Best VPN for PrizePicks in 2026
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PrizePicks isn’t available in every state or country, as it’s subject to local regulations. Based on my tests, NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for PrizePicks, combining speed, security, and reliable access. Surfshark is a solid budget-friendly option with unlimited devices, while Norton VPN offers reliable speeds and user-friendly apps for secure PrizePicks access.
PrizePicks is restricted in several US states due to local online gambling regulations regarding pick'em daily fantasy sports (DFS). It’s completely unavailable in Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Nevada, while other states restrict only certain game types, such as Team Peaks in Louisiana and Culture Picks in Florida.
To play on PrizePicks in a banned state, you can use a VPN that allows you to virtually travel to the state where PrizePicks is legal. Keep in mind, though, that PrizePicks prohibits the use of VPN and actively blocks VPN connections. To avoid account suspension, you need a truly reliable VPN that makes your traffic look like a regular, non-VPN activity.
To find the top options, our research team and I tested 41 VPN providers. We narrowed the list to the strongest options based on speed, security features, reliability, and coverage across US servers.
Our recommended PrizePicks VPNs
- NordVPN – overall best VPN for PrizePicks
- Surfshark – most affordable PrizePicks VPN
- Norton VPN – easy-to-use VPN for accessing PrizePicks in a banned state
- TotalVPN – fast PrizePicks VPN with free antivirus
- ExpressVPN – secure VPN to bypass PrizePicks location restrictions
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
How to play PrizePicks in an illegal state
- Choose a reliable VPN with servers in states where PrizePicks is legal – I recommend NordVPN, now 76% off
- Download the VPN on your device
- Connect to a server where PrizePicks is fully legal, e.g., Illinois and Alabama
- Go to PrizePicks and start playing
PrizePicks operates under strict, state-specific daily fantasy sports (DFS) laws. Using a VPN to bypass these geo-restrictions may violate their terms of service and will likely result in a permanent account ban and forfeited funds. This guide is intended to help you securely manage your connection while traveling within legal jurisdictions, not to bypass local laws. Always verify your state's current DFS regulations before playing.
What states is PrizePicks legal in?
PrizePicks’ real-money Player Picks are legal in 36 states, including major states like New York, Florida, Georgia, California, Texas, and North Carolina.
However, the availability of PrizePicks’ games varies by state and may change over time depending on local online gambling regulations. For example, Team Picks is legal in 35 states, Culture Picks in 48, while Free2Play Picks is available in all states. Here’s a breakdown of each game:
| Game | PrizePicks legal states |
| Team Picks | Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming |
| Culture Picks | Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming |
| Free2Play | Legal in all states |
If you’re in an illegal state, the only way to access PrizePicks is by using a gambling VPN. It changes your virtual location to make it look like you’re accessing the platform from a legal state.
Best VPNs for PrizePicks – detailed list
With help from our research team, I tested 41VPNs to find the most reliable options for accessing PrizePicks without restrictions. After evaluating speed, security, and server coverage, I narrowed the list to the top 5 VPNs that deliver the highest performance for PrizePicks. Based on my tests, NordVPN, Surfshark, Norton VPN, TotalVPN, and ExpressVPN are the best VPNs to unblock PrizePicks and protect your privacy.
1. NordVPN – overall best PrizePicks VPN in 2026
| Rating: | |
| Works with PrizePicks: | ✅ Yes |
| Speed retention rate: | 84% |
| Servers in the US: | 3428+ servers in 54 US cities |
| Cryptocurrency payments: | ✅ Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 76% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
Why I chose NordVPN as the best
Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for PrizePicks because it reliably bypasses state restrictions, offers 90% speed retention, and has thousands of US servers for stable access. I tested NordVPN by connecting to the US servers in Illinois and Texas – both opened PrizePicks fast without location error screens.
In addition, NordVPN protects your personal information on PrizePicks with top-tier encryption and the NordLynx protocol, ensuring your connection stays fast and secure while placing bets or entering DFS contests. It also adds an extra layer of privacy with a Double VPN feature, which is excellent for those who want additional anonymity while navigating sensitive online activities.
NordVPN starts at $3.09/month, which is generous for a rich feature package with an ad blocker, dark web monitoring, and obfuscated servers that hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. Also, you can try it risk-free with a 3-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
My experience using NordVPN
NordVPN proved to be the fastest VPN for PrizePicks. In my tests, NordVPN successfully unblocked PrizePicks 9 out of 10 times on the US servers, without CAPTCHA or location errors. The download speed was 794Mbps, while the upload speed was 200Mbps, which is super fast, especially for quickly submitting picks before games lock in. The consistency of such impressive speeds is also supported by our NordVPN review.
