Best VPN for DraftKings in 2024 – play in every state
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DraftKings is a well-known platform for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and sports betting in the US, offering an array of options for sports enthusiasts. However, users in some states, including Texas, California, Florida, and Georgia, may find access restricted due to local regulations. The good news is that these barriers can be bypassed using a reliable DraftKings VPN.
In this article, I will explore the best VPNs for DraftKings and explain how to use a VPN to access DraftKings. Whether you are interested in how to use DraftKings in Texas or the best VPN for DraftKings, I will provide all the answers you need.
Best VPNs for DraftKings in 2024: shortlist
- NordVPN – overall best VPN for DraftKings in 2024
- Surfshark – fast DraftKings VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
- Norton VPN – security-focused VPN with malware protection
- TotalVPN – US-oriented VPN for sportsbook
- ExpressVPN – feature-rich VPN for DraftKings casino
How to use DraftKings with a VPN
- Get a reliable VPN with many global servers. NordVPN is our top choice, now 74% OFF
- Download the VPN to your device and create an account
- Connect to a server in a location where Sportsbook is legally available – like Colorado or Arizona
- Go to the DraftKings website and start betting without any restrictions
Why use a VPN for DraftKings?
Many states, including California, Texas, and Florida, block access to DraftKings because of licensing restrictions and gambling regulations. If you live in any of these restricted states or travel outside the US, you won’t be able to access DraftKings normally. You’re likely to encounter a message indicating that DraftKings is not available in your area:
But don’t despair – you can still play your favorite fantasy sports leagues and win big on DraftKings from anywhere by using a VPN. It works by encrypting your internet traffic and rerouting it through a server in a region where DraftKings is available. This makes it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from a different location, allowing you to access DraftKings.
Using a VPN also offers added benefits like enhanced privacy and security. It protects your online activities from being monitored and keeps your personal and financial information safe. This is particularly valuable when you're participating in online betting or any other activity where sensitive data is involved.
So, having a VPN is essentially the only way to avoid DraftKings’ geo-restrictions and enjoy this popular DFS platform.
My DraftKings VPNs recommendations - a detailed list
To find out which VPNs are the best for DraftKings, my team and I have tested 41 best VPN to find out which ones excel in unblocking the site, have the best speed, server count, and security features for the friendliest price. Our top VPN recommendation for DraftKings are NordVPN, Surfshark and Norton VPN, but here I suggest TOP 5 VPNs for DraftKings that I found to be most reliable.
I then narrowed down the list to the 5 best VPNs for DraftKings.
1. NordVPN – overall best VPN for DraftKings in in 2024
| Servers/countries: | 6800+ servers in 111 countries |
| Unblocks DraftKings: | ✅ Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | NordVPN coupon 74% OFF |
We nominated NordVPN as the best VPN for gambling and sports betting that why it my most recommended VPN for DraftKings. It offers 2219 servers in 16 US locations, making it an ideal tool to bypass geo-blocks. Plus, since it has so many US servers, NordVPN’s IP addresses rarely get detected by DraftKings. Moreover, during Cybernews NordVPN analysis tests, it retained around 90% of the original connection speed, better than all other VPNs on our list, allowing you to enjoy an uninterrupted betting experience.
NordVPN also receives top marks for security – watertight encryption to protect your private information, data leak protection, and a kill switch to hide you from digital snoops and online threats. Not to mention an independently audited no-logs policy for anonymous browsing. NordVPN has many perks, but its unmatched security made me rank this provider at the top of this list as this is exactly what users need for using DraftKings out of state. Additionally, this provider wasn’t detected by the platform, which only confirms that NordVPN is an ideal choice for anyone who’s into sports betting.
Apart from DraftKings, NordVPN effortlessly unblocks other websites as well, including FanDuel and Sportsbet. You can also use NordVPN to access geo-blocked streaming content, such as various Netflix libraries, Sky Sports, HBO Max, and more. If you’re interested in content streaming, then NordVPN is definitely a better choice than, for example, Norton VPN. So, overall, it’s excellent for expanding your entertainment selection.
And the price is quite affordable, too. You can sign up for $2.99/month and get various deals that NordVPN has to offer. Plus, you get a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try this provider entirely risk-free.
