitable VPN for Barstool Sportsbook, you’ll be able to bypass these geo-restrictions to gamble freely from anywhere.

Below is a list of all the Barstool Sportsbook legal states:

Type of Activities	Legal (Allowed) States
Sportsbook	Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Casino Games	Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

As you can see, there are only four casino states where Barstool works, and those locations are - Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. If you try to play from any other location, you won’t be able to access them. However, if you use a VPN and connect to a server in one of those four states, you’ll be able to play your favorite casino games.

Also, states and locations like NY, FL, CT, and Canada aren't on the list of places where Barstool casino games are allowed. We know many of you ask questions about those locations, so we wanted to highlight those as well.

Keep in mind that no matter which state you’re in, you’ll be able to log in, deposit, withdraw, and check your transaction history - you just need to be in the United States to do so.

Legal Considerations for Using a VPN with Barstool Sportsbook

Barstool Sportsbook (ESPN BET) is available only in select states. Furthermore, its sportsbook and casino are not uniformly available, as each US state has different gambling regulations. As you've learned from this article, that issue can be bypassed with a VPN - but you need to be aware of some important legal considerations.

More precisely, ESPN BET's website policy and Terms of Service (ToS) don't allow its users to alter their Internet connection in any way. More precisely, the betting platform doesn't allow the use of VPNs when attempting to place a wager. Furthermore, you might need to provide additional identification documents if you're "caught" using a VPN.

That said, we highly recommend respecting your local legal regulations. We'll also add that some countries ban VPNs, which is why local legislation is important. The bottom line is that using a VPN for ESPN BET is safe if you're already in a region where the gambling platform works. So, you can use it when traveling, for example.

What Can You Play on Barstool Sportsbook?

Barstool Sportsbook allows you to bet on various types of sports, and there are also casino games that are available in a handful of US states. Here's more information:

• Barstool Sports Betting: The platform allows you to bet on practically all US pro sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, and more. International events are on offer as well, such as tennis tournaments, rugby leagues, and darts championships. Stats and trends are offered by iSportGenius, so you get a complete overview before making bets.
• Barstool Casino Games: Powered by providers like IGT and NetEnt, Barstool's casino lets you play online slots, jackpots, poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and video poker. It also offers live dealer options for some of the previously listed games. You can also count on hefty bonuses applicable to the first 24 hours, which act as insurance.

Keep in mind that Barstool Sportsbook has recently been renamed to ESPN BET. Its casino section is still available through its website, but it's under the 'Hollywood Casino' brand.

Why Is Barstool Sportsbook Not Working with a VPN?

Connecting to an overcrowded server, using a less powerful VPN protocol, or having your firewall set to high settings can all be why your VPN doesn't work with Barstool Sportsbook. Let's walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps:

• Inspect Your Baseline Internet Connection: Before doing anything else, ensure your baseline connection works fine. Disconnect from your VPN and try browsing the Web. If something doesn't work right, contact your Internet service provider.
• Restart Your Devices and Your VPN Software: You can resolve all kinds of technical issues by restarting your device, which will also restart your VPN software. We also recommend restarting your router by keeping it unplugged for around 30 seconds.
• Check for Pending VPN Software Updates: VPN providers issue updates every couple of weeks, which helps keep their software vigilant against the latest vulnerabilities. That said, keeping your VPN up-to-date is crucial to ensure optimal performance.
• Connect to a Different VPN Server: Perhaps you're trying to connect to a server that's overcrowded. Also, VPN servers can experience technical issues from time to time. So, the best you can do is try another VPN location.
• Try Using Another VPN Protocol: Every VPN protocol functions differently. If you're having issues with one, you can simply switch to another protocol. We recommend sticking to OpenVPN or WireGuard for the safest possible experience.
• Fine-Tune Your Firewall and Antivirus: Windows PCs tend to have overly restrictive firewalls and antivirus apps that are known to block VPN connections. What you can do is disable your firewall, at least temporarily. You can also make an exception for your VPN using your antivirus app.
• Remove Extra VPN Apps: It's recommended to keep a single VPN application installed, as having multiple VPN apps installed can cause a software conflict. However, don't just quit them; make sure to remove them properly, which will remove any manual connections as well.
• Turn to Your VPN for Help: If nothing else helps, you can turn to your VPN for help. We hope that you use a VPN with 24/7 live chat support, which means you won't have to wait for customer support agents to provide a possible solution.

Can You Access Barstool Sportsbook (ESPN BET) with a Free VPN?

Yes, you can use a free VPN with Barstool Sportsbook, such as Proton VPN and Windscribe, as they have US servers, but we don’t recommend you do so. Free VPNs come with super limited features and services, and they can’t get through the VPN-detection measures that the platform has in place. For example, free VPNs offer low data caps, slow speeds, and bandwidth restrictions that will prevent you from enjoying the site to its fullest. Also, they have small server networks and usually sell their users’ data to make a profit. 

So, a free VPN won’t protect you online or provide you with a smooth gambling experience. Thus, we recommend you go for a premium VPN. Or, if you'd like to try before you buy, get a VPN trial, which allows you to use premium VPN features with ESPN BET for a limited time.

Speaking of free trials, we highly recommend you try NordVPN for free, as its trial is available for 7 days on Android. When it comes to other supported platforms, you can take full advantage of NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee.

Final Thoughts

Barstool Sportsbook (ESPN BET) has a limited number of locations from which it can be accessed. If you live or travel outside of the 17 US states where it’s available, you won’t be able to place bets. This is why you’ll need a VPN to change your virtual location, unblock the platform, use it when traveling, and even gain access to region-specific casino games.

A capable VPN will help replace your IP address, tricking sites and apps like ESPN into thinking you're elsewhere. However, their use doesn't stop there. A VPN will protect your transactions, help you deter malicious attacks on public Wi-Fi, and even negate ISP-induced throttling.

Your pick should be NordVPN if you want the best option available right now because it’s the fastest and most powerful VPN on the market. It offers excellent security features that bypass all Barstool's defense measures. Surfshark is a great option for beginners, while ExpressVPN prioritizes privacy. We also have CyberGhost on our list, with its specialized servers, and PIA, which caters to advanced users.

This is where we wrap up our guide to the best VPNs for Barstool Sportsbook. If you have any questions or doubts about using a VPN, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!