Best VPN for online poker in 2026
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As of June 2026, NordVPN remains the best VPN for online poker due to its strong combination of fast speeds, reliable security, and extensive global server coverage. With thousands of servers across 224 locations, including in key poker regions, it ensures smooth, lag-free gameplay and uninterrupted tournament participation.
Online poker platforms are restricted in many countries due to local gambling regulations and licensing laws. Some poker sites block access completely, while others only allow players from specific regions.
Luckily, you can use a VPN to play online poker safely from anywhere. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, helping protect your personal data and online activity from unwanted tracking. However, while VPNs are legal in most regions, online poker laws vary by country and state, so always check your local regulations before playing.
Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for online poker due to its fast speeds, strong security, and reliable connections. Surfshark is the best budget-friendly option, while Proton VPN is a highly secure VPN for poker users who prioritize privacy. IPVanish and TotalVPN are also solid choices for accessing poker platforms safely.
Our recommended online poker VPNs
- NordVPN – overall best VPN for online poker
- Surfshark – budget-friendly online poker VPN
- Proton VPN – privacy-focused VPN to play online poker abroad
- IPVanish – online poker VPN with unlimited device support
- TotalVPN – easy-to-use VPN for online poker
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY: NordVPN is the best online poker VPN, and you can try it free for 3 days via the Google Play Store or with the 30-day money-back guarantee. During my tests, it worked reliably with popular online poker platforms, including GGPoker, PokerStars, and 888poker, providing stable connections and smooth gameplay.
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Can you use a VPN to play online poker?
Yes, you can use a VPN when playing online poker. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, which helps protect your personal information, browsing activity, and financial data from being intercepted.
That said, while VPNs are legal in most countries, online poker is regulated differently across states and regions. In the US, online poker is regulated at the state level, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) limits banks from processing payments connected to illegal gambling sites, which may result in blocked deposits or withdrawals. Before using a VPN for online poker, always check your local laws and regulations.
Online poker legal states
As of 2026, online poker is fully legal and operational in 6 US states: Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. It’s also legal in Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island, although no licensed operators are currently active in those states.
In the remaining 41 states, online poker remains unavailable. Some states are unlikely to legalize it in the near future, while others may choose to introduce regulated online poker markets over time.
Countries where online poker is legal
You can play online poker for real money in many countries worldwide, including the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Canada, the Philippines, Australia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Colombia.
However, online poker laws vary widely. Some countries fully regulate and license online poker, others allow it in a legal gray area, and some ban it altogether. Below are examples of countries where online poker is legal and regulated.
| Region | Online poker legal countries |
| Europe | The UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Norway, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Malta |
| Americas | Canada, the US (6 states), Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Panama, Costa Rica |
| Asia-Pacific | India, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand |
| Africa | South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, |
Availability can also depend on the poker site and the licenses it holds. For example, PokerStars operates legally in the UK but not in the Netherlands, where it doesn’t have a local KSA license.
How to play online poker with a VPN
- Get a reliable VPN. I recommend using NordVPN, now 75% OFF
- Download the VPN app
- Connect to a VPN server in a location where online poker is legal (like Canada)
- Open your online poker site and start playing
Best VPNs for online poker
For a VPN to work reliably for online poker, it needs strong security features, solid privacy protections, fast connection speeds, and fair pricing. After testing multiple providers, I identified five options that consistently perform well as a VPN for online poker.
1. NordVPN – best VPN to play online poker from anywhere
| Rating: | |
| Servers/countries: | Thousands of servers in 224 locations |
| Cryptocurrency payments: | Yes |
| Works with: | PokerStars, 888poker, partypoker, BetOnline, GGPoker, IDNPoker, Americas Cardroom |
| Speed retention rate: | 86% |
| Current deal: | Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is my top pick for the best VPN for online poker, due to its extensive server network in 224 locations, excellent security features, and fast speeds. It had no trouble unblocking PokerStars on a UK server and worked seamlessly with BetMGM when connected to a US server.