Here you’ll find in which states NordVPN has servers and what kind of betting is available:
| NordVPN servers | DraftKings Mobile and Online Sports Betting | DraftKings DFS Availability | DraftKings Online Casino Availability |
| Arizona | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Colorado | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Illinois | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Virginia | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Texas | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No |
| California | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Florida | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Utah | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No |
For more details, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – the best DraftKings VPN to share across a household
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Unblocks DraftKings: | ✅ Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Surfshark coupon 87% OFF |
Surfshark is a cheaper alternative to NordVPN to use for DraftKings, but it has less servers in the US and in our test it was slower than NordVPN. It offers over 600 servers in the US, including locations where DraftKings Sportsbook is legal, such as Arizona, Colorado, or Illinois. This means you’ll always find a suitable IP address to unblock DraftKings' sportsbook. Although Surfshark has fewer overall servers than NordVPN, 3200, it’s still more than Norton Secure VPN. Plus, I didn’t get blocked from the site, so it’s safe to say that Surfshark works well for accessing DraftKings in restricted states.
Also, Surfshark has no restrictions on how many people can connect to the protected connection, and it maintains over 86% of your initial connection speed, making it an ideal DraftKings solution. Lagging is the last thing you’d want in the sports betting field and with Surfshark, that’s rarely an issue.
Surfshark's encryption keeps your data safe, and its kill switch ensures you stay anonymous even if the VPN connection drops out. The provider follows a strict, independently audited no-logs policy, as well. Check out Cybernews in-depth Surfshark review for more information about security features.
Just like NordVPN, Surfshark is highly effective in bypassing geo-blocks. FanDuel, Sportsbet, or Barstool Sportsbook are just as accessible with Surfshark as DraftKings itself. It’s also excellent for unblocking streaming content, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
Surfshark is also one of the most affordable premium VPNs on the market. Subscription prices start at $1.99/month, and you can try it out before fully committing to the subscription due to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check if Surfshark is available in your state and what kind of betting is available:
| Surfshark servers | DraftKings Mobile and Online Sports Betting | DraftKings DFS Availability | DraftKings Online Casino Availability |
| Arizona | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Colorado | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Illinois | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Massachusetts | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Michigan | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| New York | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| North Carolina | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Texas | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No |
| California | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Florida | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Utah | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No |
| Georgia | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Missouri | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Nevada | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No |
3. Norton VPN – trustworthy VPN for sports betting with malware protection
| Servers/countries: | 5000+ servers in 28 countries |
| Unblocks DraftKings: | ✅ Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Now up to 80% OFF Norton VPN |
With Norton Secure VPN, another trustworthy provider to unblock DraftKings, you get a combination of all the basic features you need, as well as a server fleet of over 5000 servers in 28 countries, including in the US – more than enough to access DraftKings. Even though it doesn’t let you select a specific server, it automatically connects you to the fastest one, optimizing the best possible internet connection. However I feel like this could be a potential issue due to the fact that the DraftKings platform blocks certain IP addresses that are associated with the VPN pool.
Known for its Norton LifeLock antivirus suite, Norton Secure VPN also comes with useful security features – it implements strong AES-256 encryption to keep your personal data inaccessible to third-party trackers. Also, a no-logs policy to keep your activity completely private. Cybernews also reviewed Norton VPN security features if you would like to learn more about it.
Apart from bypassing DraftKings’ geo-block, Norton Secure VPN managed to unblock Max and BBC iPlayer with no major issues or buffers. However, if you’d like to watch international Netflix libraries or stream shows on Hulu, NordVPN or Surfshark would be more suitable for you.
Norton Secure VPN is an affordable option, with plans starting from $0.83/month, and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. If you choose a slightly pricier plan that includes an antivirus, you can also test Norton Secure VPN for free for 7 days.
4. TotalVPN – secure and reliable DraftKings Sportsbook VPN
| Servers/countries: | 50+ servers in 30 countries |
| Unblocks DraftKings: | ✅ Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Now up to 80% OFF TotalVPN |
TotalVPN is a good quality VPN for using DraftKings in restricted states, such as Florida, California, or Texas. While it doesn’t have impressive server network numbers like NordVPN, what TotalVPN does have is server locations in the US. Although specific cities are not disclosed, I was able to access DraftKings easily when connected to a US server.
On the plus side, coming from the best-class antivirus provider, TotalVPN takes security seriously. It uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption to secure your data and employs the latest IP and DNS leak protection technology. There’s also a functional kill switch to prevent data leaks and a strict no-logs policy to keep your activity private. In my opinion, this is exceptionally relevant when you’re trying to access DraftKings from a restricted state.
TotalVPN’s performance is quite reliable when it comes to unblocking other betting sites, like SportsBet or FanDuel. However, it might struggle with streaming services that aren’t YouTube. Though, it does maintain reliably fast speeds (retained 70% with the IKEv2 protocol) and allows for an uninterrupted browsing, streaming, and betting experience. Also, you can now get TotalVPN for just $1.59/month.
