5 Best VPNs for PokerStars in 2024: How to Play with a VPN

PokerStars is unavailable in a lot of regions due to geo-restrictions and regulatory issues, preventing users from enjoying online poker. You can’t sign up from unsupported locations, such as most US states, Australia, and Germany. In fact, even if you already have an account, you won’t be able to use PokerStars if you travel to such areas.  

Fortunately, you can solve this issue by using the best VPN for PokerStars. A VPN will allow you to change your virtual location and trick the online casino into thinking you’re elsewhere. As a result, you will be able to access PokerStars from anywhere, regardless of whether you live in a restricted region or you’re just traveling to one. 

In this article, we’ll share the 5 best PokerStars VPN services and teach you how to play PokerStars with a VPN. Then, we’ll discuss why you need a VPN and how to choose the best one. Furthermore, we’ll reveal where the platform is legal, explain the safety guidelines for using it, and much more. 

Best PokerStars VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for PokerStars
2. Surfshark – Best PokerStars VPN with IP Rotation Technology
3. ExpressVPN – VPN to Play PokerStars with Incredible Security Features
4. CyberGhost VPN – Gambling VPN with Numerous Optimized Servers
5. Private Internet Access – VPN for Gambling with Strong Unblocking Abilities

How to Play PokerStars with a VPN

To play PokerStars with a VPN, you need to find a reliable provider that works with the gambling platform and has servers where it is available. Then, download and install it on your device. Here are step-by-step instructions:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with PokerStars (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on the device you’ll use. 
3. Open the VPN and log in or create an account.
4. Connect to a server where PokerStars is available (Canada is a good option). 
5. Download the PokerStars app on your preferred device. 
6. Log in or create an account and deposit money into it. 
7. That’s it! You can now join a poker table from anywhere and enjoy playing.

The Best VPNs for PokerStars

To choose the best VPN for PokerStars, you will need to follow the criteria we have provided in our guide about the best VPN for gambling. First, your VPN must unblock PokerStars and other similar platforms from any location. That’s why you need a provider with a big server fleet with servers in locations where PokerStars is available, such as Canada and the UK. 

Moreover, you should also focus on the VPN’s security features, such as obfuscation, a kill switch, military-grade encryption, reliable VPN protocols (like WireGuard and OpenVPN), and a strict no-logs policy. On top of this, select a provider that has native apps for various devices, like phones, computers, and tablets, and allows numerous simultaneous connections. 

Another essential feature is that the VPN needs to be fast and have consistent performance. This will prevent any interruptions while gambling. Ultimately, search for a VPN with a generous money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support. 

Based on the above-mentioned criteria, here are the 5 best PokerStars VPNs: 

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

NordVPN is the best VPN for PokerStars. It has a vast server fleet of 5,800+ servers across 60 countries. Plus, thanks to its 480+ servers in 3 Canadian locations and 440+ UK servers in 4 cities, you will be able to unblock PokerStars and other gambling sites, regardless of your actual location. 

Your sensitive data will be protected by top-notch security features. NordVPN comes with obfuscated servers that hide your VPN usage, a kill switch that prevents data leaks, AES 256-bit encryption, and robust VPN protocols like NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. There is also an audited no-logs policy to verify the VPN doesn’t share your data with third parties. 

NordVPN also allows you to install the PokerStars app on any device. This is because it has native apps for all popular devices, such as phones, tablets, and computers. One slight downside is that there are only 6 simultaneous connections allowed. That’s a small concession, though, because it comes with blazing speeds and stable performance. 

What’s more, you can test the provider for a while and make the right decision based on your personal experience. You will get this opportunity due to the 30-day money-back guarantee that NordVPN covers its plans with. Ultimately, there is 24/7 customer support to guide you through any problem that may occur. 

2. Surfshark – Best PokerStars VPN with IP Rotation Technology

The next PokerStars VPN we recommend is Surfshark. With a range of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, Surfshark easily unblocks PokerStars and other gambling platforms. The main reason for this is it has 120+ Canadian servers in 3 locations and 212 UK servers in 4 cities. Therefore, if one of the servers doesn’t work, you can always switch to another one.

Surfshark also prioritizes your online security and safety. That’s why it has AES 256-bit encryption that makes your traffic undetectable, a kill switch that cuts your Internet if the VPN fails, and an audited no-logs policy. Even better, there is automatic obfuscation on all its servers, and it employs industry-leading protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. 