Unblocking. NordVPN has servers in all US states where online poker is legal, including Nevada, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maine, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island, as well as in poker-friendly countries like the UK, Portugal, Bulgaria, France, Canada, and Australia. Each location offers multiple servers, so if a poker site flags a specific IP address, you can quickly switch to another in the same region or move to a backup location like Canada or Ireland. In my testing, it reliably unblocked major platforms, including PokerStars, 888poker, partypoker, BetOnline, GGPoker, IDNPoker, and Americas Cardroom.
Security. NordVPN is an extremely secure online poker VPN. It uses advanced AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption protocols, offers secure tunneling protocols, and has a reliable kill switch. During my testing, I also used NordVPN’s obfuscated servers, which helped hide VPN usage and provided me with better protection. You also get Onion over VPN servers and Double VPN for added security, but I found they cause quite significant speed drops.
Privacy. NordVPN is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, and the provider has no requirement from the government to collect information related to your online activities. The provider has been audited multiple times by PwC and Deloitte to prove these claims. I also found that NordVPN’s browser extension includes location-spoofing, which helped me mask my real location while playing online poker.
Online poker networks like PokerStars, GGPoker, and 888poker use strict anti-VPN detection systems. If you use a standard VPN server, you’re sharing the same IP address with hundreds of other users, which increases the chances of it getting detected and blocked. Luckily, NordVPN offers a dedicated IP option, which can help reduce this issue. The only downside is that it costs an additional $5.39/month.
Speeds. NordVPN offers lightning-fast speeds thanks to NordLynx, a proprietary VPN protocol. During our in-house NordVPN tests, we found it to retain around 86% of initial connection speeds. I was able to enjoy PokerStars and other platforms without lag.
Price. NordVPN is the best VPN for online poker, starting at $3.49/month and including a 3-day free trial. You can also test it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It unblocks poker sites worldwide with servers in poker legal US states, Canada, and France, while offering fast speeds and strong privacy.
2. Surfshark – affordable VPN for online poker with unlimited connections
| Rating: | |
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Cryptocurrency payments: | Yes |
| Works with: | PokerStars, 888poker, partypoker, BetOnline, GGPoker, IDNPoker |
| Speed retention rate: | 80% |
| Current deal: | Now up to 85% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark stands out as the best budget-friendly VPN for playing poker online, delivering strong performance and security. Starting at just $2.49/month, you unlock a fleet of over 4,500 servers in 100 countries, including Canada, the UK, and Germany, where online poker is legal.
Unblocking. Surfshark has servers in 2 US states where online poker is legal, Michigan and Nevada. I tested its Michigan server and was able to instantly access PokerStars and IDNPoker while maintaining fast, stable speeds. It also offers a large global server network in countries where online poker is legal, including Germany, Portugal, and Mexico. I connected through its German server and accessed GGPoker on the first try, with no interruptions throughout the session.
Security. With Surfshark, you get a reliable kill switch, an ad and malware blocker called CleanWeb, and obfuscated servers that hide the fact you’re using a VPN. For $3.75/month, you can also get yourself a dedicated IP address. Online poker platforms often detect and ban users who connect from the same VPN IP addresses. A dedicated IP address belongs to you only, and your chances of being spotted are lower. Surfshark also offers static IP addresses, which provide consistent IP use but are shared among multiple users.
Privacy. During our in-house Surfshark analysis, together with my colleagues, I found that it collects no information related to your online activities, or at least that’s what it claims. You can also use Surfshark’s browser extension, which includes a geo-spoofing feature to help mask your real location more effectively. Although Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine Eyes alliance, it has been independently audited, confirming the claims of the no-logs policy.
Speeds. You can enjoy your Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hold’em, and other poker games completely glitch-free. All of this is thanks to the WireGuard protocol, one of the speediest tunneling protocols available today. While it’s not as fast as NordVPN’s modern NordLynx protocol, while playing online poker games, Surfshark retained 80% of its initial connection speeds. To learn more about the differences between Surfshark vs NordVPN, check out our full comparison.
