PokerStars is a leading online gambling platform offering betting enthusiasts a chance to test lady luck. But like countless other platforms facilitating such activities, PokerStars is geographically restricted in most US states and other countries. Luckily, you can use a VPN for PokerStars to bypass senseless restrictions.
With a VPN, you can connect to any PokerStars-friendly country nearby and gamble as if you were there. Additionally, a reliable poker VPN will keep your precious data secure and your information private.
Hence, we selected the Top 5 VPNs to unblock PokerStars app in the US and elsewhere. Plus, below, you’ll learn where PokerStars is legal and how to play it on any smart device.
5 Best VPNs for PokerStars: shortlist
- Best VPN for PokerStars casino9.7
- PokerStars VPN with infinite connections9.5
- Cheap VPN to unblock PokerStars App9.2
- Reliable PokerStars USA VPN8.7
- Cheap VPN that lets you play PokerStars8.5
How to play PokerStars with a VPN
- Subscribe to a secure and private VPN. We recommend NordVPN, available for 68% off
- Download the VPN app on your device
- Log in and connect to a country that doesn’t restrict PokerStars, such as Canada
- Get the PokerStars application
- Sign into your account and hop into a Cash Game lobby!
Why do you need a VPN for PokerStars?
The main reason why you need a PokerStars VPN is because the platform is blocked in the US. Most states have strict online betting laws, so accessing PokerStars Casino is impossible. Nevertheless, you can get a VPN for gambling that will change your location and finally let you play on PokerStars.
Furthermore, PokerStars and other gambling sites keep a lot of precious information, which is often targeted by malicious actors. If hackers or snoopers get ahold of your data, the consequences might be dire. Thankfully, the best VPN can encrypt your data and hide important credentials. That way, malicious actors will have a really hard time taking advantage of you.
Whether gambling, streaming, torrenting, or browsing, your internet service provider (ISP) might throttle your bandwidth. They do so to prevent congestion on their servers. But when you use a VPN, they can’t see what you are up to. That means you’ll get to enjoy the full speed.
Best VPN services to play PokerStars
- NordVPN – best VPN that lets you play PokerStars in the US
- Surfshark VPN – service that can avoid PokerStars VPN detection
- Atlas VPN – free VPN for PokerStars
- ExpressVPN – PokerStars casino VPN with excellent speeds
- CyberGhost – private & secure VPN for PokerStars
Below, you’ll find the Top 5 PokerStars US VPNs. All of them can bypass geo-blocks and give you access to the platform in the USA and other countries. Moreover, the best providers offer mandatory security features, strict no-logs policies, and heaps of features that will make your gambling experience smoother.
1. NordVPN – top PokerStars VPN
60
5700
24/7 live chat, Email
- NordLynx-powered performance
- Independentely-audited & secure
- Great for streaming, P2P, online gaming
- No router applet
The best VPN for PokerStars US is NordVPN, by far. It operates from Panama, boasts a certified zero-logs policy, and has robust features. And if that’s not enough, all standard servers run on RAM modules instead of hard drives.
A subscription to this provider nets you access to 5700+ servers in 60+ countries. Moreover, some of these servers are in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where PokerStars is legal. Furthermore, the service is insanely fast due to the proprietary NordLynx protocol, so you won’t have to worry about poor connectivity and lagging.
As for NordVPN functionality, there are plenty of perks. Obfuscated servers hide all VPN traffic, which is helpful in countries that ban this technology. Another is Double VPN, which makes you virtually untraceable by routing traffic through two servers. Lastly, getting a dedicated IP (US, UK, FR, NL, DE) is an option – it raises less suspicion as only you can use it.
With 6 simultaneous connections and other valuable features, NordVPN will easily help you avoid PokerStars VPN detection. And you can get it with a massive 63% discount if you use the NordVPN discount coupon.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – PokerStars app VPN with RAM-only hardware
100
3200
24/7 live chat, FAQ
- Top-notch speed thanks to WireGuard
- Great for bypassing restrictions
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Unaudited no-logs policy
Playing PokerStars with VPN will be easy if you choose Surfshark VPN. The 3200+ servers in 100+ countries strong fleet is more than enough to fulfill all PokerStars USA needs. Not to mention, you’ll find the UK, the Netherlands, and plenty of other gambling-friendly locations. One of the best things about this service is its unlimited simultaneous connections.
