5 Best VPNs for Online Poker in 2024

Online poker games are a popular pastime for millions of people. Unfortunately, various countries and states ban poker sites, making registration and gameplay impossible for citizens or visitors. Even if you’re from a region where online poker is available and already have an account, you might not be able to play it if you travel abroad. 

Luckily, there’s an easy fix for both issues: the trick is to use a reputable and capable VPN. With a VPN, you can unblock any poker site, no matter where you are, by changing your virtual location to a country where they’re available. In addition, VPNs secure your activity as you play.

In this article, we’ll share and compare the 5 best VPNs for online poker. We’ll also explain how to play poker online with a VPN, discuss why you need a VPN, how to choose the best one, show you where online poker is legal, recommend the best online poker sites, and we'll finish with a round of FAQs.

How to Use a VPN to Play Online Poker

First and foremost, you must find a VPN provider that can unblock poker sites. Then, you’ll need to get a subscription and connect to a VPN server. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sign up for a VPN that unblocks online poker sites (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you’ll use to play poker.
3. Open the VPN app and log in to activate it.
4. Connect to a VPN location where most poker sites work (Canada, Malta).
5. That’s it! Now, you can play poker online with no restrictions.

For better connection and performance, ensure that you connect to a VPN server closest to the game server you’re playing poker on. Also, it's worth connecting to a country where online poker is legal, such as the UK, the US (Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey), Germany, Australia, and the Philippines.

The Best VPNs for Online Poker in 2024

Choosing the best provider can be tricky, but by sticking to the criteria from our best gambling VPN guide, you’ll find one in no time. The first thing to look for is the ability to unblock online poker sites from anywhere. To do so, the VPN will need a wide network with servers in countries that allow online poker, like Germany, Australia, and the Philippines.

In addition, the VPN you choose should have obfuscated servers that hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. Some other security and privacy features you should look out for include a kill switch, a no-logs policy, VPN protocols, and encryption. 

Also, your VPN must allow a few simultaneous connections and should be compatible with many devices. Performance and speed are also essential factors, along with a money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support. 

Our expert team has tested 50+ VPN services so far. So, based on the criteria described above, we believe these are the 5 best VPNs for online poker:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Online Poker in 2024

NordVPN has the ability to unblock many different online poker sites, like GGPoker, PokerStars, and 888Poker, and will protect your finances while doing so. It has a vast server network of over 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, including 240+ in Germany and 190+ in Australia. 

In addition, you’ll get top-notch security and privacy features, including obfuscated servers, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols, AES 256-bit/ChaCha20 encryption, Double VPN, split tunneling, and more. 

This VPN offers ultra-fast Internet connection speeds and reliable performance, so you can play online poker games with little to no lag, even if you connect to remote servers. Also, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. NordVPN is also compatible with many different devices, allowing you to access online poker sites via your phone, tablet, laptop, PC, and more.

Also, know that NordVPN brings plenty of value overall. You can get started for only $3.39 per month if you pick its 2-year plan. You can choose from three subscription plans based on the features you plan to use. Plus, you'll get some extra time added to your subscription.

The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a no-questions-asked refund policy. It also offers 24/7 customer support, which you can access via its website.

Turn to our NordVPN review if you need more information about this provider.

2. Surfshark – Best Online Poker VPN with Unlimited Connections

Surfshark is a beginner-friendly VPN that can unblock a wide range of poker sites, such as GGPoker, PokerStars, and 888Poker. It covers 100 countries worldwide with its 3,200+ servers. The provider has servers in Germany, Australia, and the Philippines—all great locations for accessing online poker games.

With Surfshark, you’ll get obfuscation no matter which server you use via its Camouflage Mode. Also, you’ll get a capable kill switch, secure VPN protocols, a no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, a MultiHop feature, and many other robust security and privacy features.

This VPN is among the fastest ones available today, offering fast Internet connection speeds and reliable performance. Surfshark allows you to have unlimited simultaneous connections and is compatible with a vast array of devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, routers, and more. 