Price. Surfshark is the top budget VPN for online poker, starting at just $2.49/month, including a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It easily unblocked PokerStars and IDNPoker using Michigan servers in my tests, delivered fast and stable speeds, and used obfuscated servers to help mask VPN activity and reduce detection.
3. Proton VPN – privacy-friendly VPN for online poker
| Rating: | |
| Servers/countries: | 20,300+ servers in 148 countries |
| Cryptocurrency payments: | Yes |
| Works with: | PokerStars, 888poker, partypoker, BetOnline, GGPoker, Americas Cardroom |
| Speed retention rate: | 81% |
| Current deal: | Get up to 70% OFF Proton VPN |
Proton VPN is a strong online poker VPN focused on privacy and security, offering strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and secure core servers. With over 20,300 servers in 148 countries, including Canada, Mexico, and other countries where online poker is legal, Proton VPN easily provides access to geo-restricted content, including online poker platforms.
Unblocking. I had great success accessing BetOnline using Proton VPN’s US server. I also got into partypoker, GGPoker, and Americas Cardroom on the first try without changing any settings. PokerStars was a bit stricter, and I had to reconnect a few times before getting access, but it only took one click each time. Proton VPN has servers in poker-legal states like Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, as well as countries like India, Finland, and South Africa. Its large server network meant I could always find an IP that wasn’t flagged.
Security. Strong security measures ensure that your data stays safe while playing poker online. Proton VPN employs the industry-standard AES-256 encryption algorithm. Stealth mode is Proton VPN’s obfuscated server, which hides the fact that you’re using a VPN when enabled. In addition, Proton VPN provides plenty of additional security features, such as Secure Core and NetShield. Unfortunately, dedicated IP addresses are only available to business users.
Privacy. Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, Proton VPN follows a strict no-logs policy. Simply put, it doesn’t collect any data regarding your online activity, such as the websites you visit or the amount of time you spend on those websites. In addition, Proton VPN has been audited by Securitum, a third-party penetration testing company.
Speeds. Proton VPN employs various VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP or UDP variant), IKEv2/IPsec, and a proprietary Stealth protocol. During our Proton VPN tests, the provider retained 81% of the original internet speed, showing great overall performance. This allowed me to play online poker without any delays.
Price. Proton VPN is the best VPN for secure online poker, offering a free plan with access to 10 server locations and paid plans starting at $2.99/month. It includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and reliably unblocks poker platforms on servers both inside and outside the US, while maintaining strong privacy and security.
4. IPVanish – online poker VPN with great features
| Rating: | |
| Servers/countries: | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries |
| Cryptocurrency payments: | No |
| Works with: | PokerStars, BetOnline, GGPoker, Betway Poker, IDNPoker, 888poker |
| Speed retention rate: | 69% |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish allows you to play online poker from anywhere in the world. It not only offers servers in multiple Canadian cities, but also quite a few different European locations where online poker is legal.
Unblocking. IPVanish has servers in two US states where online poker is legal: Michigan and Nevada. I was able to access Bovada using its Detroit server, though the Las Vegas server didn’t work for me. It also offers servers in Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands. Using those, I was able to unblock PokerStars, which worked right away without any issues.
Security. When it comes to IPVanish security, you get plenty of features to enhance your online privacy and stay safe while playing poker online. The auto-connect feature worked reliably, connecting me to a VPN instantly without me having to do anything. The kill switch kept me protected if the connection dropped, while split tunneling let me choose which apps used the VPN and which stayed on a regular connection. IPVanish also includes traffic obfuscation, which helps hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.
Privacy. IPVanish is based in the United States, which is part of the international intelligence-sharing alliances known as Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. That means it’s located in a country that may legally require data sharing. However, IPVanish claims to follow a strict no-logs policy and only collects basic information like your email address and billing details. On the downside, unlike NordVPN and Surfshark, IPVanish doesn’t offer the option to purchase dedicated IP addresses for added privacy.