Playing PokerStars with VPN protection won’t be an issue if you decide to use Surfshark. The provider has dedicated apps for different devices, like computers, tablets, and smartphones. It even goes one step further and allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark has some of the fastest speeds on the market, as well as reliable performance from anywhere. But to be sure of this, you can test it for 30 days due to the money-back policy that it offers. Last but not least, you will be able to solve any potential issue in no time due to its knowledgeable customer support.

3. ExpressVPN – VPN to Play PokerStars with Incredible Security Features

ExpressVPN is our next VPN to play PokerStars with. It has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including servers in 3 Canadian cities and 4 UK locations. Due to this, you will be able to unblock PokerStars and other similar sites from any possible location. 

Another way ExpressVPN stands out from other providers is security. You will receive military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and VPN protocols like Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec. Plus, it has a strictly audited no-logs policy. Aside from these features, your VPN usage will remain concealed due to automatic obfuscation on most of its servers. 

ExpressVPN allows you to download it on various devices, as it has native apps for phones, tablets, and computers. It even comes with 8 simultaneous connections, meaning you can use it on more devices at the same time. On top of that, you will also enjoy its superb speeds and steady performance, no matter how far away your chosen server is.

Ultimately, ExpressVPN provides a top-notch user experience because it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with the VPN’s services. Last but not least, there is reliable customer support that you can reach at any time and overcome any issue.

4. CyberGhost VPN – Gambling VPN with Numerous Optimized Servers

CyberGhost is another fantastic VPN. This provider unblocks PokerStars smoothly, as well as other gambling platforms, thanks to 480 Canadian servers in 3 locations and 1,011 UK servers across 3 cities. What’s even better is that CyberGhost employs 10,000+ servers located in 100 countries.

You can play PokerStars with VPN security because CyberGhost has some impressive features. It implements a strict no-logs policy, unique NoSpy servers, AES 256-bit encryption that scrambles your data, and VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 that ensure fast data transmission. While it has a reliable kill switch, it unfortunately doesn’t offer obfuscation. 

Luckily, you can install CyberGhost on various popular devices, such as phones, tablets, or computers, and enjoy its 7 simultaneous connections. Regarding speeds, CyberGhost is a bit slower than the previous providers, but it still has medium-fast connections and dependable performance—more than enough for gambling. 

This VPN cares about your overall experience, which is why it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee that gives you a full refund within that period. Lastly, you will be able to contact its 24/7 customer support, which helps you with any possible issue. 

5. Private Internet Access – VPN for Gambling with Strong Unblocking Abilities

Private Internet Access (PIA) can be another option for you if you wish to access PokerStars with VPN security. This provider has the largest server network on the market, with thousands of servers in 84 countries. Among them, it has servers in 4 Canadian locations and UK servers in 3 locations that help you unblock PokerStars and other gambling sites effortlessly. 

PIA comes with a broad range of security practices, such as VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2; military-grade encryption; obfuscation that doesn’t reveal you’re using a VPN; and an audited no-logs policy. It even has a kill switch that cuts your connections if the VPN fails. 

In order to access PokerStars on any device, you can use one of PIA’s apps for tablets, computers, and phones. Moreover, you can protect as many of them as you want because PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Unfortunately, it’s the slowest VPN on our list, but it does have stable performance. 

PIA also has a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to test it and make an informed decision. To wrap it up, it provides you with knowledgeable customer support that will assist if you need to overcome an issue that arises. 

Why Do You Need a VPN for PokerStars?

You need a VPN for PokerStars because the platform is geo-restricted in numerous countries. Here is what you’ll encounter if you try to access it from an unsupported region: “Unfortunately this site is not available in your region.”

Let’s review all the ways a VPN will help you:

• Bypass Geo-Blocks in Unsupported Regions – VPN providers let you change your location to a country where PokerStars works and get full access. 
• Avoid Licensing Issues – Individual games are licensed, so one digital casino can offer a small range of games in one country and dozens of games in another country. To access all games, you need a VPN to connect to your preferred region. 
• Unblock Gambling Sites While Traveling – Even if you can play PokerStars at home, if you travel to an unsupported region, your access will be blocked unless you use a VPN.
• Use Gambling Sites on Public Wi-Fi – Gambling sites usually require sensitive data input, so if you want to gamble on public Wi-Fi, you need a VPN to encrypt your traffic and prevent cyber threats. 
• Access a Wider Variety of Gambling Sites – By using a VPN, you’ll be able to change your location and access any gambling site. 
• Protect Your Privacy and Finances – Because you will need to provide transactional details when gambling, utilize a VPN that will prevent unauthorized access. 
• Hide Your Browsing Activity – ISPs, governments, and hackers often track your online activities. Fortunately, a VPN will allow you to hide from them. 
• Mask Your IP Address – IP addresses show your actual location. Therefore, you need a VPN that will hide it to give you access to PokerStars.