5. ExpressVPN – VPN for a lag-free betting experience
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 105 countries |
| Unblocks DraftKings: | ✅ Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | ExpressVPN coupon 82% OFF |
ExpressVPN is a combo of advanced security and great performance to unblock DraftKings. This VPN has servers distributed across 105 countries, and 3 are located in New Jersey, 4 in California, and 2 in Miami. Around 77% of base connection speed stays untouched and there are no annoying speed jumps.
As for safety, ExpressVPN uses advanced security features only. AES-256 encryption, similar to NordVPN, to protect your information, the Lightway tunneling protocol, a functional kill switch to prevent leaks, and other features ensure flawless protection and performance.
ExpressVPN is admittedly one of the most capable VPNs on the market for unblocking geo-restricted content. So, not only will you find yourself enjoying DraftKings anywhere, but you will also be able to enjoy the global Netflix catalog or other betting sites, such as BetMGM, too.
Although, ExpressVPN is one of the pricier VPNs on my list, with a starting price of $4.99/month. But, being one of the best VPNs for DraftKings, it is feature-packed to make up for it.
Comparison of VPNs to use for DraftKings
When choosing the best VPN for DraftKings, it’s important to consider server availability, particularly in the US, as well as pricing and speed retention. You can check out the table below to compare five highly recommended VPN services and make an informed decision:
| VPN provider | Our rating | Price (per month) | Number of servers | Number of US servers | Speed retention |
| NordVPN | $2.99 | 6800 | 2200+ | 90% | |
| Surfshark | $1.99 | 3200 | 600+ | 86% | |
| Norton VPN | $0.83 | 5000 | 2000+ | 80% | |
| TotalVPN | $1.59 | 50 | 50 | 70% | |
| ExpressVPN | $4.99 | 3000 | 24 locations | 77% |
How I tested VPNs for DraftKings
To select which VPNs are the best for DraftKings, I mainly checked if the service can effectively unblock the platform. Those DraftKings sportsbook VPNs that were successful were then tested in the following criteria:
- US accessibility. Since states like Florida, California, and Texas block access to DraftKings, it’s important that a VPN can get you access in those states where the platform is not restricted. So, we checked if we could connect to DraftKings in another state where you could use it.
- Privacy and security. Where there’s money involved, you need extra security. I evaluated each VPN’s security features to ensure your utmost online safety and complete privacy. The ones that could offer the most extensive protection, like personal data encryption, no user activity logging, or additional threat protection can ensure greater privacy and safety and were rated higher.
- Speed and performance. It’s important to have good network speed when engaging in Fantasy Sports. That is why we prioritized those DraftKings VPNs with excellent network speed retention and wouldn’t slow you down. Additional features like an ad blocker were also considered a plus.
I’m aware some betting sites and online gaming platform can detect VPN IP addresses. However, I find this issue only prominent with free providers. That’s why I always opt for providers that maintain an excellent reputation, employ rigorous security measures, and have a large server fleet to bypass geo-restrictions anywhere.
With that being said, my personal favorite has to be NordVPN. Not only does it offer a massive network of global servers, but also ensures the best safety and privacy measures. Since this provider has so many servers, NordVPN’s IP addresses rarely get detected.
Where is DraftKings legal?
DraftKings offers three services, namely Daily Fantasy Sports, online betting, and online casino. However, their availability differs from state to state. If you reside in a state where any of these services is unavailable, you can easily bypass location blocks by employing a reliable VPN.
DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports
Even though the regulations vary from state to state, DraftKings DFS is available in the majority of the US states with a few exceptions. Currently, you can use DraftKings DFS in all states except for Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Nevada.
If you do not live in any of these states, there’s no need to worry. You can connect to DraftKings in any of them using a VPN. A reliable VPN, like NordVPN, can effectively mask your IP address and virtual location, permitting you to engage in the sportsbook platform without changing your living area.
DraftKings online betting
You can legally bet in many states in the US. You also don’t have to be a resident of these states, however, you have to be located in it when you place your bets. That’s when a VPN helps change your virtual location for successful betting. DraftKings online betting is available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
DraftKings online casino
Online gambling is heavily restricted in the US, hence, DraftKings online casino is only available in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. If you reside outside these states, simply find a VPN with servers in the aforementioned states and join DraftKings online casino.
Is DraftKings legal in California?