NordVPN has a vast network of servers covering 54 US cities. I played on PrizePicks from Los Angeles and Kansas City because they didn’t have any game restrictions – servers in both cities worked great without lag.
When I wanted to try PrizePicks in another country, switching my virtual location took only seconds with no downtime. Thanks to that, I could access region-specific PrizePicks offers and content, which sometimes can be game-breaking.
Additionally, because of NordVPN's automatic kill switch, I never had to worry about my actual IP address being exposed. Even if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, my IP remains protected.
Who I recommend NordVPN for
NordVPN is a safe pick for anyone looking to unlock PrizePicks in banned states. Its strong encryption and security protocols ensure that your personal information, payment details, and betting strategies remain safe from malicious hackers or unauthorized third parties. Meanwhile, its ultra-fast, reliable connection speeds ensure you can place your bets or stream content without lag. Lastly, if you frequently use a public Wi-Fi network, NordVPN will secure your connection, protecting your data from potential threats while browsing PrizePicks.
When using NordVPN for PrizePicks, I suggest enabling split tunneling. This feature directs only your PrizePicks traffic through the VPN while keeping the rest of your connection unaffected. As a result, you can browse or use other apps without the VPN slowing down your overall internet speed.
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN for PrizePicks
| Rating: | |
| Works with PrizePicks: | ✅ Yes |
| Speed retention rate: | 85% |
| Servers in the US: | 600+ in 24 US cities |
| Cryptocurrency payments: | ✅ Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Why I chose Surfshark as the second best
Surfshark is the most affordable PrizePicks VPN, costing $1.99/month/month – it’s a much lower price than other competitors, considering its high speeds and unlimited devices for one account. I tested Surfshark by connecting to servers in Texas and California, and it unblocked PrizePicks fast without location errors.
Overall, Surfshark delivered fast connections and strong security, similar to NordVPN. Plus, its RAM-only servers and audited no-logs policy ensure your data isn’t stored and online activity stays private. I also liked Surfshark’s Camouflage mode, which hides the fact that you’re using a VPN – it’s very useful because PrizePicks may block VPN traffic. I tested its kill switch too, and it always blocked the internet whenever the VPN connection dropped.
Even though Surfshark has a smaller server network than NordVPN, it’s still decent: 600+ servers in 19 US states, including those where all PrizePick games are legal, e.g., Texas, California, and Georgia. You can try Surfshark for PrizePicks yourself risk-free via its 7-day free trial – the best thing is that you can test up to 3 devices simultaneously.
My experience using Surfshark
What I first noticed about Surfshark was all the perks available in its most affordable Starter plan. For example, for just $1.99/month, you get an advanced security feature called MultiHop. This tool routes the online traffic through two VPN servers, encrypting data twice and providing higher anonymity. This made me feel reassured about my security while using PrizePicks on public Wi-Fi.
I also got the CleanWeb feature, which acts as an ad blocker and prevents intrusive banners, pop-up ads, and cookie requests. Because of this, I could enjoy PrizePicks without any distractions.
Who I recommend Surfshark for
Surfshark is perfect for PrizePicks users who are looking for a cheap and safe way to unlock the platform. It offers all the essentials for secure browsing with its cheapest starter plan. I was also very impressed with the extra features of its Starter plan, including the CleanWeb and MultiHop tools, which are crucial if you want to stay secure online while using PrizePicks.
3. Norton VPN – easy-to-use VPN for PrizePicks
| Rating: | |
| Works with PrizePicks: | ✅ Yes |
| Speed retention rate: | 79% |
| Servers in the US: | Undisclosed number of servers in 25 US cities |
| Cryptocurrency payments: | ❌ No |
| Current deal: | Now up to 54% OFF Norton VPN |
Why I chose Norton VPN
Norton VPN is a great VPN provider for unblocking PrizePicks. It offers all the features and tools you need to overcome geo-blocking, while keeping its app simple. I easily accessed PrizePicks from Georgia and Illinois servers via Norton, while you can easily switch to any other state or city from its server list.
I also chose Norton because it’s affordable: it costs $3.33/month, and you get a 30-day free trial along with a 60-day money-back guarantee for annual subscriptions. Even the cheapest plans include a Double VPN and split tunneling to protect and optimize your VPN connection. Also, Norton’s more expensive plans come with its time-tested free antivirus, giving you a complete security suite under one subscription.
