5 Best VPNs for Online Poker in 2025 — Play Safely Anywhere

Online poker sites can ban you if they detect you're using a VPN, even if it's just for privacy protection. You need a highly reliable VPN to avoid this and safely access your accounts.

My team and I tested 45+ VPNs to find the best choice for playing online poker. The top picks offer large, reliable server networks and strong security and privacy features to keep your data safe wherever you are. Plus, some conceal your VPN traffic or provide dedicated IP addresses so you can play online poker without being flagged for suspicious activity.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN, which most consistently worked with GGPoker, PokerStars, and WPT Global. Its server network spans 105 countries, and its speeds are impressive for poker gameplay without lag. It also uses obfuscation to avoid detection by poker sites. First-time users can test it risk-free since it's backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN for Online Poker >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Online Poker in 2025

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for Online Poker — Full Analysis (Updated in 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds To Play Online Poker Without Delays

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2025

Available on:

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we've tested, so you don't have to worry about lag ruining a high-stakes game. This is primarily due to its Lightway protocol, which is designed with less code to move data faster without compromising security. It also consumes less battery energy and is ideal for playing online poker on portable devices. During tests, nearby servers dropped our average download speed by only 3%.

With its extensive server network spanning 105 countries, ExpressVPN can safely access online poker sites from anywhere. All its servers automatically use obfuscation to avoid detection, so you can unblock WPT Global and other popular poker websites on restrictive networks like schools or offices. We had no problem playing on PokerStars, PartyPoker, and GGPoker at work.

I was able to join a table in seconds and play for hours without interruptions

Some online poker sites will suspend or ban your account if you're using a VPN to prevent location restrictions. However, it's your right to secure your connection to prevent hackers and snoops from getting their hands on your data. ExpressVPN constantly refreshes your IP address, making it harder for poker sites to pinpoint them as being associated with a VPN and thus less likely to be blocked.

The one downside to ExpressVPN is that its prices are slightly higher than other VPNs. However, you can get a 61% discount with long-term purchases, which include free months of service. Plus, all offers come with a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time users, so you can test it risk-free.

Useful Features

• Robust security features. Your data is protected by AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch (Network Lock), and IP/DNS leak protection. I tested 10 different server locations for leaks; my real IP wasn’t detected once.
• Privacy protection. ExpressVPN is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands and adheres to an independently audited no-logs policy. It also uses RAM-based servers, which wipe all your data with every reboot.
• Perfect forward secrecy. This feature refreshes your encryption key with every session so that you can put your money on the table worry-free. It makes your online activities indecipherable.
• User-friendly apps. ExpressVPN has native apps for all major devices, which only take a few minutes to install. Once you launch the app, just click the large power button to secure your connection.

2. CyberGhost — Ad, Tracker, and Malware Blocker to Keep You Safe From Malicious Content

Available on:

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Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s Block Content feature lets you maintain your A-game without annoying pop-ups. Just go to Privacy Settings and toggle on Block Content. During our tests, it successfully removed all banner and pop-up ads on Gaming Intelligence. You can also use its Smart rules feature to enable the VPN to connect automatically to a particular server whenever you open a specific online poker app.

You can also choose to enable leak protection and kill switch in privacy settings

There are also dedicated IP addresses for the US, Germany, France, the UK, and Canada as an add-on to your purchase. This is an IP address unique to you. Poker sites (and other websites) can easily see when multiple people share an IP, which can result in it getting blocked. A dedicated IP can help you avoid IP blocks imposed by poker websites and place bets securely.

CyberGhost's fast speeds also mean your poker game will run smoothly. Our speeds dropped by only 8% when testing nearby US servers, nearly as fast as ExpressVPN. In addition, there are dedicated gaming servers optimized to provide better speeds with minimal lag. You can use these servers to play online poker and avoid interruptions while placing your bets.

The only issue with CyberGhost is that its monthly plan has a short refund period and is more expensive. However, it makes up for this by providing an extended 45-day money-back guarantee with all its long-term offers. These are much more affordable.

Useful Features

• NoSpy servers. CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers offer an added layer of security. They’re directly managed by CyberGhost staff in Romania (where it’s based), eliminating the risk of third-party interference. However, you need to upgrade to access these servers.
• Automatic WiFi protection. This means that the VPN will automatically connect when it detects an unknown WiFi network. Public WiFi hotspots are common targets for hackers, so this is a great safety net to have if you play online poker on the go.
• Intuitive apps. CyberGhost's apps allow you to favorite specific servers, allowing you to quickly locate them and connect.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Tailor Your Connection for Increased Online Security or Speed on Poker Sites

Available on:

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Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA allows you to customize security settings to play online poker without delays, even on unstable networks. For example, when selecting the OpenVPN protocol, you can choose your encryption level — AES 128-bit (better speeds) or 256-bit (better security). However, Wireguard gave us the fastest average download speed at 199.30Mbps when testing nearby servers.

