Best VPN for PokerStars in 2025

PokerStars is one of the most popular online poker platforms, but it’s currently only available in a limited selection of countries plus 3 US states – Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. United States gambling legislation means that the website can’t accept players from 47 states, leaving thousands of poker fans in the dark. Fortunately, you can unblock PokerStars with a gambling VPN to bypass restrictions and join PokerStars tables and tournaments.

Connecting to a VPN server in one of the 3 legal US locations above means that you can evade blocks resulting from strict gambling legislation, political, or religious reasons. Meanwhile, NordVPN’s secure VPN protocols and other built-in security features will ensure that nobody can track what you’re doing, as well as protect your private data, and your deposits and withdrawals with robust encryption.

To help you find the best VPN for PokerStars, I tested more than 20 gambling VPNs with the PokerStars website and mobile app, including unblocking, speed, and privacy tests. Read my recommendations below to choose a VPN service that can effortlessly bypass blocks and connect you to PokerStars no matter where you’re physically located.

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Key points

• Selecting a trusted online poker VPN service is crucial for securely bypassing geo-restrictions on PokerStars. All the VPNs recommended in this article ensure strong security and come with their own distinctive advantages.
• VPNs allow access to restricted content, safeguard personal data, and prevent ISP throttling, ensuring a smooth PokerStars experience.
• For an optimal experience, ensure your VPN is properly configured, connect to an appropriate server, and activate features like the kill switch to protect your data and IP address.
• Based on my testing, NordVPN is the best PokerStars VPN. Currently, you can benefit from a 76% discount on NordVPN.

Best PokerStars VPNs in 2025

1. NordVPN

   Best VPN for PokerStars casino
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   PokerStars VPN with infinite connections
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Secure VPN to play PokerStars anywhere
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Cheapest VPN for PokerStars
   8.2
5. IPVanish

   Reliable PokerStars USA VPN
   8.4

Why do I need a VPN for PokerStars?

Some US states restrict what type of online gambling you can engage in, while others, along with certain countries, downright prohibit all forms of gambling. Some even require special licenses or IDs to access betting hubs. Though this platform is not exempted, you can continue to access and play PokerStars with a VPN. It’s a mandatory tool for bypassing digital restrictions and unblocking PokerStars in banned locations like New York, Michigan, Florida, and California, and even other countries like Australia.

These restrictions are often intended to curb problem gambling, and while the intention behind them is a good one, many poker fans just want to enjoy playing poker responsibly and cannot access their favorite sites. This is where a reputable VPN service comes in useful to bypass these blocks and restore access to the site.

Besides unblocking PokerStars, a reliable gambling VPN also adds a layer of encryption to your data. As you’re playing with real money, it’s a smart choice to protect your connection and your credentials so that they don’t fall into the hands of cybercriminals. Your VPN ensures you can focus on your cards, but with a little extra peace of mind.

Best VPNs for PokerStars in 2025

1. NordVPN – best VPN for PokerStars in the US
2. Surfshark– service that can avoid PokerStars VPN detection
3. Proton VPN – free trial VPN for PokerStars
4. TotalVPN – cheapest VPN for PokerStars
5. IPVanish – PokerStars VPN with excellent speeds

I picked the best PokerStars VPN based on the strict criteria necessary for unblocking the site, remaining undetected, and ensuring sufficient connection speed to support live gaming with a low ping. Those include the ability to bypass geo-blocks, standard and extra security features, server fleet size, and optimal speeds. I tested 29 providers to see which VPNs could most effectively unblock PokerStars, but only 5 made it on my final list.

Top 1. NordVPN – the best PokerStars VPN

Due to its excellent unblocking capabilities, NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for PokerStars. It operates from Panama, boasts a certified zero-logs policy, and offers a vast server network for seamless access to PokerStars. And if that’s not enough, all standard servers run on RAM modules instead of hard drives.

Servers. A subscription to this provider nets you access to 7400+ servers in 118+ countries. Moreover, some of these servers are in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where PokerStars is legal. I had excellent connectivity in these US servers, along with Norwegian, Serbian, Canadian, and Spanish ones.

Performance. Furthermore, the service is extremely fast due to the proprietary NordLynx protocol, so you won’t have to worry about poor connectivity and lagging. My tests showcased seamless and lag-free PokerStars gameplay no matter how distant the servers were from me. Moreover, no connection disruptions occurred during matches, which is essential during real-time poker matches.

