5 Best VPNs for PokerStars (How to Play it With VPN)

PokerStars is the top site for playing poker online. But, it’s not open in most US states or some countries.

To play, you need a good VPN service. But, using a VPN can also have risks. So, is it safe to use a VPN for PokerStars and other poker sites?

Using a VPN to connect to PokerStars is the best way to play poker. With a good VPN, you can play from anywhere. You won’t have to worry about anything.

My tests show that NordVPN is the top pick for PokerStars.

Best VPNs to play Pokerstars in 2024 – our shortlist:

1. NordVPN – The best VPN for PokerStars overall.
2. Surfshark – Feature-rich and affordable choice for online poker.
3. PrivateVPN – Simple PokerStars VPN with superb privacy features.
4. ExpressVPN – A Premium speedy VPN for gambling online
5. AtlasVPN – A great budget choice with unlimited connections.

How to play PokerStars with a VPN

Want to play PokerStars but it’s not available in your area? You can easily get around this in six steps!

Here’s how to use a VPN to play on PokerStars from anywhere:

1. Sign up for a high-quality PokerStars VPN (NordVPN is recommended)
2. Download the VPN for your device.
3. Connect to a server in a country where PokerStars is available.
4. Download the PokerStars app (Available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS).
5. Create a PokerStars account and deposit money into it.
6. Join a table and start playing poker!

The Best VPNs for PokerStars – our detailed list:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN can unblock any site, including PokerStars servers. It uses CyberSec, next-gen encryption, and NordLynx protocol to do this.

It keeps you safe and private while playing on PokerStars. NordVPN has over 5,500 servers in 59 countries. All servers are RAM-based, and it’s based in Panama.

NordVPN doesn’t log user activity data. It has been audited independently and proven safe and reliable.

NordVPN apps are available for many platforms. They include tools like obfuscation, Threat Protection, and Double VPN.

It offers a very affordable subscription, starting at just a few dollars a month. NordVPN is not only the best service but also the best value. You can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Plan	1-year plan	1-month plan	2-year plan
Standard Plan	$4.99/month	$12.99/month	–
Plus Plan	$5.99/month	$13.99/month	–
Complete Plan	$6.99/month	$14.99/month	$5.49/month

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a top choice for playing online poker at PokerStars. It has easy-to-use apps for setting up a VPN on any device. Surfshark is independently audited and owned by Nord Security, a company you can trust.

It offers fast and stable network speeds and cool in-app features. You get a MultiHop feature, kill-switch, and Camouflage Mode. Camouflage Mode is key, as it hides your VPN traffic.

Surfshark also has a special NoBorders Mode. This feature helps you get past tough network blocks. It’s great for avoiding VPN bans on sites like PokerStars. NoBorders works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS apps.

Surfshark Plans	2-year price	1-year price	1-month price
Starter	$2.30/month	$3.99/month	$12.95/month
Surfshark One	$3.22/month	$4.49/month	$17.95/month
Surfshark One+	$5.99/month	$8.29/month	$22.95/month

3. PrivateVPN

If you’re a casual poker player, PrivateVPN is a great choice. It has easy-to-use app clients and is very affordable.

It also offers more than 200 VPN locations in 63 countries. So, you can play PokerStars from anywhere with PrivateVPN.

PrivateVPN has a good mix of privacy, security, and performance. You can pick from five connection types and four OpenVPN encryption levels.

It also has port forwarding and an advanced kill switch. Plus, there’s IPv6 and DNS leak protection. This makes it one of the top VPNs for PokerStars.

PrivateVPN Plans	Price per Month
1-Month Plan	$9.90
3-Month Plan	$6.00
36-Month Plan	$2.00

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is known as a top VPN service. It’s great for accessing major gaming sites, including PokerStars. It has a vast network of RAM-based servers in 94 countries.

ExpressVPN also has its own Lightway protocol. This protocol is fast and simple, with only a thousand lines of code.

ExpressVPN keeps your activities private. It doesn’t log your actions. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, a safe place from surveillance.

ExpressVPN is perfect for more than just PokerStars. It’s also great for streaming, torrenting, and unblocking content. But, it’s one of the pricier options, even with longer plans.

ExpressVPN Plans	Price per Month	Simultaneous Connections
1-Month Plan	$12.95	5
6-Month Plan	$9.99	Up to 8
1-Year Plan	$6.67	Up to 8

5. AtlasVPN

Using a VPN can greatly enhance your online poker experience. AtlasVPN is an excellent choice for playing on Pokerstars, one of the top online poker sites.

More than 750 servers worldwide mean you can play from anywhere. This is very important for people in the United States. PokerStars is available in almost all US states.

The network kill switch keeps your IP/DNS safe. There’s also a tracker blocker and AES-256 encryption for a secure connection. Plus, Atlas VPN protects both IPv4 and IPv6 connections and prevents IP leaks.

