Best VPNs for theScore Bet in 2026
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theScore Bet is not authorized in 30 US states, including California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Nevada, due to state licensing restrictions.
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To access theScore Bet in a restricted location, you’ll need a reliable VPN connected to a server in a region where theScore Bet is available, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Ontario.
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Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for theScore Bet, with servers across every US state, obfuscated servers, fast speeds, and a reliable kill switch.
Important: This article explains how VPNs can help protect your connection when accessing theScore Bet, especially while traveling or switching networks. It is not legal advice or a recommendation to gamble where betting is not allowed. Always check your local laws first.
Our recommended theScore Bet VPNs
theScore Bet is available only in licensed markets, so you need a VPN with strong security and servers in places where the platform is legal. The best VPN for theScore Bet should include a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption, and a reliable kill switch to reduce the risk of leaks. A large server network is also important, since it gives you more options in states or regions where theScore Bet is legally available.
After comparing the leading options, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN stand out as the best VPNs for theScore Bet.
| VPN for theScore Bet | Rating | Best for | Server network | theScore Bet-friendly locations | Monthly price |
| 1. NordVPN | 4.9⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best overall VPN for theScore Bet | Thousands of servers in 225 locations | Virginia, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland , New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and more | From $3.49/month |
| 2. Surfshark | 4.7⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best budget VPN for theScore Bet | 4,500 servers in 100 countries | Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Colorado, Arizona. | From $2.49/month |
| 3. Proton VPN | 4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best privacy-focused theScore Bet VPN | 20,700 servers in 149 countries | Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Colorado, Michigan, Tennessee, and more | From $2.99/month |
What is theScore Bet and how does it work?
theScore Bet is an online sportsbook operated by PENN Entertainment that lets users place bets through its app and website. In the US, casino games are not offered under a separate theScore Bet Casino brand. Instead, casino content appears inside the app under the Hollywood Casino brand, and only in a few states where online casino gambling is legal.
The platform’s history can also confuse users. PENN launched Barstool Sportsbook in 2020, moved to ESPN Bet in 2023, and then migrated US users to theScore Bet in December 2025 using technology connected to its earlier theScore acquisition. That is why many bettors still search for Barstool, ESPN Bet, and theScore Bet interchangeably.
Why you may be blocked from theScore Bet
theScore Bet can legally operate in only 21 US jurisdictions and is not authorized in the other 30 states. If you are physically located in a restricted state, you may be blocked from logging in, placing wagers, or accessing parts of the app. This applies in states such as California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Nevada.
Some states restrict theScore Bet because online sports betting is not legal there. In other cases, sports betting is legal, but PENN Entertainment does not hold an active license for theScore Bet in that market.
How to access theScore Bet with a VPN
The most practical way to access theScore Bet while in a restricted location is to use a VPN. All you need to do is install a reliable gambling VPN, connect to a server in a jurisdiction where theScore Bet is available, and then open the app or website.
- Choose a reliable VPN. NordVPN is the best VPN for theScore Bet based on speed, privacy, and reliability.
- Install the VPN app on your phone, tablet, or computer and log in.
- Turn on the kill switch in settings.
- Connect to a server in a place where theScore Bet is available, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Ontario.
- Open theScore Bet and try accessing your account.
Best VPN locations for theScore Bet
The best VPN locations for theScore Bet are Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia - the US jurisdictions where theScore Bet is currently authorized.
For the best connection speeds, choose a server closest to your actual location within an authorized jurisdiction.
| theScore Bet legal state | Why it works well |
| New Jersey | One of the main regulated sports betting markets with strong server availability |
| Pennsylvania | Good choice for stable access and solid speeds |
| Ontario | Useful for users accessing the Canadian version of theScore Bet |
| Michigan | Relevant for eligible users in a regulated market |
| West Virginia | Can work well for sportsbook access in a legal jurisdiction |
If one server does not work well, switching to another server in the same location often helps.
Best VPNs for theScore Bet
For theScore Bet, a good VPN should offer fast US servers, obfuscated connections, a reliable kill switch, and strong IP and DNS leak protection for a secure and stable connection.
Based on my tests, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN performed best with theScore Bet. I was able to switch between different US servers easily, with all five delivering reliable speeds and smooth, buffer-free connections. Their security features also helped keep my connection private and protected throughout testing.
1. NordVPN - overall best VPN for theScore Bet
| Rating: | |
| Servers: | Thousands of servers in 225 locations |
| Privacy: | Audited no-logs policy, strong encryption, kill switch, and Threat Protection |
| Speed: | Excellent speed retention for smooth betting sessions |
| User-friendly: | Simple apps for desktop and mobile |
| Cost: | $3.49/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee |
NordVPN is my top VPN for theScore Bet because it combines fast, reliable connections with broad US coverage and strong privacy features. It has servers in every US state, including states where theScore Bet is available such as Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
In my testing, switching between US server locations was quick and connections stayed stable without noticeable buffering. This made NordVPN particularly useful for maintaining a smooth connection while traveling.
NordVPN's security features also helped keep my connection private while betting on theScore Bet. Its encryption protected my traffic, while the kill switch was useful as a backup because it can block internet access if the VPN connection drops, helping prevent your normal IP address from being exposed. Threat Protection adds another layer by blocking certain malicious websites, trackers, and other online threats. Together, these features gave me a fast, stable, and more private connection without sacrificing security.
