5 Best VPNs for Bovada in 2024
Bovada is a Costa Rica-based betting/gambling platform offering a sportsbook (NFL, NBA, NHL, PGA, and more), racebook (horse betting on 20+ racetracks), and casino (slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette, and more). It's available in 45 out of 50 US states, focusing on the US market primarily.
In other words, Bovada isn't available outside the US. Luckily, you can bypass these restrictions using a VPN, which spoofs your location and encrypts your connection, tricking the platform into thinking you’re located where it’s allowed to operate. Plus, a VPN will help you use Bovada while traveling outside the United States. Also, you can use it to access casino games available in select US states only.
In this article, we'll talk about the best VPN for Bovada. You'll also learn how to play Bovada using a VPN and what to do if the platform doesn't work with your VPN. We'll also list the legal and illegal states where Bovada is allowed to operate, provide some FAQs, and more.
Best Bovada VPNs – Our Shortlist
- NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Bovada in 2024
- Surfshark – Best Bovada VPN with Unlimited Connections
- ExpressVPN – Capable VPN for Unblocking Sites & Privacy Protection
- CyberGhost VPN – User-Friendly VPN with Easy Website Unblocking
- PIA VPN – Highly Advanced VPN with Servers in 50 US States
How to Use Bovada with a VPN
The process of using Bovada with a VPN is quite simple and takes only a few minutes. You need to sign up for a VPN, download its app, and then connect to a VPN server. Just follow these steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN that works with Bovada (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
- Launch the VPN app, and when prompted, log in using your credentials.
- Connect to a server in a US state where Bovada works, like Florida or California.Â
- Log in on the platform's website, and - you can now play Bovada. That's it!
When looking for a VPN server location for Bovada, we recommend you prioritize Florida or California. However, any other state except Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, or New York should work, as Bovada isn't available in those specific US states.
The Best VPNs for Bovada in 2024
We've come up with a simple recipe for choosing the best VPN for unblocking Bovada: just follow the criteria we used to find the best gambling VPN services.
According to those criteria, the first thing you should look for in a VPN is the ability to unblock Bovada and other gambling sites. It should also have a large server network with servers in regions where Bovada is available so that it can offer fast speeds and reliable performance while accessing the service.
Picking a service with solid protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, etc.) and advanced encryption is always a good idea. On top of that, ensure that the provider you choose has a kill switch, data leak protection, obfuscated servers, and, most importantly, a no-logs policy.
Also, make sure your VPN is compatible with many different types of devices and supports multiple simultaneous connections. Lastly, your chosen VPN for Bovada should offer a fair price, plenty of value for your money, a generous money-back policy, as well as 24/7 customer support.
Following the criteria mentioned above, here are the 5 best VPNs for playing Bovada in 2024:
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Bovada in 2024
NordVPN is the best Bovada VPN on the market and checks all the right boxes while elegantly bypassing the geo-restrictions of online betting sites. It can easily unblock Bovada with its 1,970+ servers in the US, which include states like Illinois, Washington, Arizona, and California.
In total, NordVPN has more than 6,300+ servers in 110+ countries. We witnessed commendable consistency in its performance and high connection speeds, especially when testing its numerous US servers.
NordVPN offers some of the best security and privacy features on the market, including a kill switch, Double VPN, data leak protection, a no-logs policy, and AES-256/ChaCha20 encryption. It supports all major security protocols, including NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. In addition, you can get a dedicated IP address.
Data obfuscation is also present in the form of specialized VPN servers. When using OpenVPN, one of the most secure protocols in the VPN industry, you'll get a range of US-based servers that let you obfuscate your data. Using those servers, you'll be able to play Bovada no matter where you're located.
The provider allows you to have 10 simultaneous connections, and it's compatible with multiple devices, including phones, PCs, tablets, routers, and more.
You can start using NordVPN for only $3.09/month if you opt for its 2-year plan, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee as well. In terms of customer support, 24/7 live chat is available, in addition to plenty of other support resources.