Only DraftKings DFS is available in California. Online gambling is illegal in this state and the sports betting legislature is still under way. Hence, you can only indulge in DFS if you live in California.
Is DraftKings legal in Texas?
Only adult Texas residents can play DFS as long as there is no betting involved as the state bans sports betting. Hence, DraftKings Sportsbook and Casino are not available in Texas. If you want to place your bets, you have to find a VPN with servers in states where the platform is permitted.
Is DraftKings legal in Florida?
No, you can’t place bets on DraftKings Sportsbook and DraftKings Casino in Florida. Gambling is illegal in the state and sports betting is only available on the Hard Rock Bet app in Florida. Hence, the only way to access DraftKings in this state is by using a VPN to change your virtual location and mask your IP address.
How to bet on DraftKings out of state
To overcome DraftKings geo-restrictions you need to employ a VPN. This way, you can mask your IP address and trick the platform into thinking you’re betting from a location where DraftKings is available. However, to place bets on DraftKings, you will need to verify your account and confirm your identity. That won't be possible without an ID from the country where the platform is allowed to operate. That’s why spoofing your location with a VPN won’t help you if DraftKings isn’t available in your country in the first place.
- Download a VPN with many global servers. I recommend NordVPN, with 1970+ US servers
- Launch the VPN app on your device
- Connect to a server in a location where DraftKings is available, like New York, Colorado, or Tennessee
- Now you can play DraftKings fantasy sports from anywhere!
How to trick DraftKings location on iPhone
DraftKings VPN for iPhone makes unblocking fantasy sports competitions easy. Basically, connecting to a licensed region is the main task to do. Here’s how to trick DraftKings location on an iPhone:
- Choose an iOS-compatible VPN. NordVPN works best on iPhone and iPad
- Download the VPN from the Apple App Store
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in a DraftKings-friendly region (most US states)
- Good job, you're able to access your DraftKings account from anywhere!
How to unblock DraftKings on your Android device
If an Android smartphone or tablet is your preferred device for playing DraftKings fantasy sports, then these instructions will get you connected to a VPN in moments:
- Pick a VPN that works. NordVPN is a great option for Android device
- Find your VPN in the Google Play Store
- Download the VPN to your smartphone or tablet
- Launch the VPN app, create an account, and connect to a new server
- Now you’re ready to access your DraftKings account even when traveling abroad!
How to unblock DraftKings on computer (Windows/Mac)
Whether you’re on a Mac computer or a Windows PC, setting up a VPN is as simple as the following steps:
- Get a top VPN. We suggest trying NordVPN for DraftKings
- Install your chosen VPN on your Mac or Windows computer
- Create your VPN account
- Connect to a server in a location that doesn’t restrict DraftKings (a US state like New York)
- Now you can log into your DraftKings account and play fantasy sports!
Can DraftKings detect a VPN?
Yes, DraftKings can detect a VPN that cannot effectively mask your IP address. The platform uses GeoComply plugin to check and confirm user location. If it detects an IP address that’s associated with the VPN pool, the plugin immediately blocks DraftKings access to you. Only premium VPNs manage to bypass geofencing. If the VPN service is outdated, unreliable, or has insufficient security protocols, your private data can leak and your physical location identified. That’s why using a reputable and tested VPN service is important to protect your virtual identity.
A reliable VPN, like NordVPN, has strong encryption to make your IP address practically undetectable, can assign you a new IP address based on the selected server location, and keep no logs of your activity. All of these security measures ensure that you can use DraftKings unrestricted.
DraftKings VPN not working: how to fix it
If you still cannot connect to different DraftKings countries even with a VPN, your true IP address may still be getting detected. To fix it, try clearing cookies and cache. Afterward, connect to a server in the location where DraftKings is legal and log into it using a browser different from your usual one.
If you’re still encountering problems, there might be an issue with the VPN itself. You could contact customer support to resolve it, or you could switch your VPN provider. We suggest getting NordVPN, as our team has tested it with the US servers and managed to access DraftKings successfully.
Do I recommend using a free VPN for DraftKings?
No, I do not recommend using a free VPN for DraftKings as they don’t offer the features and quality you get with paid VPNs. So unblocking DraftKings with a free VPN is not going to be possible. Also, free VPNs need to generate revenue from somewhere, and they tend to do this through in-app adverts. They may even sell your data.
Premium VPNs will always be better. If you’re wary of spending money straight away, opt for a VPN that allows you to cancel your subscription after 30 days with a full refund, so you essentially get a month-long free trial.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can look forward to when using a top VPN and how much you’ll pay for a subscription after the trial ends:
- NordVPN – use a 7-day free trial when signing up on Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re happy with the service, subscriptions start from just $2.99 a month.