Speeds. As for tunneling protocols, IPVanish uses WireGuard, which delivers a great balance of speed and security. During our in-house tests, IPVanish retained 69% of the initial connection speeds, which was slower than competitors.
Price. IPVanish is an affordable, easy-to-use VPN for online poker, starting at $2.19/month with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It successfully unblocked sites like PokerStars, BetOnline, and Bovada using servers in Detroit and Berlin. However, speeds were slower than competitors and occasionally caused lag.
5. TotalVPN – easy-to-use online poker VPN
| Rating: | |
| Servers/countries: | 1,800+ servers in 90 countries |
| Cryptocurrency payments: | No |
| Works with: | PokerStars, BetOnline, GGPoker, Betway Poker, IDNPoker, 888poker |
| Speed retention rate: | 85% |
| Current deal: | Now up to 80% OFF TotalVPN |
TotalVPN is a decent option for online poker. While it only has around 1,800 servers across 90 countries, including Canada and Mexico, TotalVPN can bypass most geo-restrictions and allow you to play online poker anywhere. Most importantly, TotalVPN is part of a cybersecurity suite and provides plenty of tools to help you stay safe online.
Unblocking. TotalVPN has a much smaller server network than competitors on this list, but it still offers servers in US states where online betting is legal, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. I was able to unblock 888poker using its server in Denmark without any issues. Its US servers were less reliable for me, though, and often triggered VPN detection errors. Because of that, I’d recommend using one of TotalVPN’s international servers instead.
Security. Like every other VPN provider on my list, TotalVPN employs the AES-256 encryption algorithm to secure your data. As for security features, TotalVPN includes the basics – a kill switch and DNS leak protection. These features helped keep my real location hidden from poker sites at all times, even if the VPN connection dropped unexpectedly, which made access more reliable. Since it’s part of a cybersecurity bundle, each subscription includes the TotalAV antivirus and the Total AdBlock ad blocker.
Privacy. TotalVPN is based in the UK, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance. Nonetheless, TotalVPN doesn’t keep logs, or at least that’s what it claims. The provider hasn’t been audited, so it’s impossible to know for sure.
Speeds. Our research team's in-house TotalVPN tests showed that TotalVPN retained 76% of the original internet speed. While slower than NordVPN or Surfshark, TotalVPN maintains good speeds, and you shouldn’t run into any major connection issues.
Price. TotalVPN is the cheapest VPN for online poker on our list, starting at just $1.59/month, though it doesn’t offer a free trial. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can still test the service. In my tests, it successfully unblocked sites like 888poker when connected to its Denmark server. However, its US servers struggled more often, with poker sites frequently detecting the VPN connection.
Best online poker VPN comparison
| VPN | Rating | Best for | Unblocks poker sites | Traffic obfuscation | Dedicated IP address option (separately) | Servers | Simultaneous connections | Cheapest monthly price | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | Overall best VPN for online poker | ✅ Yes, PokerStars, 888poker, partypoker, BetOnline, GGPoker, IDNPoker, Americas Cardroom | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Thousands of servers in 224 locations | 10 | $3.49/month | ✅ Yes, 3 days | |
| 2. Surfshark | Affordable VPN for multiple devices | ✅ Yes, PokerStars, 888poker, partypoker, BetOnline, GGPoker, IDNPoker | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries | Unlimited | $2.49/month | ✅ Yes, 7 days | |
| 3. Proton VPN | Secure and private access | ✅ Yes, PokerStars, 888poker, partypoker, BetOnline, GGPoker, Americas Cardroom | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (only for business clients) | 20,300+ servers in 148 countries | 10 | $2.99/month | ✅ Yes, unlimited free version | |
| 4. IPVanish | Good online poker access and useful features | ✅ Yes, PokerStars, BetOnline, GGPoker, Betway Poker, IDNPoker, 888poker | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries | Unlimited | $2.19/month | ✅ Yes, 7 days | |
| 5. TotalVPN | Affordable online poker access | ✅ Yes, PokerStars, BetOnline, GGPoker, Betway Poker, IDNPoker, 888poker | ❌ No | ❌ No | 1,800+ servers in 90 countries | 8 | $1.59/month | ❌ No |
Tips for playing online poker safely
Here are a few safety tips that can help you avoid getting your account banned on PokerStars or any other online poker platform:
- Turn on the VPN first. It’s essential that you connect to a VPN before opening PokerStars or any other online poker app or website. This way, the site won’t detect an IP address change.