You can get started with Surfshark for only $2.19 per month, which is how much its 2-year plan costs. If you need extra features, like a private search engine or anti-malware, the cost increases to $2.69 or $4.29 per month, which is still affordable.

In addition, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use to try out its services risk-free. Lastly, you’ll get reliable 24/7 customer support via live chat, available on Surfshark’s website.

Want to learn more? Head over to our in-depth Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN – Ultra-Secure VPN to Play Online Poker

ExpressVPN can unblock popular poker sites from anywhere, including platforms like GGPoker, PokerStars, and 888Poker. The provider has a wide server network of thousands of servers in 105 countries, including Germany, Australia, and the Philippines—where many online poker games are available.

The VPN also comes with obfuscated servers, a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols, and military-grade encryption. Also, you’ll get a capable kill switch that will disconnect your Internet connection if your VPN drops. 

With ExpressVPN, you won’t have to worry about speed or performance since the provider comes with blazing-fast Internet connections and reliable performance on all its servers. You’ll get to use 8 devices simultaneously, including phones, laptops, PCs, routers, tablets, and more.

ExpressVPN's one-year plan costs $6.67 per month. This plan adds 3 months to your first billing period, so you'll subscribe for the next 15 months in one go.

Moreover, the provider offers reliable 24/7 customer support, available via live chat. Lastly, you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee, which you can use as a risk-free trial. 

Learn what else you can expect by reading our ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost VPN – User-Friendly VPN with Tons of Servers

CyberGhost is another excellent VPN with the ability to unblock many popular poker platforms, including GGPoker, PokerStars, and 888Poker. It has a super large server network with thousands of servers in 100 countries. With this VPN, you can connect to one of the 1,549 servers in Germany, 213 in Australia, or 70 in the Philippines to play online poker.

It comes with all the privacy and security features needed to safely play with real money in online poker games. Some of those include a kill switch, AES encryption, secure VPN protocols, and a no-logs policy. 

Unfortunately, CyberGhost doesn’t have any obfuscated servers, but it does have NoSpy servers that offer an additional layer of security and privacy. However, you should keep in mind that they cost extra and aren’t available everywhere.

With one CyberGhost subscription, you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. It supports phones, laptops, tablets, routers, PCs, and more. Similar to NordVPN, CyberGhost also comes with medium-fast connection speeds and reliable performance.

CyberGhost has always been known for its affordable pricing. The lowest you can pay right now is $2.19 per month for the VPN's 2-year plan. You can also expect some extra time added to your subscription, which typically ranges from 2 to 4 months added on top.

Lastly, with this VPN, you’ll get 24/7 customer support via live chat and a 45-day money-back guarantee for longer-term plans. If you opt for the monthly plan, you’ll be covered by a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Read our CyberGhost VPN to learn more about this VPN's pros and cons.

5. Private Internet Access – High-End VPN Ideal for Advanced Users

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a customizable VPN provider that can give you access to multiple online poker sites, including GGPoker, PokerStars, and 888Poker. It has an extra-wide network, sporting thousands of servers in 90+ countries. Out of those, you can use PIA to connect to multiple servers in Germany, Australia, and the Philippines. 

PIA is excellent for more advanced users, as it allows them to customize their settings. For instance, you can decrease or increase your encryption levels, change your VPN protocol, and optimize your speed. Without optimization, you’ll get average Internet connections and reliable performance. So, it’s not the fastest VPN out there, but you can tweak it a bit. 

This provider also comes with obfuscated servers, a kill switch, secure VPN protocols, a no-logs policy, and military-grade encryption. In addition, you’ll get a Multi-Hop feature, data leak protection, dedicated IPs, and state-of-the-art antivirus software. 

PIA can be yours for only $2.19 per month if you opt for its 2-year plan. There are other long-term plans as well, but this one always has the biggest savings. Also, it frequently includes some extra time, which means you'll get from 2 to 4 months added to your first billing period.