My experience using Norton VPN
Right after the installation process, I noticed how beginner-friendly Norton VPN is. It's designed to be minimalistic and doesn't overwhelm with features, meaning it's a superb VPN for beginner users looking to unblock PrizePicks.
The general menu includes essential tools like a kill switch, which immediately blocks your internet traffic if Norton drops even for a millisecond. Also, I like that Norton’s auto-connect automatically turns on VPN, which is helpful when I forget to do it manually. All these ensure your real IP address is never accidentally exposed to the servers you are connecting to.
Meanwhile, other menus have features like Ad Tracker Blocking, which prevents websites and advertisers from collecting your personal information and tracking your online activity. I find it useful because it adds a layer of security by not letting anyone see or track what you are doing online. It also offers split tunneling, which, like NordVPN's, lets me route only PrizePicks through the VPN while keeping other apps on a regular connection. It improved speed by reducing the unnecessary load on the VPN, so I could place picks more smoothly.
As confirmed by our Norton VPN review, Norton has servers in 25 US cities, including those in PrizePicks-legal states like Minnesota and Georgia. For me, servers in Miami and Minneapolis worked the best, but Norton can also find the fastest server in the chosen location automatically.
Who I recommend it for
Norton VPN is an excellent choice for users who need a simple solution to easily unlock PrizePicks in restricted states. The service has the most crucial features and customization options, meaning it’s fantastic for beginners who easily get confused or overwhelmed by too many options.
That said, compared to NordVPN, Norton has fewer US locations and advanced features like obfuscated servers, which are essential for privacy on PrizePicks. Also, Surfshark offers better value, as it’s more affordable and has more customization options.
4. TotalVPN – high-speed VPN for PrizePicks with free antivirus
| Rating: | |
| Works with PrizePicks: | ✅ Yes |
| Speed retention rate: | 93% |
| Servers in the US: | Undisclosed number |
| Cryptocurrency payments: | ❌ No |
| Current deal: | Now up to 80% OFF TotalVPN |
Why I chose TotalVPN
TotalVPN takes security to another level by providing not only a VPN to unblock PrizePicks but also the Total AV antivirus software and Total Adblock. While its VPN has the most essential and fundamental features like DNS leak protection, the antivirus that comes with it has the most advanced online security features and tools.
All of this starts at $1.59/month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I easily unblocked PrizePicks via TotalVPN’s Texas and Indiana servers, which makes it a strong and affordable VPN choice paired with the popular TotalAV.
My experience using TotalVPN
After installing TotalVPN on my device, I immediately noticed something different in its interface. The software was mainly focused on antivirus, and the VPN was listed as an additional feature on the menu, with only a few settings available. However, as our TotalVPN review confirms, that's a good thing for an everyday user just looking for a VPN to unlock PrizePicks, as it makes the unblocking process so much easier. The VPN opened PrizePicks flawlessly, and I only had to select the country or state and activate the VPN.
However, security is one of TotalVPN's key strengths. It features industry-standard AES-256 encryption and a kill switch for added protection. Additionally, it uses a proprietary Hydra protocol that delivers high speeds and retains 93% of the baseline speed during tests.
Who I recommend it for
I recommend it for users who want to securely access PrizePicks while protecting their devices with antivirus software. Its VPN is easy to use and will change your IP address to access geo-blocked content, including PrizePicks. Meanwhile, the antivirus service is excellent and offers reliable protection against cyberthreats.
While a kill switch and antivirus are useful privacy features, compared to NordVPN, TotalVPN isn’t an all-around solution, as it lacks obfuscated servers, Double VPN, and dark web monitoring. Also, while TotalVPN offers a cheap first year, a high renewal price ($99.00/year) hits immediately in year two. Surfshark provides a better long-term value because its discounted introductory prices last for 27 months before any renewal pricing applies.
5. ExpressVPN – secure PrizePicks VPN with all-inclusive starter plan
| Rating: | |
| Works with PrizePicks: | ✅ Yes |
| Speed retention rate: | 73% |
| Servers in the US: | Undisclosed number of servers in 56 US cities |
| Cryptocurrency payments: | ✅ Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 78% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
Why I chose ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the safest VPN providers for accessing PrizePicks. Its cheapest plan offers a kill switch to keep your IP address private even if the VPN turns off, RAM-only servers that don’t store your data, and protection from malicious sites, trackers, and ads.