Security and additional features. 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.

Price. The best VPN for Pokerstards with 10 simultaneous connections can be yours for just $12.99/month. Curious cats can take advantage of the 7-day free trial before grabbing one of the lucrative NordVPN deals. And there’s always the 30-day money-back guarantee should you change your mind.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark – best VPN for PokerStars with RAM-only hardware

Surfshark, known for its unlimited simultaneous connections and extensive server network, is the ideal choice for PokerStars VPN, allowing safe access to online gambling platforms from anywhere in the world.

Servers. The 3200+ servers in 100+ countries are more than enough to fulfill all PokerStars USA needs. During my tests, I found that servers in the UK, the Netherlands, and many other gambling-friendly locations perform well. One of the best things about this service is its unlimited simultaneous connections.

Performance. 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.

Security and additional features. Feature-wise, Surfshark packs a punch feature-wise. You can shield yourself with an extra layer of protection 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.

Price. Play PokerStars with a VPN that costs next to nothing, the price starting at $15.45/month only. And it’s just one of the Surfshark deals. Plus, I surf the service without committing, thanks to the 7-day free trial and the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

Top 3. Proton VPN – privacy-oriented PokerStars VPN with reliable speeds

Proton VPN is an affordable VPN for playing PokerStars with robust security features and port forwarding – a tool that could help lower your latency on slower networks and stop you from missing a hand due to lag spikes.

Servers. With the premium tier, you can access 13000+ servers in 122+ countries. There are also US, UK, Canada, Serbia, and Norway servers that are great for playing PokerStars with a VPN from a legal, unrestricted location. You’ll also find some servers in New Jersey, one of the few US states that allow online gambling.

Performance. This provider utilizes the powerful WireGuard tunneling protocol to ensure the best speeds and connectivity – averaging 428 Mbps during my speed benchmarking tests. To keep you safe, Proton VPN also offers the Netshield feature, which fends off ads, trackers, and malware. Moreover, Stealth servers helped me avoid detection and censorship on restricted networks, so you’ll be completely invisible.

Security & additional features. You won’t have to worry about your privacy because Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, a country with no data retention laws. Moreover, independent auditor Securitum has audited its no-logs policy multiple times. These are among the reasons why Proton VPN is also one of the most trusted and recommended VPNs by Redditors and experts.

Price. Proton VPN is an affordable VPN that starts from $3.59/month when you sign up with a Proton VPN discount code. As for getting the feel of the service before diving into it, you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a month to test the service risk free.

For a deeper investigation, read our Proton VPN review.

Top 4. TotalVPN – cheapest VPN for PokerStars with security essentials

TotalVPN is the best VPN for PokerStars if you want to pay the least possible for your VPN subscription, while still offering all the security basics you need to safeguard your connection.

Servers. TotalVPN has a smaller server fleet than most, offering 50+ servers in 35 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Brazil where PokerStars is not blocked. Since TotalVPN doesn’t disclose the states in which its US servers are based, it’s not the best choice if you want to connect to a US server specifically – but it can still unblock PokerStars from numerous locations.

Performance. During my tests, TotalVPN displayed speeds of around 423 Mbps – steady enough for seamless PokerStars gameplay, and I didn’t encounter any dropouts or lag during cash games and tournaments – even when connecting to servers like Canada and the UK.

Security & additional features. TotalVPN uses standard AES-256 encryption alongside protocols including OpenVPN and IKEv2, giving you solid protection while you play. One feature I appreciated was the inclusion of port forwarding support — a handy option for reducing latency when playing from restrictive networks or hosting private tables via PokerStars Home Games.

Price. TotalVPN is the cheapest PokerStars VPN I’ve tested, with plans starting from around $1.59/month. There’s no free trial, but they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to test it out risk-free. It’s a decent budget-friendly choice for casual poker players who want basic unblocking capabilities without the bells and whistles of premium services.

For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.

Top 5. IPVanish – versatile PokerStars VPN with good connectivity

IPVanish is a reliable VPN provider known for its solid performance and comprehensive security features, making it one of the best VPNs for PokerStars users.