You can connect unlimited devices simultaneously and use it on phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, routers, and more. Also, you’ll get 24/7 customer support via live chat and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

To see this VPN in action, make sure to visit our Private Internet Access VPN.

Comparison of the Best Online Poker VPNs

How Do We Rank the Best Online Poker VPNs?

Our team of expert VPN reviewers tested 53 VPN services, paying special attention to how well they unblock online poker platforms and other casino sites/apps. We tested each VPN hands-on, ensuring to check their software, features, speeds, and their ability to obfuscate and hide Internet traffic. That's how we reached the top 5 VPNs that we're recommending above.

In terms of how we review VPNs, our intention is to be as transparent as possible. As you can see in our in-depth reviews, we're fully independent and unbiased, and we do our best to be extremely thorough.

How to Choose the Best Online Poker VPN?

To choose the best provider available, you need to make sure you're picking one with a wide server network and the ability to unblock any casino site. Pay attention to the following:

• Ability to Unblock Any Poker App/Site - You'll want a VPN that helps you access any online poker site, giving you instantaneous access with no restrictions.
• Make Sure to Get Plenty of Servers - Pay attention to whether your chosen VPN covers Canada, Malta, and the Philippines, which is where most online poker sites are based.
• Full Support for Obfuscation - Obfuscation helps you bypass even the toughest Web roadblocks, as it allows you to use smaller data packets that more easily evade detection.
• Keep Leaks Away with a Kill Switch - It doesn't happen often, but your VPN connection can suddenly drop, which is when your sensitive information can leak. A kill switch prevents that from happening so that you can play online poker with a VPN without worrying about data leaks.
• Independently Audited No-Logs Policy - There's not a single reason to allow your VPN to collect any information about you, which is where an audited no-logs policy comes into play.
• Robust Protocols and Data Encryption - Our recommendation is to get a VPN that comes with OpenVPN/AES-256 or WireGuard/ChaCha20.
• Simultaneous Connections and Supported Devices - If you play from your PC as well as a mobile device, ensure you get enough connections and apps for your devices.
• Aim for Fast and Stable Performance - It's true that a VPN will slow you down a bit. However, the best one should minimize throttling and keep your connection fast.
• Wallet-Friendly Pricing - If you want to save in the long run, pay attention to the VPN cost and invest in a long-term subscription.
• Liberal Money-Back Guarantees - You can make your investment risk-free by getting a VPN with a generous money-back policy, giving you plenty of time to test-drive its features.
• Knowledgeable Customer Support - If technical problems arise, you'll be happy to have a VPN with 24/7 live chat support, helping you avoid wasting time on finding a solution.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Playing Poker Online?

You need a VPN so that you can access gambling sites that aren’t available in your region. Without a VPN, you’ll get a message similar to the following example: "Sorry, this version of PokerStars isn’t available in your country."

Other reasons why you need to use a VPN include:

• Bypass Geo-Blocks from Unsupported Regions – Almost all online poker sites are geo-blocked in certain countries. However, with a reliable VPN, you can bypass the restrictions by connecting to a server in a location where the site you want to use is available.
• Bypass Licensing Issues – Even if the poker site you want to access is available in your country, many branded games might not be. To gamble with no restrictions, you can get a VPN and connect to a server located in a region that offers all branded and non-branded games.
• Play Online Poker While Traveling – If you’re traveling to a country where the online poker site you usually use is restricted, you won’t be able to access it. However, with a VPN, you can connect to a server in your home country and play without restrictions.
• Play Online Poker on Public Wi-Fi - You should never use a public Wi-Fi network if you care about your privacy, as those are designed to collect all kinds of information. Since a VPN encrypts your data, you'll get to secure any type of network, and that includes any public network as well.
• Unblock a Wide Range of Poker Sites – Countries like Germany, Japan, and the Philippines allow online poker sites and don’t regulate them at all. By connecting to a VPN server in one of them, you can easily access a vast array of poker sites, along with the largest selection of branded games.
• Protect Your Privacy and Finances – Playing poker games online can be risky, as you’re using real money to play. A VPN can protect your money and personal information by encrypting your Internet connection and hiding your online activity.
• Hide Your Browsing Activity - Your Internet provider can see everything you do online, and various types of Internet trackers can do the same. If you wish to keep your browsing history a secret, you need to use a VPN when accessing online poker sites.
• Hide Your IP Address - Based on your IP address, websites can see your actual location, which is how geo-blocks are imposed. So, if you wish to hide your location and gain access to practically any website, your only option is to use a VPN.