PROS
- Almost 2,000 US-based servers.
- Unblocks Bovada with ease.
- Fast and stable performance.
- High-end data privacy.
- 24/7 chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Obfuscation isn't network-wide.
2. Surfshark – Best Bovada VPN with Unlimited Connections
Surfshark is another excellent VPN because it allows you to unblock Bovada without issues and play restriction-free. You can use one of its US-based servers, including those in California, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. In total, the provider has more than 3,200 servers in a whopping 100+ countries.
With one Surfshark subscription, you'll get all the privacy and security features you need to use Bovada safely. Some of those features include obfuscated servers, a no-logs policy, data leak protection, highly secure VPN protocols, AES 256-bit/ChaCha20 encryption, and a kill switch.
Using its MultiHop feature, you can get a dedicated IP and route your Internet traffic through 2 VPN servers for extra protection.
Another perk of this VPN for the Bovada Sportsbook app is that you get unlimited simultaneous connections. No matter how many devices or friends you have, theoretically, you could all live on one subscription plan. The provider is compatible with a plethora of different devices, too.
Let's also mention that Surfshark is among the fastest VPNs available today. Even if you don't optimize it (by going to its settings), you can count on reaching fast speeds when using both nearby and remote servers. You'll get reliable and stable performance from this provider.
Finally, Surfshark comes priced at $2.29/month for its 2-year plan. You can also count on this VPN's 30-day money-back policy, so there are no risks involved. Lastly, Surfshark offers reliable customer support, with 24/7 live chat on board as well.
PROS
- 600+ US servers to unblock Bovada.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- High-end protocols and encryption.
- 24/7 live chat available.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Spotty connection times.
3. ExpressVPN – Capable VPN for Unblocking Sites & Privacy Protection
ExpressVPN can unblock Bovada easily from anywhere in the world while providing you with a smooth and reliable gambling experience. It has servers in 15 different US states, including California, Illinois, Arizona, and Washington, where all of Bovada's services and features are available. Overall, ExpressVPN has thousands of servers in 100+ countries.Â
Since it's based in the British Virgin Islands, this VPN is not held back by data retention laws. Add ExpressVPN's use of RAM-only servers and their strict no-logs policy, and you might begin to picture a service striving to become a VPN with truly zero logging.Â
It also offers obfuscated servers, which allow you to hide the fact that you're using a VPN. Also, there's military-grade encryption, data leak protection, and a kill switch. On top of that, you get multiple VPN protocols, which allow you to optimize your connection's performance further.Â
All its privacy features are impressive, but what puts this VPN ahead of the competition is its stellar performance. During our testing, the VPN showed no reluctance to unblock many casino platforms while maintaining great speeds. Furthermore, ExpressVPN is compatible with multiple devices and can be used on up to 8 devices simultaneously.
Lastly, ExpressVPN's annual subscription is priced at $6.67/month, and like the rest of its plans, it comes with a 30-day money-back policy. Without any surprise, 24/7 live chat support is also available.
PROS
- Unblocks Bovada and more.
- Certified no-logs policy.
- Bulletproof VPN protocols.
- 24/7-available live chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- On the pricier side.
4. CyberGhost VPN – User-Friendly VPN with Easy Website Unblocking
CyberGhost has more than 2,100 servers in the United States, meaning that it can easily unblock Bovada. This VPN offers servers in 10+ states, including Illinois, Arizona, Washington, and California. In total, this capable VPN offers thousands of servers in 100 countries.
When we put CyberGhost VPN to the test, it surely was impressive how quickly it could switch between its high-speed servers and access censored content abroad. So, we can definitely confirm that this provider offers reliable performance that is excellent for online gambling.
Sadly, CyberGhost VPN doesn't offer obfuscation. However, that's not a problem for this VPN for Bovada, as it unblocks the platform just fine. On the plus side, you can use 7 devices simultaneously. It's compatible with many kinds of devices, including phones, laptops, routers, consoles, and more.