How to Choose the Best PokerStars VPN

To choose the best PokerStars VPN, you need to make sure it fulfills some essential criteria, like the ability to unblock PokerStars, a large server network, and strong security. Here’s a deeper look:

• Ability to Unblock PokerStars – The most important criterion is that your VPN must unblock PokerStars from anywhere. 
• Server Network Size and Distribution – In order to unblock the platform, download a VPN with a huge server fleet, including servers in regions where PokerStars works. 
• Obfuscated Servers – Obfuscation helps you hide your VPN usage, therefore preventing blocks by the platform. 
• Kill Switch – To use PokerStars with VPN protection, ensure the provider has a kill switch to prevent data leaks. 
• No-Logs Policy – You need a VPN with an audited no-logs policy that will guarantee your data won’t be shared with third parties. 
• Strong Protocols and Encryption – Having a VPN with robust encryption and VPN protocols is a must. You will hide your traffic and receive fast data transmission. 
• Simultaneous Connections and Supported Devices – In order to use the VPN on more devices at the same time, it needs to have numerous simultaneous connections and native apps for devices like phones, computers, and tablets. 
• Performance and Speed – If you want to avoid interruptions while you’re gambling, choose a VPN with fast speeds and consistent performance. 
• Money-Back Guarantee – A solid refund policy will allow you to test the provider and get your money back if you’re unsatisfied with its services. 
• Customer Support – Your chosen provider should have 24/7 customer support so that you can overcome any potential issue quickly. 

Where is PokerStars Legal?

PokerStars is legal in numerous countries all over the world. Although the platform is geo-restricted, you can still play for real money from many countries. However, gambling regulations change often, so here is a detailed list of all the legal countries as of this article’s publishing:

Europe	America	Asia and Oceania	Africa
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, UK	Aruba, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Greenland, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela	Armenia, Azerbaijan, Japan, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Mongolia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu	Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Reunion Island, Seychelles, South Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia

PokerStars is mostly unavailable in the US, but there are some legal states where you can access the gambling platform, such as Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. 

How to Play PokerStars in the USA

To play PokerStars in the USA is possible only in some states, like Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. So, you need to get a VPN that works with PokerStars and has servers in these states. Here is a detailed guide:

1. Sign up for a VPN that unblocks PokerStars (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN on your preferred device(s). 
3. Launch the VPN app and enter your credentials to log in. 
4. Connect to a server in a supported US state. 
5. Download and log in to the PokerStars app. 
6. That’s it! You can now gamble safely on PokerStars in the US. 

Safety Guidelines for Playing PokerStars with a VPN

Playing PokerStars with a VPN requires following some safety guidelines that will enhance your overall privacy, such as connecting to the VPN at the right time, enabling the kill switch, and using obfuscated servers. So, let’s get into more details and explore all the tips thoroughly:

• Connect to the VPN on Time – Connecting to a suitable VPN server before opening PokerStars is one of the most important steps during the VPN setup. This way, you will prevent PokerStars from detecting that you’re trying to access it from an unsupported region, and you will enjoy unrestricted gambling. 
• Withdraw Your Winnings Frequently – Even the best gambling platforms can freeze your winnings and prevent you from claiming them, especially if you try to withdraw larger amounts all at once. That’s why it’s crucial to withdraw your wins more often. On top of that, this will help you avoid triggering Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, which will reveal your actual location.
• Enable the Kill Switch – The kill switch feature will prevent data leaks by cutting your Internet if it notices a VPN connection failure. As a result, your real IP address will remain hidden, and you will continue to enjoy your favorite poker games.
• Use Obfuscated Servers – By going for a VPN provider with obfuscated servers, you will ensure that your VPN usage remains hidden. Therefore, PokerStars won’t be able to see that you’re bypassing restrictions, so you won’t face any VPN blocks. 

Final Thoughts

PokerStars is a global gambling platform for poker lovers. Unfortunately, it is restricted in many countries due to different gambling regulations and geo-restrictions. Even if you can use it at home, you will not have access to PokerStars when traveling to unsupported regions. That’s why you should play PokerStars with VPN protection. 

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for PokerStars. It has a huge server fleet with coverage where PokerStars is available. Due to this, you will be able to unblock the gambling platform from anywhere while enjoying incredible speeds and top-notch security. 

That’s all for our guide on the best VPN for PokerStars. If you have any questions, please let us know via the comment section below. Thank you for reading!