Popular Online Poker Sites

The Internet is full of online poker sites, so choosing the best ones to play on can be confusing. However, as long as you use a VPN with strong content-unblocking capabilities, you’ll have access to every poker site with one VPN subscription.

To make things easier for you, we compiled a list of the 15 best online poker sites:

• PokerStars
• GGPoker
• BetMGM
• Ignition Casino
• Bovada
• BetOnline Poker
• 888Poker
• ACR Poker
• PokerKing
• PokerBaazi
• WPT Global
• IDN Poker
• iPoker
• Svenska Spel
• Pokerdom

Why Is Online Poker Banned in Some Countries?

Online poker is banned in some countries due to religious beliefs that deem gambling a sin. Sometimes, online poker bans are imposed as a way of protecting youth from gambling. Also, there are the moral implications of potentially supporting gambling addictions, which can result in the loss of human lives. 

Other governments have declared online poker banned because they cannot ensure fair gambling regulations. Moreover, some authorities have money laundering concerns.

Online poker sites can either be completely banned or partially restricted. Countries like China, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, North Korea, and Israel strongly enforce gambling bans and now consider the activity illegal. On the other hand, the US and Europe have more complex regulations—it’s not completely banned but not fully legal, either.

Where Is Online Poker Legal?

There are quite a few locations where it’s legal to play poker online. Choose your VPN server based on the location of the site you want to use for legal online poker—and how close you are to its servers. Below is a list of the countries, along with a few US states, where online poker is legal:  

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Connecticut (USA)
• Delaware (USA)
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• India
• Ireland
• Italy
• Macau
• Michigan (USA)
• Netherlands
• Nevada (USA)
• New Jersey (USA)
• New Zealand
• Pennsylvania (USA)
• Philippines
• Portugal
• Rhode Island (USA)
• Spain
• Sweden
• United Kingdom
• West Virginia (USA)

Can I Use a Free VPN for Online Poker?

Yes, you can use free VPN services for online poker, but we don’t recommend them for a number of reasons. In general, they are risky and can expose your personal data. In fact, they likely won’t protect your money at all.

You might not even be able to get sites for online poker unblocked, as free VPNs have poor content-unblocking capabilities. Also, free providers have small server networks, slow speeds, and limited data caps. So, they probably won’t deliver a smooth online poker experience if they’re able to unblock the service at all. 

Thus, if you want to get poker unblocked and play with no restrictions, we recommend you use one of the top VPN providers. As an alternative, you can take advantage of a free VPN trial offer, which is how you'll gain access to a premium VPN for a limited time.

The best VPN trial right now is the NordVPN trial, available for 7 days on Android. This VPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee for other devices and platforms.

That said, if you're set on using a free VPN, choose Proton VPN. However, know that you'll get limited speeds and servers in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan, so you'll gain access to a very limited selection of online poker sites.

Final Thoughts

As a fan of online poker, you're well aware of rigorous gambling regulations and online geo-blocks. Even if you're in a region where gambling sites work, online tracking and malicious actors can hunt you down, expose your sensitive data, and even turn to your funds. Gambling is a very sensitive online activity, making it crucial to think about the safety of your digital information.

In conclusion, we'll remind you that all you need is a trustworthy VPN. Based on our hands-on tests, you won't find a better option than NordVPN, which has positioned itself as the ultimate solution for evading geo-blocks. It truly is the best VPN for online poker, featuring servers in 111 countries, fast speeds, high-end security, and advanced tools to guarantee your privacy.

That’s all we've prepared for this guide. If you have any questions or remarks, don’t hesitate to share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!