CyberGhost VPN isn't messing around with its privacy and security. Its excellently valued subscription includes speedy WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, an automatic kill switch, strong data leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. Additionally, it also blocks website trackers and ads for anyone concerned about data harvesters.Â
Everything listed above is available at $2.03/month if you pick CyberGhost's 2-year plan. Also, thanks to its 45-day (for longer-term plans) and 14-day (for the monthly plan) money-back guarantees, you can try out the provider's services risk-free. You'll also get 24/7 customer support via live chat.
PROS
- More than 2,100 US servers.
- High-end encryption.
- Server fleet covering 100 countries.
- Support via 24/7 live chat.
- 45-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Not the fastest option.
- Obfuscation isn't present.
5. PIA VPN – Highly Advanced VPN with Servers in 50 US States
Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent option for unblocking Bovada and many other US-based gambling sites. It has servers in all 50 US states, including Illinois, California, Arizona, and Washington. And most of its servers are obfuscated, so they can help you hide that you're using a VPN to play Bovada.
PIA is not as fast as the other top VPNs on the list, and we don't expect that from it. The most incredible thing about PIA is its server count: according to the latest reviews, it has the biggest server fleet available on the market, with thousands of servers in 90+ countries.
Sure, the number of servers puts it ahead of its competitors, but they don't matter much without the matching high performance, which PIA luckily does have.Â
We found that the service is a healthy mix of privacy-focused features and security protocols. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections. We tested all its options on different devices and found them reliable and consistent enough to use on casino platforms.
Apart from that, the service has everything you may expect from a top VPN, which includes an excellent kill switch, a no-logs policy, dedicated IPs, strong encryption, support for multiple protocols, and plenty more.
PIA comes at an unbeatable price - $2.03 for its 2-year subscription plan. Like other reputable VPNs, it's backed by a 30-day money-back policy, which means there are no risks involved. And, in case you ever need help, you can turn to PIA's 24/7 live chat support.
PROS
- Servers in all 50 US states.
- Flexible encryption options.
- High-end VPN protocols.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- 24/7 live chat support.
CONS
- Not suited for beginners.
- Requires some optimization.
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Unblocking Bovada
Do I Need a VPN for Bovada?
There are many reasons why a VPN is essential when playing Bovada, but the most important one is related to the platform's geo-blocks and limited availability. More precisely, Bovada is available in select US states, so a VPN is your only option if you live or travel outside the US.
As you can expect, this gambling/betting platform is quick to detect your location. So, if you try to open Bovada without a VPN in an unsupported region, you'll get the following message: "We currently don't offer services in your area."Â Or, it will simply say: "Not Available."
Not only will a VPN help you bypass the geo-blocks that Bovada has in place, but it will also provide you with plenty of other benefits, including the following:
- Gain Unrestricted Access to Bovada – As mentioned above, a VPN will help you change your location by providing you with a new IP address from the state or country you choose. All you'll need to do is connect to a server in a state where Bovada is available.
- Get More Casino Games on Bovada - Like other gambling platforms, Bovada offers specific games in specific regions based on their licenses. With a VPN, you can place more types of bets by having access to a wider variety of games.
- Make Your Deposits & Withdrawals Private - Bovada allows you to deposit and withdraw money using payment cards, gift cards, and crypto. Still, those options are region-based, so using a VPN to open up more methods and secure your transactions is always a great idea.
- Play Bovada While Traveling Outside the US – If you already live in a state where Bovada is available and use it frequently, you can use a VPN to access the site when traveling.
- Play Bovada on Public Wi-Fi - In general, public Wi-Fi networks are highly problematic as they're often hotspots of malicious activities. When you start using a VPN, you'll make even the riskiest public Wi-Fi network highly safe, thanks to encryption.
- Safeguard Your Digital Privacy & Bets – A VPN will hide your online activity and encrypt your Internet connection, which means that all your personal and financial information will be safe.