Moreover, the ultra-fast WireGuard protocol and Nexus technology will ensure that no untimely lag will ruin virtual casino games at the most inopportune moments. Plus, surveillance-wary folk will be happy all hardware is RAM-only. Thus, no one will know about your online activities.
Feature-wise, Surfshark packs a punch. You can shield yourself with an extra layer of security by using the MultiHop (double encryption) and CleanWeb (malware-protection) features. Then there are Camouflage and NoBorders modes. They hide VPN usage and bypass even the strictest firewalls in mere seconds.
So, bypass PokerStars restrictions and enjoy unlimited gambling possibilities with Surfshark. At the moment, you can get it with a massive 82% discount. But remember to use the Surfshark coupon to get the VPN cheaper.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. Atlas VPN – Free PokerStars VPN with servers in the Netherlands
42
1000
Email, tickets, FAQ
- WireGuard tunneling protocol
- Excellent free version
- Infinite connections
- No router firmware
Atlas VPN is an affordable VPN for playing PokerStars. It also offers an amazing free version with US and Netherlands servers. However, with premium, you’ll get 1000+ pieces of hardware in 42+ countries. You’ll find some servers in New Jersey, one of the few states that allow online gambling.
On top of that, the provider utilizes the WireGuard tunneling protocol to ensure the best speeds and connectivity. To keep you safe, Atlas VPN offers the SafeBrowse feature that fends off ads, trackers, and malware. Moreover, you can use MultiHop+ to route your traffic through 2 servers for more privacy.
Bypassing geo-blocks will be easy. And apart from accessing betting sites, you’ll have more things to watch on various streaming services. The icing on the cake – Atlas VPN has no device limit, so you can use it on as many gadgets as you want.
Thus, you can try accessing PokerStars Casino with the free version of Atlas VPN. Or you can instantly get a more reliable premium version, which is 85% cheaper. All you have to do is use the Atlas VPN discount coupon.
For a deeper investigation of Atlas VPN, read our Atlas VPN review.
4. ExpressVPN – versatile PokerStars USA VPN
94
3000
24/7 live chat, email
- Threat Manager
- Diverse server fleet
- Great at bypassing geo-restrictions
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
Among the best VPNs to play online poker is ExpressVPN. Thanks to excellent geo-block bypassing capabilities and thousands of servers in 94+ countries, it will easily unblock PokerStars. Plus, using the stealth servers will help you avoid detection and other problems. And you can forget about lagging and other speed-related issues with the Lightway tunneling protocol.
When it comes to safety, ExpressVPN provides AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP & DNS leak protection. Moreover, Threat Manager will protect you against malicious ads, viruses, and rootkits. Privacy-wise, this provider is registered in the privacy-respecting British Virgin Islands and has a cour-proven zero-logs policy.
While you only get 5 simultaneous connections, that won’t be much of a problem. ExpressVPN offers a router applet, so you can easily set up the VPN on your networking devices. Plus, you’ll get easy-to-use apps for all major OS.
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for bypassing restrictions on PokerStars. Nevertheless, the subscriptions are pretty expensive. Luckily you can get a special ExpressVPN coupon and get a plan 49% cheaper.
For a deeper investigation of ExpressVPN, read our ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost – PokerStars app VPN with RAM-only hardware
91
9700
24/7 live chat
- Top-notch speed thanks to WireGuard
- Specialized servers
- Great for bypassing restrictions
- Only 7 simultaneous connections
To bypass PokerStars Casino restrictions in the US, you can use CyberGhost. It’s a cheap yet effective VPN that will give you access to 9700+ servers in 91+ countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico, etc. Moreover, there are a bunch of specialized servers for the best speeds and connectivity.
Talking about speeds, you won’t have to worry about lags thanks to the super-swift WireGuard tunneling protocol. Plus, you can play poker online on almost any smart device, as CyberGhost is compatible with all major OS. And if 7 simultaneous connections are not enough, you can always set up the VPN on your router.
In terms of safety, you’ll get all essential security features and Content Blocker, which will prevent obnoxious ads. Additionally, the independently-audited zero-logs policy will keep your online activities secret. You can also use the NoSpy servers to boost your anonymity online.
