8 Best VPNs for Online Poker in 2023 – Play Safe and Fast

Playing poker online while abroad may be problematic. This is because most online casinos restrict their services to a specific geographic location, meaning that home players can’t access the casino abroad. However, with a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions. In addition, a VPN will also give users increased security and privacy while browsing online.

VPNs encrypt your connection and route it through a secure third-party server that is in a different location. Depending on the location of the VPN server, the user will get an IP address that corresponds with it. This allows users to access geographically restricted content and also ensures that your browsing activity can’t be tracked.

In this article, I have reviewed the best VPNs for online poker in great detail. However, if you’re short on time, here’s a quick review.

Best VPNs for online poker:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice when it comes to playing online poker. NordVPN is fast so you won’t have to worry about lag and it has over 5,000 servers, which means that users from across the world can access their online casinos. In addition, this service comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget option for online casinos. In addition to being affordable, this service still offers quick connection speeds and is a very secure platform. It can unblock several different types of services effortlessly.
3. ExpressVPN: This is another fast option. This speed is important to ensure that users don’t experience lag while playing poker online.
4. CyberGhost: Has a huge server network that consists of almost 10,000 servers. This means that users can access services no matter where they are located.
5. PrivateVPN: One of the newer VPN providers. However, it has made great strides in a short amount of time, plus it has servers across 63 countries and fast connection speeds.
6. IPVanish: Secure and offers fast streaming speeds. It can unblock services with ease and offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
7. Private Internet Access: A lightweight and secure option that can also be customized, meaning you can personalise the way you play online poker online.
8. Atlas VPN: A great option for those who need fast connection speeds and are looking to secure their internet connection.

There are many different VPN options available on the market. However, it’s important to find one that works best for the application. While searching for the best VPNs for playing online poker anywhere, I considered several factors, including:

• Large server network
• Not blocked by most poker sites
• Strong encryption
• No logs stored or at the very least minimal logging

You can find out more information about the criteria I used in the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for online poker

Now, let’s take a look at the top providers in a lot more detail. Here are the best VPNs for online poker:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN’s very fast server network consists of over 5,000 servers spread across about 60 countries. Fast connection speeds mean that it is an excellent option for streaming and playing poker online. It is also able to provide secure access to several streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. This makes it good for those abroad who are trying to access services from back home.

NordVPN also has several security features which protect users. It has 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. This is also supplemented by NordVPN’s strong privacy standards. This provider makes a point of not storing any logs and also accepts cryptocurrency payments. These payments don’t associate users’ names with payments, unlike traditional credit cards.

Users have the option to download NordVPN on several different operating systems. These include macOS, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android. Routers can also be manually configured to work with this service and users can connect six of their devices to this service simultaneously as well. The customer support team can be reached 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds are great for streaming applications
• Strong security measures keep users protected
• No logs are stored
• Apps are available for many different platforms
• The customer support team is available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR ONLINE POKER:NordVPN is my number one choice. It has a large server network and offers fast streaming speeds, making it easy to carry out all of one’s internet activities without lag. NordVPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent budget VPN. Although it is an affordable service, you shouldn’t take this to mean that the service offered is subpar. This VPN has servers in about 100 countries (over 3,200 servers) that are fast and secure. It is a good option for users who might be interested in accessing online poker sites while abroad.

Surfshark has strong security measures in place such as 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch. Traffic scrambling is also provided. Another positive aspect of this provider is its support for cryptocurrency payments. This form of payment allows for higher levels of anonymity since names aren’t associated with cryptocurrency transactions like they are with traditional credit card transactions. This service also stores no logs.

Apps are available for Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also have this service manually installed on them. Surfshark offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, which is a great option for users who have several different devices that they may need to protect. The customer service team is available 24/7 via live chat which bodes well for people in different time zones.

Pros:

• Able to unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures are in place
• An unlimited number of connections are supported
• Cryptocurrency payments are supported which is great for increased anonymity

Cons:

• Doesn’t have as many servers as a service like NordVPN
• Some servers can occasionally be slow

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR ONLINE POKER:Surfshark is affordable but it doesn’t skimp on performance. It can handle streaming services like Netflix and Hulu without buffering and an unlimited number of simultaneous connections are supported. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN for users that stream a lot and play poker online. Its server network provides very fast connection speeds and is made up of over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries. It allows for the unblocking of many first-rate streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, Netflix US, and Hulu too. It is also easy to start using, making it a great option for beginners.

Strong security measures are in place such as 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. A .onion site, which is accessed via the TOR network, lets users protect their anonymity further, along with ExpressVPN’s support for cryptocurrency payments. Cryptocurrency payments provide increased anonymity because a user’s name isn’t associated with a cryptocurrency payment like it is with a traditional credit card payment. This service stores no logs and five simultaneous device connections are allowed.

ExpressVPN has apps for a number of different operating systems too. These include iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and macOS. It can also be installed on supported routers. ExpressVPN’s customer support team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds are available
• Can unblock many different streaming services
• .onion site available and cryptocurrency payments supported, allowing for increased anonymity
• Strong security measures are in place

Cons:

• This service is more expensive than some of the other providers on this list
• Lack of customizability may be frustrating for more advanced users

GREAT STREAMING OPTION:ExpressVPN is a great streaming option since it has fast servers optimized for streaming. Along, with its strong security, online poker players will be able to unblock many different poker sites. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has the largest number of servers out of all of the other providers on this list and it is capable of unblocking services such as ITV, Amazon Prime, and Netflix effortlessly. The connection speeds are fast too, allowing for streaming without lag or buffering. CyberGhost has over 9,700 VPN servers located in 91+ countries, making it a solid option for those who want to play online poker online.