- Access Additional Betting/Casino Platforms – If you choose a powerful VPN with strong content-unblocking capabilities, you can access many other gambling platforms besides the Bovada poker app, no matter where you're located.
- Fight Against ISP Throttling - In many countries, the US included, Internet providers throttle those who download a lot of time. A VPN hides your traffic, making it an effective tool to regain the full speed of your Web connection.
- Browse the Web Anonymously - A VPN protects your privacy across the Web, no just when you bet or gamble online. As long as your VPN session is active, you'll browse the Web anonymously and without being followed by digital trackers.
How to Choose the Best VPN to Unblock Bovada?
A VPN suitable for unblocking Bovada should come with strong content-unblocking capabilities, plenty of servers in the US and abroad, and fast performance. Here's everything you need to keep in mind:
- Ability to Bypass Bovada's Geo-Blocks: If you're in a region where Bovada doesn't operate, you'll want to ensure that your chosen VPN has the means to bypass Bovada's geo-blocks.
- Server Network Extent & Distribution: You'll want a VPN with a sizable server fleet across the US, the only country where Bovada is available at the moment.
- Obfuscated Servers: Using obfuscation, you can instruct your VPN to use smaller data packets. That's how you'll access your Bovada account without risking being detected.
- Kill Switch: You'll want to prevent data leaks if something unexpected happens to your VPN connection without your original IP surfacing online. A kill switch helps with that.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: When using Bovada through a VPN, you'll want to prevent even your VPN from knowing what you do online. That's the role of a no-logs policy.
- Time-Proven Protocols & Data Encryption: To make sure you have the strongest possible VPN data tunnel, go for OpenVPN (AES-256) or WireGuard (ChaCha20).
- Simultaneous Connections & Supported Platforms: Plan to use Bovada on multiple devices? If so, pick a VPN with apps for a range of platforms and multiple connections.
- Throttle-Free Performance: A VPN will slow you down. However, while less powerful VPNs can practically clog your Web connection, capable ones will slow you down minimally.
- Pricing and Value: A high-quality VPN doesn't have to cost a lot, especially if you opt for a long-term plan, which is where you'll find the steepest discounts.
- Money-Back Guarantees: The best VPN for Bovada must offer a generous money-back policy. Go for a VPN that gives you at least 30 days to change your mind.
- Customer Support Channels: We recommend going for a VPN with 24/7 live chat support, as that's the fastest way to resolve any technical issue.
What Can You Play on Bovada?
Bovada lets you play casino games (slots, table games, poker, etc.), and you can also bet on various types of sports. Here's a brief overview of what to expect:
- Sportsbook: Bovada offers live betting on all the major sports events (football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, etc.), and it also covers niche sports like cycling, darts, and virtual sports. There's no option to watch live games, though.
- Slots: You get access to 130+ slot titles featuring various variations, such as three-reel and five-reel slots, I-slots, progressive jackpots, 3D slots, and more. Many of those allow you to get bonus games if you get at least 3 bonus symbols.
- Table Games: There are around 20 types of table games, including craps, which are usually hard to find at online casinos. Bovada currently features table games such as roulette, baccarat, and poker titles.
- Video Poker & Speciality Games: There are 8 different poker games, including Double Double Bonus Poker and Joker Poker. The specialty games are primarily bingo games, and there's one Keno option.
- Blackjack: You'll be happy to hear that Bovada has around 10 types of blackjack games, including but not limited to classic and European blackjack games, but there's also Zappit blackjack and Perfect Pairs blackjack.
- Live Dealer Games: If you like social interaction while using online casinos, know that Bovada offers a live dealer lobby, available 24/7. In general, table limits range from $1,000 to $3,000, and there are 40+ tables on offer.
Where Is Bovada Legal?
Bovada is legal in 45 out of 50 states in the US. Also, you can't play Bovada outside the US, as the platform is restricted to that country only.