Choose the best payment plan and enjoy these features. You can do this with no worries thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

AtlasVPN Plans	Pricing	Additional Benefits
Free Version	0.00$/month	5 GB data limit Access to 3 locations
1-Month Plan	11.99$/month	30-day money-back guarantee
1-Year Plan	3.29$/month Billed $39.48 annually	30-day money-back guarantee
2-Year Plan	1.82$/month Billed $43.68 biennially	30-day money-back guarantee

How I selected and tested PokerStars VPNs

To find the best PokerStars VPNs, a careful method was used. Each service was thoroughly tested.

Key features were checked to see if they met the needs of online poker players. These included:

• Connection stability: For uninterrupted gameplay.
• Speed: To ensure fast response times and a smooth experience.
• Server locations: Many servers, in countries where PokerStars is legal.
• Security protocols: Strong encryption and secure tunneling to protect your data.
• Privacy policies: No logs to keep your activities private.
• Ease of use: Simple interfaces and setup for easy use.
• Customer support: Quick help for any issues during games.
• Compatibility: Works on devices that support PokerStars, for seamless use.

PokerStars players need a VPN that unblocks the service and offers a secure connection. This ensures uninterrupted gameplay.

Best Pokerstars VPN: Comparison

	NordVPN	Surfshark	AtlasVPN	PrivateVPN	ExpressVPN
Website	NordVPN.com	Surfshark.com	AtlasVPN.com	PrivateVPN.com	ExpressVPN.com
Best VPN Ranking	1 – THE BEST	2	3	4	5
Avg. Speed	46,4 Mbps	40,1 Mbps	35,9 Mbps	43,6 Mbps	42,2 Mbps
Server count	5400+	3200+	750+	200+	3000+
Logs	No-logs	No identifiable logs	No identifiable logs	No logs	No identifiable logs
Suitable for Games	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Works with Streaming	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
P2P Traffic	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Extra features	Ad-blocker Threat Protection Split-tunneling	Ad-blocker Split-tunneling	Split-tunneling	Port Forwarding	Port Forwarding (routers) Split-tunneling
Devices supported	Windows MacOS Android iOS Linux SmartTVs Routers	Windows MacOS Android iOS Linux	Windows MacOS Android iOS	Windows MacOS Android iOS	Windows MacOS Android iOS SmartTVs Routers
Best Deals	63% OFF + Gift	Save 81%	83% OFF	Save 85%	3 months FREE

Why do I need a VPN for PokerStars?

Using a VPN for PokerStars can protect your online activities and enhance your poker-playing experience. Here are the key reasons why a VPN is beneficial for PokerStars users:

• Unrestricted Access: Some regions may restrict access to PokerStars. A VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions by masking your real IP address and making it appear as though you are connecting from a different location where PokerStars is available.
• Avoiding bans and restrictions: If you’ve traveled to a location where PokerStars isn’t available or have been erroneously banned, a VPN allows you to connect to a server in a different country where you can access the service normally.
• Privacy: A VPN encrypts your internet connection, keeping your online activity, including your gameplay and financial transactions on PokerStars, hidden from ISPs and potential eavesdroppers.
• Security: It provides an added layer of security when accessing PokerStars, ensuring your personal and account details are secure, even when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Why is PokerStars restricted in certain countries?

PokerStars is restricted in certain countries due to local gambling laws and regulations. Governments may prohibit online gambling for various reasons. This includes controlling gambling addiction, preventing underage gambling, protecting against financial fraud, or because online gambling is not part of the local cultural norms.

Some countries also restrict online gambling platforms to protect state-owned or domestic gambling enterprises from international competition. PokerStars complies with these legal restrictions by blocking access to their site in countries where their services are not allowed by local laws.

Where is PokerStars Blocked?

PokerStars is very well-regulated, controlling over two-thirds of the overall online poker market. It explicitly lists the countries and locations it does and doesn’t operate. Here’s a list of the countries and territories that PokerStars blocks from real money activities:

• USA (Except where locally licensed)
• Australia
• Pakistan
• UAE
• Egypt
• Nigeria
• Colombia
• Bangladesh
• North Macedonia
• Malaysia
• New Caledonia
• French Polynesia
• Indian States (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Odisha, Sikkim, and Gujarat)

Focusing on major markets like the US and Australia, online poker through PokerStars is unavailable mainly because this platform hasn’t managed to obtain the license to operate or because poker is illegal anyway.

In Australia, the recently passed 2017 amendment to the country’s 2001 Gambling Act significantly tightened regulation. This amendment doesn’t criminalize players for playing online poker but makes it nearly impossible for most poker platforms to operate in the country.

That said, when it comes to the US, PokerStars isn’t blocked in the entire country. The vast majority of US states block PokerStars and have made online poker illegal altogether. But, you can still access and enjoy the PokerStars platform in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and hopefully other US states shortly as well.