CyberGhost is an excellent VPN choice for PokerStars. Currently, you can get it with a 84% discount if you use our special CyberGhost coupon.
For a deeper investigation of CyberGhost, read our CyberGhost review.
Best Pokerstars VPN: Comparison
| Provider | NordVPN | Surfshark VPN | Atlas VPN | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost |
| Works with PokerStars | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Based in | Panama | Netherlands | USA | British Virgin Islands | Romania |
| No-logs policy | Yes, independently-audited | Yes, independently-audited | Yes | Yes, court-proven | Yes, independently-audited |
| Stealth VPN | Yes, obfuscated servers | Yes, Camouflage mode | No | Yes | No |
| Dedicated IP option | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Servers | 5700+ servers in 60+ countries | 3200+ servers in 100+ countries | 1000+ servers in 42+ countries | Thousands of servers in 94+ countries | 9700+ servers in 91+ countries |
| Best deal | 63% off | 82% off | 85% off | 49% off | 84% off |
While all of them are great for playing poker online in the US and elsewhere, NordVPN is the best VPN for PokerStars overall. It can easily unblock the platform in America and other countries where PokerStars is blocked. Additionally, it’s private, secure, and extremely fast. Not to mention, you can get a dedicated IP and explore loads of other servers.
How we tested PokerStars VPN
The geo-blocks PokerStars has in place can be a tough nut to crack if the VPN isn’t cut out for the job. That’s why we looked at specific criteria and how providers excelled in each case:
- Maximum anonymity. Either the VPN operates under a strict no-log policy, or it goes into the reject pile. No one should be tracking your online activities, especially a service that is supposed to shield you from that.
- Ensured protection. AES-256 encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch are must-haves. These keep your online identity hidden under all circumstances, allowing you to gamble in PokerStars legal countries.
- Global presence. Having plenty of servers across the whole globe ensures accessibility to any foreign or blocked platform, not just PokerStars.
- Optimal performance. The type of tunneling protocol you utilize affects speeds as well. So, you’re better off picking a provider with the latest protocols on the roster, like WireGuard.
- Neat extras. Getting caught utilizing a VPN to play PokerStars from a country where the website isn’t available can result in losing your betting privileges. You want to avoid that, of course, and the best preventative measures for that are such perks as Stealth VPN and VPNs with dedicated IPs.
While testing, the best PokerStars VPN was NordVPN. That’s because it easily bypasses even the strictest geo-blocks and performs flawlessly. Not to mention it’s overall the most versatile VPN on the market.
NordVPN is the top VPN for PokerStars Casino. It will let you play poker and other gambling-related games in the USA and other restricted countries. Not to mention, it will keep your information safe and private. Plus, it has plenty of servers globally and phenomenal speeds, so you can play & bet trouble-free.
Can PokerStars detect VPN?
On a certain level, PokerStars can detect VPN usage, but the platform doesn’t go out of its way to ban VPN traffic or associated IP addresses. If there’s reason to believe a user is utilizing this technology to access the casino illegally, though, action will be taken.
PokerStars is no stranger to suspending accounts and even freezing funds if need be. The website can’t operate in certain countries for a reason, and breaking these rules can land you and the company in trouble. But you must be caught first for any of these scenarios to become a reality.
That’s why it’s crucial to pick a reliable PokerStars VPN that doesn’t cut corners concerning total user safety & privacy. You always want to remain undetectable, even if the service glitches or the connection drops.
Where is PokerStars legal?
| Regions | Europe | Americas | Asia and Oceania | Africa |
| PokerStars legal countries | Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, UK | Aruba, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Curacao, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Greenland, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Salvador, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Uruguay, Venezuela | Armenia, Azerbaijan, American Samoa, Brunei, Cook Islands, East Timor, Fiji, French Polynesia, Georgia, Guam, India, Japan, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Tonga, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna Islands | Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, DR Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mayotte, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Reunion Island, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Sudan Swaziland, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara, Zambia |
Technically, you can also play PokerStars in the US but only in select regions. Let’s see what States is PokerStars legal in:
- New Jersey – allows real money
- Pennsylvania – allows real money
Other US States that allow online gambling include Nevada, Delaware, West Virginia, and Michigan. While the star of the article hasn’t opened its site yet in these locations, you can expect that to happen in the near future.