Most importantly, ExpressVPN quickly unblocked PrizePicks as I connected to the servers in Illinois and California, and kept the connection stable. The high speed is thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, made to run VPN both securely and quickly. All these features start at $2.79/month and include a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-day free trial for iOS and Android.
My experience using Express VPN
Thanks to its simple interface, setting up and using ExpressVPN was easy. I could also quickly connect to a server where PrizePicks was available, as ExpressVPN has a server network spanning 50 US states, including PrizePicks’ legal states like Illinois, Georgia, and California. I also tested ExpressVPN’s speed in the US servers: the download speed was 683Mbps, and the upload speed was 192Mbps, which is lower than NordVPN but still decent.
ExpressVPN has an impressive number of independent audits. As of December 2025, the provider's trust center webpage boasts 23 audits across its various technical features and privacy practices. Therefore, you can use PrizePicks, knowing nobody tracks what you're doing online.
During the ExpressVPN review, I also found that it has three subscription tiers. Basic includes only essential VPN protection with up to 10 simultaneous connections and Lite Protection against ads and malicious sites. Advanced and Pro step things up with 12 and 14 simultaneous connections correspondingly, identity protection, more advanced defense against malicious sites, privacy-focused AI, and even a password manager, ensuring complete protection for your activities on PrizePicks.
Who I recommend it for
ExpressVPN is ideal for those willing to spend more time on a simple and highly effective VPN to unblock PrizePicks. It's well-protected, and its technical features and reliability are top-notch, further supported by the provider's numerous audits.
Still, if you’re looking for a better price with unlimited device connections, Surfshark wins. Moreover, Surfshark has an Alternative ID feature that lets you create a fake phone number, email address, and name to log in to websites you don’t trust. ExpressVPN also lacks NordVPN’s DoubleVPN or Meshnet, which allows you to link up to 60 devices in your own private network.
Compare the best VPNs for PrizePicks
| VPN for PrizePicks | Rating | Best for | Works with PrizePicks | Crypto payments | Global servers | Price |
| 1. NordVPN | Fast PrizePicks connection in all US states and an extensive privacy protection package | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Thousands of servers in 211+ locations | From $3.09/month | |
| 2. Surfshark | Cheap plans with unlimited simultaneous connections | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries | From $1.99/month | |
| 3. Norton VPN | Simple interface and easy split tunneling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Servers in 65 countries | From $3.33/month | |
| 4. TotalVPN | Lowest introductory price and built-in antivirus | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Servers in 90 countries | From $1.59/month | |
| 5. ExpressVPN | Balance of price and security features | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Servers in 105 countries | From $2.79/month |
How to use PrizePicks in an illegal state with a VPN
Use the steps below to access PrizePicks in states where the platform is restricted:
-
Select and download a VPN app – I recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF
-
Sign up for an account and open the VPN app
-
Connect a US server in a state where PrizePicks is supported, such as New York
- You’re all set to enjoy PrizePicks no matter where you are
Why use a VPN with PrizePicks?
PrizePicks isn’t available in all of the US states. In fact, you can access it in 36 states. Moreover, PrizePicks is now illegal in 5 states (partially illegal in some). Fortunately, if you live outside the 36 states that allow online betting, a VPN will help you access the website and the platform.
Additionally, a VPN is a great security tool that ensures your privacy online. A VPN encrypts your traffic, so even your ISP (internet service provider) won’t see what you’re doing online. Also, since betting on PrizePicks involves money, additional security measures to protect your data from cybercriminals can grant additional peace of mind.
What states is PrizePicks illegal in?
Currently, PrizePicks is only available in the US. However, it’s restricted or partially restricted in many states, and the reasoning for that is that the state laws prohibit sports betting. The states in which you can’t connect to the PrizePicks website are Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Washington. PrizePicks is no longer available in Canada.
Further restrictions are in place in certain regions due to several reasons:
- College sports lineups. You cannot submit lineups associated with college sports in Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Vermont.
- College sports lineups in home states. If you reside in Illinois, Connecticut, or Delaware, you cannot submit lineups that include college sports athletes playing within the home states.
- Full-game projections. You cannot submit projections that cover less than a full sporting event in Arkansas and New Hampshire.
- Game projections of multiple statistics. You can only submit lineups if they contain projections of multiple statistics in New Jersey.
How to use PrizePicks in Nevada
PrizePicks is illegal in Nevada for real-money daily fantasy sports due to strict state gambling regulations. While you cannot use the standard real-money app while physically in Nevada, you can use a VPN to bypass PrizePicks location restrictions.