- Surfshark – get a 7-day free trial on mobile apps and macOS, and take advantage of a fuss-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark subscriptions start at $1.99 per month.
If you insist on using free VPN services, ProtonVPN and Hotspot Shield are the only two reliable options. However, I still wouldn’t recommend going for a free provider as they often fail to ensure decent connection speeds and privacy measures.
The bottom line
If you’re a big sports fan who likes to play in fantasy team leagues, you’ll love DraftKings. Not only can you create fantasy teams based on EPL, NFL, NBA, NHL, and more, you can compete in daily competitions to win cash prizes.
Unfortunately, DraftKings is only available in some locations, so if you find yourself in an excluded region, you won’t get access. But with a capable VPN, such as NordVPN, Surfshark or Total VPN you can unblock DraftKings from anywhere. VPNs enable you to spoof your location and get a brand new IP address in a country of your choice.
VPNs also focus on security and privacy, so you’re well protected online when your connection is encoded using modern encryption algorithms. These services are very affordable, too. Even premium options can cost no more than the price of your morning coffee.
What’s your DraftKings fantasy team looking like? Do you have any VPN questions that need answering? The comments section below is the place to let us know.
FAQ
Can I use a VPN for DraftKings Sportsbook?
Yes, you can use a VPN to access DraftKings Sportsbook regardless of your location. All you need to do is find a trustworthy VPN provider with plenty of servers to choose from. However, keep in mind that to create a DraftKings account, you’ll need to provide residency documents and if you travel to a state where sports betting is illegal, you may not be allowed to play. A reliable VPN with plenty of servers can help you bypass these issues and grant you access for secure gambling on the platform.
Can you use DraftKings Sportsbook outside the US?
DraftKings Sportsbook is live in Ontario, Canada, so you can download their app to place your bets. If you’re outside the US or Canada, you’ll have to employ a reliable no-logs VPN to connect to a server in a location where DraftKings Sportsbook is available.
Can you use DraftKings in California?
Yes, but only DraftKings California Daily Fantasy Sports. If you want to access DraftKings Sportsbook, you need a reliable VPN because sports betting is still illegal in Golden State.
Can you use DraftKings in Texas?
No, DraftKings is not legal in Texas, but you can play DraftKings in a restricted state, like Texas or Florida, by using a reliable VPN. VPNs, like NordVPN, can change your IP within seconds by helping you connect to a server in one of the unrestricted locations.
How to use DraftKings in Florida?
DraftKings Sportsbook is not allowed in Florida, but you can use the platform from outside the state using a trustworthy VPN. For example, NordVPN – my top choice for best DraftKings VPNs in 2024 – can help you connect to the platform with a server from an unrestricted state.
Does NordVPN work with DraftKings?
Yes, NordVPN does work with DraftKings. All you need to do is download the app to your device, select a subscription plan, and log in. Then find a server in a location where DraftKings is available, click connect, and start placing your bets. If the VPN is not working, try using a different browser or clearing your cache. Make sure you’re connected to a server in a state where DraftKings is available.
Comments
First, try clearing browser cookies and cache or refreshing the browser. You can also try using a different browser. If that doesn’t work, another way to solve this issue would be connecting to a different NordVPN server or contacting the provider's support and asking for a specific server list for this purpose. You can also try a different service provider. For example, Surfshark has a GPS spoofing feature for Android users, and it can help with tricking the GPS.
Please note that VPN by itself does not change the GPS data on the device, it only changes the IP address location. When it comes to DraftKings and other similar finance related activities, chances of passing lawful blocking measures can be difficult.
Hope this helps!
Your article does a good job as click bait, I’m sure, but says nothing about FUNDING the betting account. I LIVE HERE in Texas and not just visiting from one of the gambling friendly states. Even with a VPN its near impossible to use a fictitious address on a bank card. And I’m pretty sure to do so would constitute fraud. Any suggestions?
1) Delete the web browser's cookies and cache or try a different browser to access DraftKings.
2) Try switching to the newest VPN server. In the NordVPN app's search bar, after typing the country, add a hashtag at the end, and you will be able to see the numbers of the servers.
3) Try using a dedicated IP. It is a unique IP address dedicated only to you, so there are smaller chances for it to be blacklisted by various websites. You can purchase one from NordVPN.
4) With Surfshark VPN, you can additionally spoof your geolocation with the GPS override feature on your mobile device.
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