How to Play PokerStars in the USA

To access PokerStars from the USA, where it is mostly restricted outside of a few states, you need to use a VPN. Follow these steps:

1. Purchase a VPN designed for online gaming. NordVPN is a strong choice for accessing PokerStars.
2. Install the VPN application on your device.
3. Choose and connect to a server in a country where PokerStars is legal, like Canada or Brazil.
4. Launch PokerStars and begin playing.

How to Play PokerStars in Australia

In Australia, playing PokerStars for real money is limited due to the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill. Here’s how to get around these restrictions:

1. Pick a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, known for its wide server options.
2. Download and install the VPN software on your device.
3. Turn on the VPN and connect to a server in a country where PokerStars is available, like New Zealand.
4. Open the PokerStars app and play without any limits.

How to Play PokerStars in the UK

In the UK, PokerStars is legal, so most people can play without a VPN. But, if you face restrictions or want privacy, follow these steps:

1. Choose a trusted VPN service. NordVPN is a good choice for its security.
2. Install the VPN on your device.
3. Connect to a UK server for fast speeds and access to UK PokerStars servers.
4. Open the PokerStars software or website and play as usual.

Safety tips for playing PokerStars with a VPN

Playing online poker with a VPN can help you access sites like PokerStars, even in restricted areas.

But, using a VPN comes with risks, like losing money and facing account bans.

Here are some tips for safe play with a VPN:

• Use a VPN with a Dedicated IP: A dedicated IP address helps avoid detection. It makes it seem like you’re always connecting from the same place. This lowers the chance of your account being flagged.
• Deposit Only the Amount You Need: To avoid losing money if your account is canceled, only put in what you plan to use.
• Cash Out as Often as You Can: Regular withdrawals reduce the risk of losing funds if your account gets banned.
• Consider Playing on Crypto Poker Sites: These sites often have more flexible policies on VPN use and don’t ask for ID for transactions.
• Use a VPN that Disables IPv6: To prevent your real location from being exposed through IPv6 addresses, make sure your VPN can disable IPv6 traffic.
• Use a VPN With a Kill Switch: A kill switch will cut off your Internet if your VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP from being revealed.

Following these tips can help keep you safe while playing online poker with a VPN.

Can PokerStars detect VPNs?

Yes, PokerStars can detect VPN use. Like many online platforms, they can spot connections from VPN services.

Here’s how they can identify VPN use:

1. Recognized VPN IP Addresses: PokerStars may have a list of known VPN IP addresses. If your connection is from an IP address on this list, it could be flagged.
2. Multiple Connections from One IP: If several accounts are accessing PokerStars from the same VPN server IP, it might signal VPN use to the site’s security team.
3. Frequent IP Address Changes: Accounts logging in from many IP addresses in a short time may be suspected of using a VPN. This is because a VPN lets you quickly change your server location, altering your IP address.

Is it legal to use a VPN with PokerStars?

Using a VPN on PokerStars raises legal questions. It depends on where you are and PokerStars’ rules. In some places, using a VPN is okay. But PokerStars doesn’t allow it to access their site from banned areas.

Using a VPN on PokerStars can break their rules. This might get your account suspended or funds frozen. Always check PokerStars’ rules and your local laws before using a VPN.

Can I use a free VPN for PokerStars?

While you can use a free VPN on PokerStars, it’s not a good idea. Free VPNs have big problems like slow speeds and data limits. These issues can ruin your poker game.

Free VPNs also don’t keep your data safe. They might not encrypt your info well, which could let others see what you’re doing.

PokerStars can spot free VPNs because they have smart software. If you must use a VPN, choose a paid one for better security and speed. But remember, it still breaks PokerStars’ rules.

Conclusion

Using a VPN on PokerStars is risky and might get you banned. But, to avoid this, pick a trusted VPN with good features and servers.

The five VPNs we talked about can help you access PokerStars safely. But, NordVPN is our best choice for PokerStars. We suggest using it for the best VPN experience.

PokerStars VPN FAQ

Can I play PokerStars for real money?

Yes, you can play PokerStars for real money if it’s legal in your country.

Can I use a VPN for PokerStars?

Technically, you can use a VPN for PokerStars. But, it’s against their rules. If caught, your account might get closed.

Can I play PokerStars in Australia with a VPN?

Using a VPN can help you play PokerStars in Australia.

What’s the best VPN for online poker?

NordVPN is the top choice for PokerStars and online poker. It has strong security and a big server network.

Can I play PokerStars in the USA?

You can play PokerStars with real money in some states. For example, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

What is the best PokerStars USA VPN?

NordVPN is a good pick for users in licensed states. It’s fast and reliable.

Can you play PokerStars with a VPN?

You can, but it’s against PokerStars’ rules. It also risks your account getting closed.

Can I play PokerStars from another country?

If PokerStars is available in your country, you can play without a VPN. But, using a VPN to access it from a restricted country is against the rules.