Best VPNs for PokerStars: Unblock from Anywhere in 2024

If you want to put on your well-developed poker face and play some Texas Hold ‘Em using real money, PokerStars is a fine choice. Unfortunately, citizens in many regions around the world are blocked from accessing this site, erasing their dreams of poker stardom and potentially massive earnings. 

No need to fold just yet. There is an effective workaround you can utilize to overcome this challenge – a VPN (virtual private network).

VPNs hide your IP address and send your connection through a server in another country, effectively fooling PokerStars into letting you in. Combine this with a more private payment method, such as Skrill, and you’re good to go. 

Do a quick Google search and you’ll find there are many VPNs to choose from. Which one should you install?

Let us lend a hand.

We tested solutions from multiple providers and created a comprehensive list of the best VPNs for PokerStars that can be your trusty companion on your poker adventure. 

Key Takeaways

• Using a reputable VPN service is necessary to safely bypass the geo-restriction on PokerStars. All VPNs recommended in this guide provide a solid level of security and offer unique benefits. 
• A VPN is effective in accessing blocked content, protecting personal information, and stopping ISP throttling, which can ensure a seamless playing experience on PokerStars. 
• For a smooth journey, you need to set up your VPN correctly, connect to a suitable server, and use features like a kill switch to protect your data and IP address.
• Based on our test results, the best VPN for PokerStars is currently NordVPN. And right now you can take advantage of 74% off NordVPN coupon.

Why you need a VPN for PokerStars

If you’re to access a restricted site (especially if you plan on spending money there), you need to make certain that you’re safe. The biggest advantage of using a VPN is bypassing all sorts of geographic restrictions, including the block on PokerStars while keeping potential problems at bay. 

It’s easy to see why this is so effective. A VPN provides you with a new IP address and hides where you’re truly located, making it easy to fool almost all types of geo-blocks. 

As a bonus, you can use a VPN to access all kinds of blocked content from streaming, adult, and file-sharing sites, to name a few. This is what makes VPNs a great solution for browsing the web in places like UAE and China (here are our best VPNs for UAE and best VPNs for China guides) where online freedom is limited.

As VPN also encrypts your internet traffic, your online privacy and security are enhanced – important if you’re using an unsecured Wi-Fi network. 

Lastly, a VPN solution will prevent your ISP from throttling your connection, making your PokerStars session go by with no interruptions whatsoever. 

Key features to look for in a PokerStars VPN

Some features are an absolute necessity to achieve a secure and smooth gaming experience. These include:

High-speed connections

Your VPN should provide a lightning-speed connection to eliminate frustration as you’ll be involved in real-time gameplay. The same goes for connection stability – the last thing you want is to get kicked off while in the middle of presenting a royal flush to your opponents. 

Robust security measures

Speed means nothing if your real identity is compromised while playing PokerStars. Quality VPN providers use strong encryption methods to keep that from happening. Similarly, a no-logs policy will ensure that the VPN isn't keeping logs of your online activities, guaranteeing your privacy online. Read our full list of the best no-logs VPNs.

Other security features that you’ll appreciate are DNS leak protection, kill switch, and IP leak protection.

Extensive server network

A wide server network provides you with various options for accessing PokerStars. It also helps in cases where a server is blocked by an online platform – having other servers in close vicinity will be a lifesaver. 

The best VPNs for PokerStars

Apart from the essential functions, each of the solutions on this list brings something new to the table. 

It’s a balancing act, as you’d expect. Some providers focus on speeds while others try to offer nifty features like unlimited simultaneous connections.

Either way, these are the best VPNs for PokerStars that provide the most value for your money:

NordVPN: Ultimate VPN for PokerStars

If you’re serious about gambling and need a dependable pathway to PokerStars, NordVPN delivers on its promises. You can expect top-notch security features that can save your butt in day-to-day browsing. Since the provider’s NordLynx protocol retains over 90% of the initial connection speed, you’ll get to enjoy unbelievable performance too. 

At the moment, NordVPN is the best VPN for PokerStars. In the screenshot below, we used this app to connect to a server in Vancouver, Canada, allowing us to circumvent geo-restrictions with absolute ease.

Remember those essentials we talked about? Well, NordVPN meets the criteria down to a T. Here’s just a fraction of the features available:

• The NordLynx protocol is an improved version of the famous WireGuard protocol. It offers very fast speeds and does not compromise security. The performance here is truly insane, which is why NordVPN always comes out on top as the best WireGuard VPN.
• This provider's no-logs policy was carefully audited multiple times – most recently by Deloitte. 
• NordVPN also comes with Threat Protection, effective in blocking ads and eliminating trackers and malware. If you’re interested in learning more, here are the best VPNs with ad blocking. 
• NordVPN’s server network consists of over 6,400 diskless servers in over 111 countries – more locations than you’ll ever need.

See all NordVPN features here >

Let’s talk about speed in more detail. NordVPN is super fast and has a knack for always outperforming its competition. Don’t believe us?

Refer to our NordVPN vs IPVanish test or check out the NordVPN vs ProtonVPN test to learn more. 