When will PokerStars be legal in USA? Hard to say since every State passes or rejects laws independently from one another. But since there are States which legalized online casinos, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that PokerStars will be legal in the US in the coming years.
What countries are banned from PokerStars?
Due to various political, cultural, and legal reasons, PokerStars is restricted in a significant number of countries.
Make sure that you’re using a VPN when connecting from these countries if you’d like to avoid any legal action against you.
| Regions | PokerStars restricted countries |
| Europe | Slovenia, Switzerland, Vatican City |
| Asia and Oceania | Afghanistan, Arabia, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Taiwan, Telangana and Nagaland (States in India), Territory of Palestine, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen |
| Americas | Colombia, Cuba, the US |
| Africa | Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Libya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe |
Of course, this isn’t the entire list. The laws and gambling situation can frequently change from country to country. Always check your local laws to be certain that you’re not doing anything illegal by accessing online poker sites.
How to play PokerStars from your country
If you live in any of the countries listed above, your best bet at playing PokerStars is with a VPN. For an excellent experience, we recommend subscribing to those suited for your region.
How to play PokerStars in the US
One of the most surprising restrictions of PokerStars is the United States. Although some states can still partake in online gambling, the majority of the US cannot. You can access PokerStars Pennsylvania or New Jersey with a USA VPN or connect to a completely different country. So, follow these few steps if you’d like to gamble for real:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN. We suggest NordVPN, which offers an extensive network with servers on all continents.
- Download the VPN on your device
- Connect to a country that can access PokerStars, such as Canada
- Launch PokerStars and join a Real Money table!
Unblock PokerStars in US today
How to play PokerStars in Australia
PokerStars Australia is unavailable due to the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill. As such, players need the assistance of a VPN for Australia if they are to continue gaming. Here’s a quick guide on getting started:
- Sign up for a high-quality VPN. You won’t experience any performance issues with NordVPN.
- Install the VPN app on the device of your choice
- Connect to a nearby country that allows online gambling, for example, New Zealand
- Test your luck on PokerStars!
How to play PokerStars in the UK
For now, PokerStars UK is still available, and you are free to gamble with real money. However, if you’re serious about online gambling and would like to reduce potential risks like DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, you would be wise to get a UK VPN and secure your internet connection. Here’s how to do that:
- Grab a trustworthy VPN. NordVPN boasts top-notch privacy and security.
- Download and install the client
- Connect to a nearby server for optimal speed
- Select a PokerStars game and have fun!
Bet in the PokerStars sportsbook
Do we recommend free VPN for PokerStars?
In general, we don’t recommend using a free VPN to play PokerStars. That’s because no-pay services are often unreliable and can’t bypass geo-blocks on gambling platforms. Additionally, they have data caps and very few servers, meaning you’ll get snail-like speeds. Not to mention, free PokerStars VPNs may collect your data or riddle your devices with malware.
If you can’t pay for a VPN, there are a few other options that you can try:
- Get a freemium VPN for online poker. While a bit limited, freemium VPNs offer reliable security and privacy features. Plus, some of them might be able to bypass geo-blocks. Nevertheless, you’ll get very few servers to choose from, and the speeds might be a tad slow. The best of the bunch is Atlas VPN.
- Grab a premium free trial VPN for PokerStars casino. This is the best option if you can’t pay for a premium subscription. For a limited time, you’ll get access to all servers and features. Furthermore, with the best VPN, such as NordVPN, you can punch through firewalls and geo-blocks, so accessing and playing on PokerStars will be easy as pie.
Tips while playing online poker with a VPN
Naturally, just the technical features of a PokerStars VPN aren’t going to cut it. You must also practice caution if you’re aiming for a trouble-free experience.
- Always launch the VPN app before the PokerStars application and make sure all security features, such as a kill switch, are toggled on. Perform an IP and DNS leak test just in case.
- Withdraw your winnings as often as possible. You never know when PokerStars will pull the rug from under you and restrict your country from playing. It has happened before, and players could no longer access their accounts.
- Avoid using any payment options that could reveal your real identity and location. Instead, look into some off-shore options, such as PayPal, or deposit and withdraw money using cryptocurrencies.