Below, you'll find the full list of the Bovada legal states:
Bovada Restricted States
There's only a handful of Bovada illegal states, as the gambling/betting platform is very quick to expand to new markets. More precisely, there are 5 Bovada-restricted states, and those are:
If you're not in one of the Bovada legal states, you can still access the platform by getting a Bovada IP address from a US state where the platform works. Doing so will help you access Bovada in the US as well as outside the country.
Unable to Access Bovada with a VPN? Here's What You Can Do!
A robust VPN shouldn't have a hard time unblocking Bovada. However, temporary issues may occur. This is when you'll want to check your baseline connection, switch to another server, or try using a different VPN protocol. Let's walk you through all of the possible solutions:
- Check Your Baseline Connection - First, check if your Web connection works as it should by disconnecting from your VPN. Use your Web browser and visit a couple of sites to see if they load properly. If not, restart your router or contact your ISP.
- Pick Another Server Location – The Bovada app detects the use of VPN applications and blocks them. So, if the current server isn't unblocking the platform, try picking another server in that area or a different location altogether.
- Pick Another VPN Protocol - Each VPN protocol handles data differently, which means that some are more suitable for bypassing geo-blocks than others. We recommend going with OpenVPN first. Then, you can try WireGuard.
- Test Your VPN Connection for IP Leaks – Your IP address includes your location information, and if you are in a restricted location, Bovada might detect and block your access. We recommend websites like ipleaks.com that could help you check whether your IP is leaking or not.
- Disable Firewall/Antivirus Software – Sometimes, the built-in firewall on your device or the antivirus you are using could flag VPN traffic as unsafe. You can simply put the VPN service on the whitelist and see if it solves the problem.
- Restart Your Device & VPN - You can also try restarting your device and your router. Keep them unplugged for around 30 seconds, and then power them back in. By restarting your device, you'll restart your VPN as well.
- Check for VPN App Updates – It's normal to forget about updating your VPN client. Every update comes with a set of improvements, and if you haven't updated the software for a while, you could be missing out on many new features.
- Remove Extra VPN Software - Having multiple VPN applications installed can create a software conflict, as they can block each other's ports and connections. Delete everything except your primary VPN app and try accessing Bovada again.
- Ask Your VPN for Support - If you try all the solutions mentioned above and none of them work, you can always contact your VPN's customer support for further assistance.
Using Bovada with a Free VPN: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives
Using a free VPN for Bovada might sound like an excellent idea, but there are many reasons why we don't recommend free VPNs. Yes, they're free, which makes them quite enticing, but free VPNs come with many downsides that heavily outweigh the benefits.
Free VPNs come with many restrictions, such as limited content-unblocking capabilities. So, even if a free VPN provider offers servers in places where Bovada is available, it'll probably fail to pass VPN-detection measures.
With a free VPN, you'll also get low bandwidth caps and slow connection speeds. Also, some free VPNs log and store user information. They do so in order to sell it to third parties.Â
If you want to access the Bovada casino app safely and play freely, you'll need a premium VPN. You can choose a provider from our best VPN services guide, or you can go for a VPN free trial, giving you access to premium features for a limited time.
We'll end by saying that we recommend the NordVPN free trial, which is available on Android for 7 days. Also, know that you'll be covered by NordVPN's 30-day money-back policy on any other device or platform.
Final Thoughts
Bovada imposes strict geo-blocks and is only available to US players in certain states. The only way to play it outside those locations is to use a Bovada VPN, which is how you'll also ensure the privacy of your personal and financial data. With a capable VPN, you'll unblock Bovada, get to use it while traveling, as well as gain access to casino games available in certain US states only.
NordVPN is your best option when it comes to the best VPN for Bovada because of its content-unblocking abilities, robust privacy features, and seriously great speeds. With NordVPN, you can easily access Bovada thanks to its US-based servers that provide a seamless gambling experience, making sure no one else knows what you do online.
This is where we end our guide on the best VPN for Bovada. If you have any questions about using a VPN to unblock Bovada, let us know in the comments section below.