The majority of the 6,000+ servers deliver great speeds and reliability. Take a look at this speed test where we had no issue clocking speeds of over 750 Mbps on US servers. 

NordVPN also shines in other areas. Its customer support is nothing short of extraordinary. With 24/7 live chat, you’ll always have a team of professionals you can rely on in case you go through an issue. 

Pricewise, NordVPN is relatively affordable, especially if you make use of the 2-year subscription as you’ll receive three months extra. Regardless, you can try NordVPN with no strings attached since it also offers a nifty 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Not sure if this provider is right for you? A full NordVPN review may change your mind. 

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Surfshark: Inexpensive VPN for PokerStars

While not as famous as the number one on this list, Surfshark is more than capable of unblocking PokerStars and boosting your online privacy. 

You get sturdy connections and strong privacy features, all in an affordable package. The price is even better when you consider Surfshark also provides you with unlimited simultaneous connections that you can use to protect all devices under your roof. 

The real question is are you sacrificing speed by choosing Surfshark? As noticeable in the NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison, the latter is only slightly slower than the fastest VPN in the world – meaning you won’t notice any issues when playing PokerStars, streaming content, or downloading files. 

Like NordVPN, Surfshark also outperforms most other VPNs. The speed test below, from the Surfshark vs CyberGhost comparison, is very representative of what Surfshark brings to the table:

Surfshark also boasts a broad selection of protocols (including WireGuard) and generally outperforms most of its competitors – the Surfshark vs ProtonVPN roundup says it all.

When it comes to security features, Surfshark is no slouch. Here are just some of the goodies you’ll get:

• Camouflage Mode – Fancy name for obfuscated servers that hide VPN usage. 
• Bypasser – Aka. split tunneling, it allows you to route traffic through the VPN while leaving some apps or websites unaffected. Read up on the best VPNs with split tunneling.
• CleanWeb – Ad blocker that also protects from malware and trackers.
• Private DNS – Routes your DNS queries through a VPN server and sends them to a private DNS. This keeps your search history safe from your ISP.
• NoBorders Mode – Automatically connects you to a new server when facing online censorship. 

See all Surfshark VPN features here >

You’ll be happy to know Surfhsark uses diskless servers. Put differently, they won’t store any of your data, protecting you even if the server is physically seized. In addition, multi-hop connections allow you to utilize two VPN servers at the same time, boosting your privacy even further. 

Surfhsark also meets the criteria in terms of server networks. There are over 3200 servers in 100 countries at your disposal. 

Just like NordVPN, Surfshark absolutely knocks it out of the ballpark in the customer support front and also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. What’s not to love?

Our detailed Surfshark VPN review goes into much more detail about this sublime service.

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ExpressVPN: Trusted VPN provider for PokerStars

One of the more established providers on the list, ExpressVPN is a recognized industry veteran in the VPN world. It has passed numerous audits and has a solid track record behind its name.

Below is the ExpressVPN we tested for this guide. Not only does ExpressVPN unblock PokerStars with ease, it also gives you access to numerous other streaming services.

ExpressVPN makes easy work of the PokerStars geo-block with thousands of diskless servers scattered across 105 countries. 

While slower than its younger competitors, it can put up a fight – as our ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost analysis reveals. 

If you choose ExpressVPN, expect speeds similar to what we got in our speed test below. While this is not quite as fast as NordVPN and Mullvad, it is still plenty fast for playing poker and streaming.

Where ExpressVPN really shines, though, is security. This provider is strict on its no-logs policy, and a wide array of essential security features. It has all the necessities, including a kill switch and a private DNS, with the company claiming all their apps are 100% leak-proof. 

Some of the more advanced features include:

• Device Groups – Support for up to five simultaneous connections on different devices to different servers.
• Split Tunneling – Allows specific apps and websites to pass around the VPN connection. 
• Threat Manager – Full-featured ad blocker that keeps you safe from malware and trackers.
• Leak protection settings

See all ExpressVPN features here >

Sadly, the price makes ExpressVPN a tough pick. Sure, its security is top-notch, but the slightly lower speed may not be something poker players are willing to tolerate. This is especially true when you consider that the fastest two solutions in this article are also considered the best cheap VPNs.

However, ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable VPN apps in the world, so there’s that. It’s also super simple and straight to the point:

The company also offers 24/7 live chat support, and the addition of the 30-day money-back guarantee is always a welcome sight. 

For more details, sift through our dedicated ExpressVPN review.

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IPVanish: A secure US-based VPN for PokerStars

Next up on our list of the best VPNs for PokerStars is IPVanish. IPVanish is a US-based VPN that has passed independent audits and offers secure and reliable apps for all major devices. IPVanish is also one of the fastest VPNs we have tested, on par with other VPN leaders.

In our tests, we found that IPVanish has no issues circumventing PokerStars geo-restrictions. Below is the IPVanish app we tested out.

While not as fancy as other VPNs (apart from its UI that looks like it came straight out of a spy film), IPVanish can deliver super-fast connections. This is certainly not a full representation of its performance (other solutions are much faster on average), but it’s worth noting that the fastest speed test we ever registered was with IPVanish, as you can see:

The server network can be considered limited (850 servers in 60 countries), though all of them are fast and more than capable of supplying an enjoyable poker experience. 