First, choose a reliable VPN service, install it on your device, and connect to a state where PrizePicks is legal, like California or Texas. A VPN will mask your real IP address and make it look like you’re accessing PrizePicks from a different state.
How to use PrizePicks in Mexico
PrizePicks’ Team Play is illegal in New Mexico due to local restrictions, while Culture Pick, Free2Play, and Player Picks are available.
If you want to access PrizePicks Team Play from Mexico, you need to use a VPN, which makes it look like you’re accessing the website from a legal state. First, you need to choose a trusted VPN, download it, create an account, and connect to the state where this game is legal, e.g., California, Florida, or Georgia.
How to use PrizePicks in Hawaii
PrizePicks is unavailable in Hawaii because the state has strict anti-gambling rules. You can use a VPN to hide your location and access PrizePicks from another state.
Simply choose a reliable VPN, set it up on your device, and connect to any legal state like Texas or Illinois.
How to use PrizePicks in Maryland
PrizePicks’ Team Play is unavailable in Maryland due to local gambling restrictions. Other games like Culture Picks and Free2Play are fully legal.
If you want to access Team Play from Maryland, you need to have a reliable VPN. Choose the right tool with the necessary features, download it on your device, and connect to a server in Indiana, Texas, or another state where Team Play is legal.
A VPN can mask your IP address, but to make withdrawals, PrizePicks requires identity verification via SSN, ID, or other documents. If your registered address is in a state where real-money games are illegal, you’ll still be restricted from paid contests.
Is it illegal to use a VPN for PrizePicks?
It is against the terms of service to use a VPN to access PrizePicks. The platform requires that users only participate from regions where their services are legally permitted. Using a VPN to alter your location can lead to restrictions on your account, such as being unable to deposit, withdraw, or place your picks. If your device uses a VPN or a similar tool by accident, you will need to adjust your settings to restore full access to PrizePicks.
Additionally, to participate in PrizePicks gambling, you’ll need to deposit some funds. That’s only allowed after confirming your identity, for which you’ll need an ID verification. So if you use an ID from a state where PrizePicks is illegal, you won’t be able to verify your identity, and betting will be unavailable for you.
Final thoughts
Due to strict anti-gambling regulations that vary by state, some PrizePicks games are unavailable in different US locations. To access your favorite PrizePicks games, you need a reliable VPN that not only bypasses geo-restrictions but also protects your privacy.
Considering that the legality status of PrizePicks games changes often, NordVPN is the best choice – it has a variety of servers in 54 US cities, so you can be sure to access PrizePicks regardless of any new restrictions. Its fast speeds and rich security bundle only add to a smooth and safe playing experience.
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FAQ
Why do my PrizePicks say not available in your location?
PrizePicks may be unavailable in your locations due to the new anti-gambling restrictions introduced by your state. To access PrizePicks as usual, find a reliable VPN and connect to a server in a state where PrizePicks is still legal, e.g., Texas and California.
Can I use a VPN on PrizePicks?
Yes, you can technically use a VPN to access PrizePicks. A VPN makes your IP appear as if you're in a US state where it's available, bypassing restrictions. However, consider that PrizePicks’ terms of service restrict the use of VPNs. For a smooth experience, I recommend a premium VPN, such as NordVPN. It offers a reliable US server network and fast speeds.
Why won't PrizePicks let me make an account?
If you're having trouble creating an account on PrizePicks, it might be due to geographical restrictions, age requirements, or verification issues. Make sure you meet all requirements and try clearing your browser’s cache or contacting PrizePicks support for assistance.
How to bypass PrizePicks verification?
To avoid PrizePicks verification checks, you can change your virtual location to a state where gambling is legal with a VPN. However, keep in mind that using a VPN violates PrizePicks’ terms of use, which may lead to an account ban or suspension.
Do PrizePicks work outside of the US?
Yes, if you use the right VPN – I recommend NordVPN. PrizePicks is available in 31 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada, but not in Ontario due to local regulations. Players in other parts of Canada can access PrizePicks, as long as they are outside Ontario. To access PrizePicks from a restricted area, using a VPN to connect to a legal jurisdiction where the service is available is a common workaround.
Can PrizePicks detect a VPN?
Yes, PrizePicks can detect and block VPN traffic, especially from providers with overcrowded or blacklisted servers. However, using a high-quality VPN with obfuscated servers and a large US server network – like NordVPN – can help you avoid detection, maintain access, and ensure a smooth, secure connection to PrizePicks.