- Use a dedicated IP address. If possible, purchase a dedicated IP address from a VPN provider. This ensures you’re the only one using it, and the online gambling platform won’t ban you.
- Withdraw often. It’s better not to keep large funds in your account in case it gets frozen. Withdraw your money as often as possible so that you receive it before the site notices the VPN use.
- Enable the kill switch. It’s dangerous to accidentally expose your real location while playing poker online. That’s why I advise you to use a VPN with a good kill switch that shuts down your internet connection in case the VPN connection is lost.
- Use anonymous payment methods. When it comes to hiding your real location, it’s a good idea to use payment methods that don’t reveal any personal information, such as cryptocurrencies.
Can online poker sites detect VPNs?
Yes, it’s possible for online poker sites to detect VPN usage. Online poker pages might see a surge of identical IP addresses, which occurs when many people use the same VPN server to play at the same time.
It’s also possible for a website to recognize an IP address that is known to belong to a certain VPN provider. Sometimes, a page might ban all the IP addresses associated with a single VPN. This often happens with free VPNs that are used by a lot of people.
Luckily, you can lessen your chances of being caught using a reliable and secure VPN like NordVPN.
Why is online poker blocked in certain countries?
Whether you can legally play online poker in your country depends on the local laws. Some countries have completely or partially banned real money games due to numerous reasons. These can vary from religious beliefs (like in the UAE) to the inability to ensure fair gambling regulations:
- Local laws. Some countries introduce strict bans or regulations for online poker to protect citizens from the potential harms of addiction and financial ruin. In terms of religion-based regulations, governments may conclude that poker goes against their religious doctrine.
- Local poker industry protection. If a country has an established domestic poker industry that significantly contributes to the local economy, the government may regulate the residents' access to online poker sites to protect that industry.
- Tax issues. Some countries do not want to deal with the complications of taxing international online gambling operators. Instead of working out unique conditions and regulations, they ban online poker to avoid the matter altogether.
- Money laundering and fraud prevention. Online poker sites can be exploited for money laundering. Some countries block online poker sites to reduce the risk.
Due to these and other reasons, you cannot gamble via PokerStars or other online poker sites if you have an IP address in countries like Australia, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, Nigeria (including real money, freemium, and play money activity), Pakistan, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, and most of the US.
Luckily, a reliable VPN can provide you with a foreign IP address. That said, I strongly suggest that you thoroughly check out your country’s stance on gambling first.
Please note that while we advocate for internet freedom, we do not condone illegal activities.
How to play online poker in Australia?
Online poker has been heavily restricted in Australia since the Interactive Gambling Amendment Act took effect in 2017. The law forced many major poker operators to leave the country, including PokerStars and 888poker, because offering real-money online poker to Australian residents became illegal. While live poker remains legal in casinos, Australians have very limited access to licensed online poker platforms.
Because of these restrictions, most Australian players access international poker sites through a VPN connected to a nearby poker-friendly country. Singapore servers usually offer the best balance of speed and stable connections from Australia.
Here’s a quick guide on how to play online poker in Australia:
- Choose a reliable VPN with servers in nearby countries where poker is legal. I recommend Surfshark, now 85% OFF
- Download and install the app on your device
- Launch the app and connect to a nearby poker-legal server, for example, in Singapore
- Open your preferred online poker site and start playing
How to play online poker in California?