Together with a no-logs policy, IPVanish sees to it that your data and privacy are protected using some of the following functions:

• Obfuscated servers – A VPN for your VPN, so to speak.
• Rotating IP – Feature that changes your IP address automatically at predetermined time intervals.
• Threat protection – Get rid of those pesky ads and eliminate trackers and malware.

See all IPVanish features here >

You’re probably wondering why IPVanish is ranked fourth, despite bolstering a bunch of quality features and demonstrating such blistering speeds. 

It’s a bit complicated. For starters, IPVanish is based in the USA, and it’s simply much safer to go for a provider operating in a country with better privacy laws. Plus, we don’t like the fact that IPVanish doesn’t support crypto payments – meaning you’ll have to give up your real name and address.

If you’re willing to look past that, IPVanish is an above-average VPN provider that you’ll probably be happy with. Customer support is top-notch, and you can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee if you sign up for an annual or 2-year plan.

Get a full picture of this entry with our detailed IPVanish review.

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How to use a VPN to access PokerStars

No matter the VPN you’re using, accessing PokerStars will be pretty much identical. Here’s what you should do:

Set up your VPN 

Start by subscribing to a VPN service (can’t go wrong with NordVPN with its 74% discount) and download the app on your device of choice. 

Log in to the service using your credentials.

Connect to a VPN server

With your software up and running, connect to a server in a country where PokerStars is unrestricted. Your choice of server will greatly depend on your geographical vicinity to it. For US citizens, we recommend connecting to servers located in Vancouver, Canada. 

Create a PokerStars account

To avoid your account being blocked, create an account located in the same country as the server and stick to the setup. 

Choose any local address to complete the registration process and select an anonymous payment method before you start playing. Unfortunately, PokerStars doesn’t support crypto payments so you’ll have to contend with the likes of Skrill to avoid using your debit card. 

That’s it – you’re ready to play!

Legal considerations for using a VPN with PokerStars

Whether using a VPN to access blocked sites is illegal varies between justifications. In some areas, it’s perfectly legal, and in some, it’s a severe violation of local gambling laws.

For example, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, it’s 100% legal (the site is licensed and regulated by the State Division of Gaming Enforcement in both states). In New York and Florida, you’ll be able to access the site only with a VPN. 

Similar things apply to different countries – be sure to check all applicable laws before embarking on your poker journey. 

One thing’s for certain, though:

Using a VPN goes against PokerStars' Terms of Service.

If detected, it could lead to account termination or suspension. This platform employs various technologies to detect VPN usage. They don’t just monitor IP addresses but also analyze behavior patterns, so always be careful when accessing the site to minimize the risk of detection. 

Safety tips for playing PokerStars with a VPN

It goes without saying you should never access PokerStars without first connecting to your VPN, but other tips will help you maintain an undetectable connection. 

Obfuscated servers are a rather useful security measure when playing PokerStars. These servers disguise VPN usage, making it harder for your real IP to be compromised. They’re often used in regions where VPN usage is strictly prohibited, so if you’re scared about PokerStars figuring out you’re hiding your IP address, activate this function.

You should also enable the kill switch feature as it prevents your real IP from being exposed if the connection drops. This added layer of protection and anonymity is a must if you want to avoid landing in hot water with PokerStars. Here’s a full overview of the kill switch feature. 

Summary: Access PokerStars and enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience

It sucks that you have to jump through hoops to gamble your money in peace, but it is what it is. Fortunately, VPNs are easy to use and can effectively go around restrictions on online gambling sites like PokerStars.

All the solutions we wrote about today will do the job well in that regard while also enhancing your online privacy and security. That being said, NordVPN is the most well-rounded tool you can get that covers all bases and performs optimally in almost every circumstance. And you can get the best deal with the coupon below.

The world of poker awaits! Good luck!

Other VPN gambling guides:

• Best VPNs for Gambling Online
• Best VPNs for bet365
• Best VPNs for FanDuel
• Best VPNs for Online Casinos
• Best VPNs for Online Poker
• Best VPNs for PrizePicks
• Best VPNs for Sports Betting
• How to Unblock Stake
• Best VPNs for Stake

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best VPN for PokerStars?

NordVPN is the smartest choice for playing PokerStars as it offers excellent unblocking capabilities, fast connections, a wide server network, and a plethora of advanced security features that boost your overall online security.

Is it legal to use a VPN with PokerStars?

It depends on where you’re located, so make sure to check your local laws as the legality of VPN usage varies from country to country. Nonetheless, using a VPN goes against the platform’s Terms of Service and may lead to your account getting permanently banned. 

Can PokerStars detect VPN usage?

Yes. PokerStars scans IP addresses and looks at usage patterns to detect VPN usage. As a result, the gambling site may suspend accounts.

How do I ensure my VPN is not detected by PokerStars?

You can hide your VPN usage by using obfuscated servers and enabling the kill switch. It’s also wise to connect to servers in close vicinity to the address tied to your PokerStars account.

This guide to the best VPNs for PokerStars was last updated on July 1, 2024.