CyberGhost has strong security in place which includes protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. There is also 256-bit AES encryption and CyberGhost stores no logs either. A kill switch is included which stops your IP address from being leaked in the event of your VPN connection dropping out. CyberGhost accepts cryptocurrency payments.

Apps are available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire TV. Some routers can be manually set up with this service too. Customer support is available 24/7 and seven simultaneous connections are supported.

Pros:

• Clients are easy to use
• 24/7 live chat service available
• Large server network
• Strong security measures in place

Cons:

• Blocked in the UAE and China
• Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a network that consists of over 9,000 servers. This makes it a great option for users who need to access geographically restricted services from many different locations. It also offers strong security and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider with a server count of just over 200. However, its server network is spread across 60 countries, which means that you can access services, such as online poker, from many different countries. PrivateVPN provides fast streaming and connection speeds overall and can access streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.

PrivateVPN has strong security measures in place such as 256-bit AES encryption, protection from IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks and it stores no logs. On top of that, this provider accepts cryptocurrency payments. This allows for a greater level of anonymity.

Apps are provided for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Linux devices and routers can be manually configured to work with this service. One thing to note is that customer service agents can only be reached during regular business hours. The quality of customer service is excellent but this could cause issues for some. 10 devices can be connected on a single subscription simultaneously.

Pros:

• Accesses Netflix and many other streaming sites
• Fast speeds
• No logs are stored
• Works in China

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support isn’t available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused VPN that has features such as strong encryption in place to keep you safe while online. It also provides access to a wide range of poker sites. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a secure VPN platform that has proven itself as one of the strongest contenders for streaming applications. This has been shown by the endorsement it has received over the years from the Kodi streaming community. In addition, it can unblock many different services which is great for those who are abroad and need to access geographically restricted services. This includes online poker sites.

The security features included with IPVanish keep users safe while online. These features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There is also a traffic scrambling option provided. This masks VPN traffic so that users are able to use the service in places where VPNs are not usually allowed.

IPVanish has apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. In addition, this service can be manually set up on some routers and on Linux. It also supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Unlimited number of connections allowed
• No logs are stored
• Great option for torrenters and Kodi users

Cons:

• Some servers don’t work with Netflix
• Apps don’t work in China

UNLIMITED NUMBER OF CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is secure and it offers fast streaming speeds. It also offers an unlimited number of connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight option with servers in over 80 countries. It can access streaming platforms and other services like online poker sites.

Strong security is offered by this provider too. AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling are offered to keep users safe while online. Note that this service stores no logs.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. PIA has customer service that is available via their 24/7 live chat 10 device connections are allowed at once.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• Can provide secure access to many services
• Wireguard VPN protocol supported (faster, more efficient protocol)
• Several customization options

Cons:

• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• App design is lacking in some ways

LIGHTWEIGHT AND EFFECTIVE OPTION:PIA is a lightweight option that is able to provide users with secure access to many online poker services. It supports 10 simultaneous connections, has several customization options, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN has a server network that spans 40+ locations. In total, this service has over 750 servers. This provider’s network is fast and secure. It also allows users to unblock services that may be restricted when users are abroad. Although Atlas VPN is a relative newcomer to the scene, it is a high-quality service that is a solid choice for those who want to play online poker abroad.

Atlas VPN also has a lot of strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. This service stores no logs either and MultiHop servers are available that can encrypt your data twice.  Atlas VPN also allows users to make payments with cryptocurrency.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Atlas VPN also supports an unlimited number of connections.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different online poker services
• Connection speeds are fast
• No identifying logs are stored

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China
• Customer service could be better

FAST OPTION WITH STRONG ENCRYPTION:Atlas VPN is a newer service but it offers high-quality features and strong security. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: Finding the best VPN choices for playing online poker

While there are many different VPN choices available for playing poker online, not all of them are created equal. Here are some of the factors I took  into consideration when choosing the best VPNs for online poker using my testing methodology:

• Size of network: The larger the number of servers the better. This gives users many different options for a location where they are able to access their favorite online poker sites from.
• Speed: The faster the servers, the better. When playing poker online, having lag can be quite annoying. The VPNs selected here offer speeds fast enough to support HD streaming and have no issues with online poker services.
• Security and privacy measures: VPNs protect users when they’re online. They protect users from threats such as hackers on open WiFi networks and they also protect users’ private information from nosy internet service providers and governments.
• Unblocking abilities: Some VPNs aren’t able to bypass blocks put in place by online poker sites. This is because more savvy online poker sites are able to detect when a user is using a VPN and they can block the VPN. However, top-tier VPNs have measures in place to ensure that sites aren’t able to detect if users are using a VPN.

How to play online poker from anywhere with a VPN:

Simply follow these simple steps to play online poker from anywhere using a VPN:

1. First, sign up with a VPN provider. I recommend using NordVPN.
2. Next, download and install the VPN app that corresponds to the VPN service you signed up for.
3. Now, check to see if it’s legal to play online poker in the country you’re currently in
4. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in a country where your online poker casino isn’t blocked.
5. Now, log in to your casino. You should be able to play now.

If you run into any issues, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. If this still doesn’t work, you can contact your VPN’s customer support team for further directions.

Best VPNs for online poker FAQs