California has never legalized or regulated online poker at the state level. Despite multiple legislative attempts over the years, lawmakers and tribal gaming groups haven’t reached an agreement on how online poker should operate. As a result, there are currently no state-licensed poker sites available to California residents.
To access online poker platforms, many Californian players use a VPN to connect through a US state where online poker is legal or through international poker-friendly regions. Servers in Nevada are the most popular and reliable option for California players due to low latency and access to major poker networks.
Here’s how you can play online poker in California:
- Pick a trusted VPN with fast servers. I recommend Proton VPN, now 70% OFF
- Install it on your device and log in
- Connect to a nearby state like Nevada for better routing
- Launch your poker site and start playing
How to play online poker in NY?
New York doesn’t currently regulate online poker, although lawmakers have introduced several bills attempting to legalize it in recent years. Since no bill has passed yet, there are no officially licensed online poker operators based in the state.
That means if you’re from New York and want access to international poker sites, you’ll have to use a VPN. Nearby Canadian servers, especially in Montreal or Toronto, are ideal because they provide fast speeds and stable gameplay from New York.
Here’s how you can play poker online in New York:
- Download a reliable VPN such as NordVPN, now 75% OFF
- Install and open the application
- Connect to a server where poker is legal, for example, Detroit or Toronto
- Open any poker site and start playing normally
How to play online poker in Florida?
Florida allows some forms of gambling, including tribal casino gaming and poker rooms, but online poker itself remains unregulated. The state hasn’t passed legislation allowing licensed online poker operators, so residents don’t have access to legal in-state poker apps or websites.
As a result, players often turn to VPN services to access offshore poker platforms safely and consistently. Servers in Canada or the Netherlands are often the best options for Florida, because many international poker sites operate smoothly there.
Follow these steps to play online poker in Florida:
- Install a trusted VPN with global servers
- Open the app and connect to a nearby country server
- Clear your browser cache and cookies if you’re playing on a browser
- Open any online poker site and start playing
How to play online poker in Texas?
Online poker isn’t legal in Texas, and the state maintains some of the strictest gambling laws in the US. Texas has never introduced regulated online poker markets, and most forms of gambling remain prohibited outside of limited exceptions.
Because there are no legal poker sites based in Texas, players who want to access online poker generally do so by routing their connection through a VPN. Mexico and Canada are both common choices, though Canadian servers usually provide more reliable poker access and better speeds.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play online poker in Texas:
- Download a reliable VPN
- Install and launch the app
- Connect to a server in a country where poker is legal, such as Canada
- Clear the cache and cookies of your browser
- Start playing poker safely
Is it safe to play poker online with a VPN?
Playing poker online using a VPN is generally considered to be safe. However, there are a few risks you could potentially face. Whether you want to use a VPN to play at 888poker, PokerStars, GGPoker, or another online poker website, here’s what you should consider:
- Account bans. Accounts can be banned if an online poker website specifically states that VPN usage is not allowed, and you use a VPN server to access it. Some VPNs, like NordVPN or Surfshark, implement IP address leak protection and server obfuscation techniques to hide the fact that a VPN is used. However, they don't always work.
- Loss of winnings. If you win money while gambling online, you may be required to prove your identity to withdraw the winnings. To make sure you can claim your money, consider starting with small withdrawals to test if identification is required. Also, withdraw funds regularly.
- Fines and penalties. Depending on where you live, just using the VPN could be considered illegal. Depending on the online poker website and where it’s based, you could also face legal consequences for accessing it using prohibited means. In extreme cases, you could face fines and even jail time.
Consider your country’s stance on online poker and VPNs carefully, as some regions are stricter than others regarding restrictions.
Is VPN allowed on online poker sites and apps?
Some online poker sites and apps explicitly prohibit the use of VPNs as a means to bypass geographical restrictions. Others are more vague and indicate that any kind of manipulation – including the manipulation of your actual geographical location – could be prohibited.