Smaller MTU packets can improve network stability and reduce lag

It also blocks ads, trackers, and malware on poker sites — just activate the MACE feature. With its split tunneling feature, you can select which apps use the VPN and which bypass it. This allows you to use your regular internet connection to browse local websites while securely playing online Poker with the VPN.

The one downside is that PIA is based in the US, which has strict data-sharing laws and is part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. However, none of your data gets stored or shared with third parties because PIA follows a strict no-logs policy.

You can use PIA on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, and it's one of the most economical VPNs. All purchases also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide it isn’t for you, you can easily get a full refund using its 24/7 customer support chat.

Useful Features

• Advanced kill switch. In addition to a regular kill switch, PIA offers an Advanced Kill Switch that protects your data from accidental exposure even if the VPN is disconnected.
• Multi-Hop. This feature adds an extra layer of security by sending your data through a private server and Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxies.
• Dedicated IP. Like CyberGhost, PIA also offers a dedicated IP option for a small monthly fee to reduce the risk of being flagged by poker platforms.

4. NordVPN — Special Servers To Play Online Poker Safely on Restrictive Public Networks

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s obfuscated servers conceal your VPN use so you can unblock online poker sites on public restricted networks. Some networks block VPNs, so you can’t access specific sites. For example, your work or school network might block PokerStars, even though it’s legal to use, so you’re not distracted from your work. I tested Canada and UK obfuscated servers at my library, which block gambling sites. I played PokerStars and 888Poker privately without issues.

"Fastest server" connects you to the best server for your connection

One issue I faced with NordVPN is that its Windows app takes some time to start. However, the app interface is quick and user-friendly. In addition, it offers an interactive map with server locations, and you can simply connect by dropping a pin on your desired location.

NordVPN offers 3 tiers of plans that have slightly different features, but all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The most budget-friendly option is the long-term subscriptions starting at $3.09/month.

Useful Features

• Threat Protection. Like CyberGhost and PIA’s ad-blocking tech, Threat Protection works great for blocking pop-ups.
• Great speeds. Despite the robust security measures, NordVPN maintains commendable speeds. My speeds only dropped by 10% when I tested its Montreal server, so I was able to play poker online with minimal lag.

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections Let You Play Online Poker Privately on All Your Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark offers unlimited connections on all its plans, making it a great value for money. With other VPNs, you can only connect to 5-10 devices at a time, and you need to disconnect one to use it on another. During our tests, we connected 11 devices simultaneously, including Windows laptops, Macs, and multiple mobiles, and didn’t experience any noticeable drop in performance.

It has great speeds, and I never faced any connection issues while playing poker

Similar to PIA, the biggest issue for me is the fact that it’s also headquartered in a country that’s part of a data-sharing alliance — the Netherlands. That said, Surfshark has had its server infrastructure audited, and it was proven not to store any data.

Surfshark is also affordable. Its plans start from just $1.99/month. You can try Surfshark free for 30 days using its money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Camouflage and NoBorders Mode. Surfshark's Camouflage mode automatically obfuscates your online data whenever it detects network restrictions, and NoBorders Mode displays a list of optimal servers that work best under those restrictions.
• Static IP addresses. Available in multiple locations without additional charges, these static IPs can reduce the chances of getting blocked by Poker sites.

Quick Comparison Table: Online Poker VPN Features

The best VPNs for online poker offer good speeds and a vast server network so you can safely play poker anywhere. The comparison below compares these and other notable features that you should consider before choosing your VPN.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs For Poker Sites

We followed strict criteria when selecting the best VPNs for online poker. First, we made sure each VPN was fully compatible with online poker websites and only selected VPNs with no-log policies to keep your online activities private. In addition, we only shortlisted VPNs with incredible gaming speeds and confirmed that apps were easy to install and use.

Additional Tips To Stay Safe While Playing Online Poker

Here are a few safety tips that can help you avoid getting your account banned on PokerStars or any other online poker platform:

• Withdraw regularly. Some sites flag VPN users, leading to bans and frozen funds. Frequent withdrawals help mitigate this risk.
• Enable a kill switch and leak protection. Both a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection help prevent the exposure of your location and data.
• Play on crypto-supported sites. Many poker sites restrict payments to accounts from the same region, but crypto allows secure payouts from anywhere.
• Use licensed poker sites. Always verify the site’s legitimacy and ensure it’s licensed in your region.
• Get a dedicated IP. Reduce the risk of detection and blocklisting by using a dedicated IP address not shared with other users.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Countries Where Online Poker is Legal

It's crucial to remember that the legal landscape concerning online gambling, including poker, varies significantly across countries. While we provide information about how VPNs can enhance your experience and protect your privacy while playing poker online, it's your responsibility to be aware of the laws and regulations in your country and jurisdiction.