Read the full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark - affordable theScore Bet VPN
| Rating: | |
| Servers: | 4,500 servers in 100 countries |
| Privacy: | audited no-logs policy, encryption, kill switch, and CleanWeb protection |
| Speed: | fast and stable for betting and casino play |
| User-friendly: | beginner-friendly apps with unlimited device connections |
| Cost: | $2.49/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee |
Surfshark is my budget pick for theScore Bet, especially if you want plenty of US server options without paying for a premium VPN. It has more than 600 US servers across 24 locations in 19 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. These locations overlap with theScore Bet's sportsbook markets, making it easy to switch between different US locations when testing your connection.
Its nearby-server options were particularly useful for keeping latency down, while its encrypted connection masked my regular IP address and helped keep my browsing private. Surfshark also offers features such as a kill switch, which can cut the internet connection if the VPN drops, helping prevent your normal IP from being exposed.
Surfshark also includes Bypasser, its split-tunneling feature, which lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which connect normally. This can be useful when you need your regular connection for location-sensitive services while keeping other traffic protected.
Compared with NordVPN, Surfshark has fewer US state locations, but its 600+ servers across 19 states still gave me plenty of choice during testing. NordVPN has broader US state coverage, while Surfshark stands out for its lower cost, unlimited simultaneous connections, and easy server switching.
Read the full Surfshark VPN review.
3. Proton VPN - secure VPN for accessing theScore Bet outside your state
| Rating: | |
| Servers: | 20,700 servers in 149 countries |
| Privacy: | Audited no-logs policy, strong encryption, kill switch, and NetShield |
| Speed: | Strong speed retention with stable long sessions |
| User-friendly: | Advanced apps with extra customization |
| Cost: | $2.99/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee |
Proton VPN is my top choice for theScore Bet if privacy and security are your priorities. It has more than 20,700 servers in 149 countries, including a broad US network, giving you plenty of options for testing connection speeds and stability. During my testing, I found its US connections in Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Colorado, Michigan, and Tennessee particularly useful for maintaining a stable connection when accessing theScore Bet from supported locations.
What really sets Proton VPN apart is its focus on privacy. AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch helped keep my connection private during theScore bet testing. The kill switch was especially useful because it automatically blocked internet traffic if the VPN connection dropped, preventing my regular IP address and DNS requests from being exposed. Proton's apps are also open source and independently audited, which adds extra transparency.
For even stronger protection, Secure Core routes your traffic through Proton-owned servers in privacy-friendly countries before connecting to your final VPN server. I found this useful when I wanted an extra layer of privacy, although it can add some latency compared with a direct connection.
Compared with NordVPN and Surfshark, Proton VPN is less focused on simply offering the largest selection of US locations and more focused on privacy and transparency. NordVPN gave me the broadest US server coverage, while Surfshark offered a lower-cost option with plenty of US locations. Proton VPN stood out when I wanted stronger privacy controls, open-source apps, and features such as Secure Core and DNS leak protection.
Read the full Proton VPN review.
Is theScore Bet legal in your state?
theScore Bet is legal only in the jurisdictions where PENN Entertainment holds an active license. It is not authorized in 30 US states, so users physically located in those states may be blocked even if they already have an account.
Restricted theScore Bet states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
TheScore Bet is currently available in these 20 US states (plus Washington, D.C.): Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Is there a theScore Bet Casino?
In the US, there is no separate theScore Bet Casino brand. Instead, PENN integrates casino content inside the sportsbook app under the Hollywood Casino name. That casino content is available only in a small number of states where online casino gaming is legal, including Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
If you are physically in one of those states, you may see a dedicated casino section in the app with games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer titles.
Can you use a free VPN for theScore Bet?
A free VPN is not the best choice for theScore Bet. Free services often have limited server options, weaker privacy protections, and slower speeds. That can lead to unstable access and a worse betting experience.
A premium theScore Bet VPN with a refund policy is usually the better option. NordVPN is the best overall theScore Bet VPN, while Surfshark is a strong budget alternative. Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free.
Final verdict
If you want the best VPN for theScore Bet, NordVPN is the strongest overall choice. It offers fast speeds, strong privacy, stable connections, and a large server network in the locations that matter most. Surfshark is the best budget-friendly option, while Proton VPN is ideal for privacy-focused users.
Important: This article explains how VPNs can help protect your connection when accessing theScore Bet, especially while traveling or using different networks. It is not a recommendation to use gambling services in places where betting is not legally permitted. Always check your local laws before using the platform.
FAQ
Is theScore bet the same as ESPN bet?
Yes. theScore Bet is the rebranded version of ESPN BET, which PENN Entertainment renamed in December 2025 after ending its U.S. sportsbook partnership with ESPN. Existing ESPN BET customers kept their accounts, balances, wagers, and login details, so theScore Bet is essentially the same sportsbook under a new name and brand.
Can you use theScore Bet in Florida?
No. theScore Bet is not currently authorized in Florida, so you cannot legally place bets through the platform while physically located there. theScore Bet currently allows wagering in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Is theScore Bet legal in Texas?
No. theScore Bet is not legal or available for sports betting in Texas. Texas does not currently permit regulated online sports betting, and theScore Bet's official list of US markets does not include Texas.
Where can I use theScore Bet?
theScore Bet is currently available for sports betting in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia in the US, as well as Ontario and Alberta, Canada. You must be physically located in an authorized state or province to place a bet, although you can log in, deposit, withdraw, and check your transaction history from elsewhere in the US or Canada.