In either case, using a VPN could be considered a breach of legal agreements and lead to account suspension or loss of winnings. For example, GGPoker explicitly prohibits the use of VPNs in its Security and Ecology Policy. The platform lists VPNs, proxies, and other tools that mask a user’s location as prohibited auxiliary services. Using such tools is considered a violation of their terms and may result in account suspension, restriction, or termination.
Overall, when it comes to using a VPN for general online security, online poker sites prohibit the manipulation of geographical location. Thus, before you join a new online poker or gambling platform, it’s a good practice to review specific terms and conditions and proceed with caution.
Popular online poker in 2026
Online poker laws in the US are complicated. While many major poker sites are headquartered offshore and operate internationally, access for US players depends heavily on state laws and licensing agreements.
A handful of states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada, regulate and license online poker locally. At the same time, some offshore poker sites continue to accept US players in states where online poker isn’t explicitly regulated. Because of this fragmented system, availability can vary significantly depending on where you live.
The table below highlights some of the most popular online poker sites in 2026, including their headquarters and accessibility to US players.
| Poker website | Headquarters | US states where the poker site is legal | Guide on safely unblocking the poker site |
| PokerStars | Onchan, Isle of Man | Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania | How to play PokerStars in the US |
| GGPoker | North York, Ontario, Canada | Not fully regulated in the US. Available in limited form through WSOP partnerships in Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania | How to play GGPoker in the US |
| Betfair | London, UK | Not available for real-money online poker in the US | How to play Betfair from anywhere |
| Ignition casino | Operates offshore, commonly linked to Curaçao | Not state-licensed; offshore play is generally accessible in states except Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Maryland | How to play Ignition Casino securely |
| Bovada | Operates offshore, commonly linked to Curaçao | Not state-licensed; accessible in Maine | How to unblock Bovada with a VPN |
| Stake | Willemstad, Curaçao | Not state-licensed; accessible in Maine | How to use Stake in the US |
| 888poker | Gibraltar | Nevada, Delaware, Michigan | How to play 888poker |
| partypoker | Isle of Man | New Jersey | |
| BetOnline | Panama City, Panama | Available in most US states as an offshore site | |
| IDNPoker | Manila, Philippines | Not officially available in the US | |
| Americas Cardroom | San José, Costa Rica | Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island | |
| Betway Poker | Gżira, Malta | New Jersey |
Wrapping up
You can still play online poker even if the platform is unavailable in the country or state you’re in. A reputable poker VPN can help you secure your connection and change your location in seconds, giving you unrestricted access.
Based on our in-house tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for online poker for its fast speeds, robust security, and reliable unblocking. Surfshark came out as a close second for its affordable pricing and useful features, while Proton VPN stood out for its top-notch privacy and security.
FAQ
Can you play online poker with a VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN to play online poker. A VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions and maintain online security, but it's crucial to note that some poker websites prohibit VPN usage. Using a VPN against their terms of service may result in account suspension.
What is the best VPN for online poker?
NordVPN is the best VPN for online poker because it offers plenty of locations that are suitable for unblocking online poker websites. Aside from online poker, NordVPN has lots of other uses, like unblocking a myriad of streaming platforms and even online ads.
Is it legal to use a VPN to play online poker?
It’s generally legal to use a VPN for privacy and security reasons. However, using a VPN to change your location or to play in a country or state where online poker is restricted is illegal. Usually, using a VPN is also against the poker website's Terms of Service. If the poker site finds out that you are using a VPN to unblock the site from a restricted location, it can ban your account and refuse to pay out any winnings.
What is the safest way to use a VPN to play online poker?
The safest way to use a VPN to play online poker is to choose a reputable VPN with an audited no-logs policy, like NordVPN or Surfshark, enable the kill switch, and follow the poker site’s terms and local laws.
How to use a VPN to play online poker?
To play online poker using a VPN, all you have to do is connect to a server in a country where the poker site of your choice is available. By changing your IP address, the VPN tricks the poker site into thinking that you’re physically in the location where the server is based. This way, you can access the account.