We strongly recommend that you respect these laws and play responsibly. It's also important to note that the legality of online poker can often be subject to change depending on legislation updates, so it's always a good idea to check the current status in your specific location.

That being said, the following list shows a few countries where online poker isn't banned at the time of writing:

FAQs on the Best VPNs for Online Poker

Is online poker legal in all US states?

Different US states have different rules and laws regarding Poker. When this article was written, online poker was legal in eight states: Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan. It is also legal in some other countries.

To securely play poker online with a US IP address, you need a good US VPN. This also makes it possible to access online poker sites from anywhere without lag.

What should I do if my VPN is not working with online poker sites?

The first thing you need to do is check that your VPN has plenty of servers worldwide to enable secure access to online poker sites from anywhere. If compatibility is not an issue, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue.

• Change server location. Switching to a different server in the same or a different location can help solve the issue because sometimes an isolated server may face connection issues.
• Restart the VPN. Close and reopen the VPN to refresh the connection.
• Clear cookies and caches. Website cookies and caches can conflict with your VPN location data, so clearing these will help resolve the issue if that is the case.
• Contact VPN support. If the issue persists, contact your VPN provider's customer support for further assistance.

Is it legal to unblock poker sites with a VPN?

It depends on where you are. Laws and regulations on online gambling are constantly changing worldwide, so it’s important you make yourself aware of the rules, not only in the country you’re in but in the state or province as well. While VPNs allow you to play online poker with added security and privacy, we don’t condone using one to gamble illegally. Plus, always check out the site’s terms and conditions to avoid any potential consequences.

Can I play poker with a VPN in the UK, the US, or Australia?

Yes, but you should check local laws to be safe, as the regulations can change at any time. Online gambling is generally legal throughout the UK, and using a VPN can help you place bets privately from anywhere. As for the US, playing online poker is (at the time of writing) only legal in 8 states.

In Australia, any online gambling service must acquire a license from the government in order to operate legally in the country. The list of legal and registered sites (and the Interactive Gambling Act itself) can be found on the Australian government website, so check to ensure you’re not breaking any laws.

Will a VPN protect against DDoS attacks when playing online poker?

Yes, a VPN should protect you against DDoS attacks. These attacks happen when hackers send an overload of data to a server, causing it to fail and crash. VPN servers are designed to accommodate massive amounts of traffic since they are shared by hundreds of people at once on a normal day. If a hacker sent an overload of data to a VPN server, it just wouldn’t do anything since the server is most likely powerful enough to process it without issue.

Gambling sites are common targets for hackers — they might be trying to cause a malfunction to access personal data, or trying to ensure their own win by screwing with your connection. Playing online poker without a VPN leaves you more vulnerable to DDoS attacks.

Can online poker sites detect VPNs?

Maybe, but it depends on the VPN and its security features. If online poker sites and casinos state in their terms of service that you cannot use a VPN, they will probably use VPN detection tools. A VPN with built-in obfuscation can unblock poker sites on restricted networks without getting detected. This feature makes it harder for anyone viewing your data to flag VPN use.

Which poker sites are safe to use with a VPN?

You can safeguard your connection for playing on PokerStars, GGPoker, 888Poker, and other poker websites. You still need to be aware of their terms of service (ToS), but in any case, using a VPN is the best way to keep your bets private.

However, remember that regularly using different servers to play online poker on the same account may flag your account with suspicious activity. In such a case, dedicated IP addresses may offer better protection. These IP addresses are unique, so you can keep your data private while minimizing the risk of unfair IP address bans.

Can you get banned from online poker sites for using a VPN?

You might get banned, but it depends on the platform and the VPN you use. All the VPNs on this list work with popular poker sites without issues. Some poker sites have strict rules against using a VPN, and if you are found to breach their terms of service, you might end up with a ban and any earnings being confiscated.

Using a VPN with obfuscation can help in avoiding detection. In addition, always read up on each site’s ToS before you use a VPN to play poker online to avoid any issues.

Can I use a free VPN to play online poker?

Technically, yes, but it is not recommended. Free VPNs have many limitations, including capped data, slower speeds, and fewer servers. These constraints can lead to laggy poker gaming sessions. A premium VPN with a money-back policy is a better alternative. This is because they have robust security features and fast servers worldwide.

Get the Best VPN for Online Poker

With so many regional laws and restrictions, it’s not a huge shock that sites like PokerStars restrict the use of VPNs. While I don’t condone the use of a VPN to gamble illegally, I do think that you should be able to exercise the right to protect your privacy online, which a VPN can do.

After testing dozens of VPNs, I can say that ExpressVPN is the best option for playing online poker safely. It has a reliable global server network and fast speeds, so you don’t have to worry about being kicked out of a game for a bad connection. Its obfuscation feature can unblock poker sites on networks with VPN restrictions, like at the office. First-time users can also test it risk-free since it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, the best VPNs for online poker are…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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