- Utilize the Stealth VPN feature or dedicated IPs if your VPN offers them. The first hides VPN usage, great for avoiding PokerStars detection, while the other grants you a personal IP. It causes less suspicion when only one person accesses online casinos from the same address instead of several dozen.
Can I play PokerStars for real money?
Actually yes, you can play for real money at PokerStars Casino. This gambling website offers the largest selection of real money poker games, so you can actually profit exponentially. If you got the skills, that is.
For those wanting to switch to real money, first you have to upgrade your app to PokerStars Next Gen. Just keep in mind that it’s not available in all supported regions. Then head to your Account page and toggle the “Play Money” option on. Now switch to Poker from the lobby menu and you’re good to go.
Bottom line
Like many other online betting websites, PokerStars is a victim of gambling regulations and bans worldwide. And the USA is no exception. That’s why a VPN is an excellent addition to your arsenal, whether you’re a casual player or a die-hard poker master. It will help you avoid geo-blocks and let you access the gambling platform in any US state.
And the best VPN to play PokerStars is NordVPN. It packs a punch against restrictions, so you can access the online poker platform easily. Plus, it has plenty of servers and great features that will make your gambling experience a lot smoother. And, of course, it will keep your information safe and private whether you’re playing or browsing.
Do you have any tips and tricks when using a VPN to access poker sites? Let us know by leaving a comment!
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FAQ
Can you play PokerStars in the US?
Yes, you can play PokerStars in the US if you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or other gambling-friendly states. If you live outside these jurisdictions, you won’t be able to access the online casino. Therefore, if you want to play poker in illegal states, you’ll need a reliable VPN (such as NordVPN) to access the platform.
Can PokerStars detect VPN?
Yes, PokerStars can detect a VPN if you’re using a shabby service. You can avoid detection with one of the Top 5 PokerStars VPNs that offers Stealth VPN servers or dedicated IPs.
Can you play PokerStars with a VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN to play PokerStars in the legal states to protect your privacy and data. In the illegal countries, you need to use a top-tier PokerStars VPN like NordVPN to bypass blocks and avoid detection & bans.
Is it illegal to use a VPN to play poker?
No, it is legal to play poker online with a VPN in PokerStars-friendly countries. You might get in trouble if you get caught using an unreliable VPN in countries that prohibit online gambling. Therefore, you should pick a VPN like Surfshark VPN to avoid any calamities and bans.
What is the best PokerStars USA VPN?
The best VPN for playing PokerStars in the USA is NordVPN. It’s based in Panama and has a third-party audited no-logs policy, dedicated IPs, anonymous payment methods, servers on all continents, obfuscated servers, and excellent connection speeds for all online activities.
thanks for the best vpn for pokerstars suggestion. I really don’t have time nor resources to do research everything myself!I just want a good product..
if I want to investigate some vpns myself. what do I need to look for in them so they would be good for pokerstars (main vpn features pls)?
Hello, Kurt. First off, you should look into whether the VPN has a kill switch and DNS leak protection – these are crucial for keeping your privacy intact. Secondly, you’d want a VPN with a dedicated IP to ensure that only you have access to a particular IP address. Finally, a VPN with privacy-respecting jurisdiction would be ideal. Even better if the service has been independently audited in the past.
Hey! If I choose dedicated IP, does it mean this IP is exclusive to me or is it available to someone else too? Wouldn’t it be weird if somebody else would be logging in with the same ip address, I might even get banned
Greetings. A dedicated IP is exclusively for you; no one else can log in from it. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about getting banned by someone else.
Because I want to use pokerstars with vpn but I want it to be stable, which of these suggested vpn services offer dedicated IP or something similar? Maybe there’s some other way around it
Hello, Jake. Using a dedicated IP is an excellent idea! NordVPN offers that feature, but it will cost extra.
I originally came here with a question can I use a vpn to play online poker (because my country is blocked) but I got much more than I expected and hopefully everything will work for me.
is playing pokerstars in the us with a vpn allowed by their terms and conditions? i’m afraid to lose my earnings if they find out i use a vpn
Hey there, McCray. The terms of service do not specifically mention VPNs, but it’s fair to assume that trying to hide your real location could get your account banned. Luckily, there’s nothing to worry about if you’re using a reliable VPN with a dedicated IP.