Servers. With access to 2400+ servers in 109 locations worldwide, including key regions like the US, the UK, and Australia, IPVanish ensures a smooth gaming experience with minimal lag. While it lacks dedicated servers in some of the legal US PokerStars states, I tested IPVanish servers in locations like New York and Ashburn, Virginia and could easily unblock PokerStars.

Performance. Although it lacks specialized servers, its broad server distribution guarantees great speeds for poker gaming. IPVanish delivers reliable download speeds, particularly with its OpenVPN protocol, reaching up to 459 Mbps during my tests. While it doesn't support the faster WireGuard protocol, it effectively reduces latency and maintains steady connections across multiple devices and major operating systems. The VPN also supports unlimited simultaneous connections, ideal for users with several devices.

Security & additional features. In terms of security, IPVanish offers AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection, backed by a zero-logs policy that has been independently audited. While it doesn't include ad-blocking, it offers a SOCKS5 proxy for faster, less secure activities like streaming.

Price. IPVanish is also cost-effective, with plans starting at $2.19 per month on a yearly subscription. Additionally, it offers 500 GB of free cloud storage through SugarSync and a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it an excellent budget option for securing your PokerStars experience without breaking the bank.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

Best VPN for PokerStars compared

While all of these VPNs are well-suited to playing poker online in the US and elsewhere, NordVPN is the best VPN for PokerStars overall. It can easily unblock the platform in both America and other countries where PokerStars is blocked. Additionally, it’s private, secure, and swift. Not to mention, you can get a dedicated IP for further anonymity and peace of mind that you’ll remain unblocked.

How I tested PokerStars VPN

The geo-blocks PokerStars has in place can be tough to crack if your VPN isn’t up to the job. That’s why I looked at specific criteria and how each of the 29 providers I tested fared when faced with PokerStars blocks. I ran the tests on a Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 1 device with AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U, Radeon Graphics 32 GB, a Macbook Air 2024 running Sonoma 14.7.6, and on Windows 11 Pro. Here’s the criteria that guided my tests:

• PokerStars unblocking capabilities. I tested whether each PokerStars VPN unblocks the platform without issues. Also, monitoring whether the VPN remains undetected after multiple attempts also played a role in my assessment.
• Servers in supported locations. If you want to play PokerStars with a VPN anywhere, you need connection points in regions where the website is available. I checked whether they cover all the major countries where PokerStars is perfectly legal: from US states to Australia.
• Security-boosting features. Since real money is involved, you need good protection, and you want to slip through geofences without risking account termination. I ensured that the top VPNs deploy features like the industry-standard AES-246 cipher, DNS leak protection, or Double VPN for extra encryption.
• Stealth measures. PokerStars doesn’t let just any VPN slip through. Hence, I tested whether each VPN has special stealth servers like obfuscated options or something similar to Surfshark’s Camouflage mode. These measures maintain a low profile, concealing traces of VPN use.
• Optimal performance. All VPNs have some degree of effect on your internet speed, but the best PokerStars VPNs should ensure this impact is minimized. To avoid low ping and noticeable speed dips, I tested whether each PokerStars VPN retains more than 85% of your connection speeds. Additionally, I checked if the providers have the modern WireGuard protocol and its upgraded, proprietary alternatives, like NordLynx.

While testing, NordVPN triumphed as the best PokerStars VPN. That’s because it easily bypasses even the strictest geo-blocks and performs flawlessly. Not to mention, it’s the most versatile VPN on the market overall.

Where is PokerStars legal?

Several regions allow access to the betting platform without restrictions. If PokerStars isn’t available in your country, connecting to the ones listed below will do the trick.

Here are the countries where PokerStars is legal:

What states is PokerStars legal in?

As of 2025, PokerStars now officially operates in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey. In each of these states, you can place real-money bets.

• New Jersey – allows real money
• Pennsylvania – allows real money

Other US States that allow online gambling include Nevada, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. While PokerStars hasn’t opened its site yet in these locations yet, it’s very likely that this may happen in the near future. What’s more, West Virginia recently joined the MSIGA (Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement), which will enable PokerStars to merge the state’s player base with those in Michigan and New Jersey, improving the overall gaming experience.

PokerStars banned countries

PokerStars is restricted in many countries due to various political, cultural, and legal reasons.

Ensure you’re using a VPN when connecting from these countries if you’d like to avoid any legal action against you. Depending on your part of the world, engaging in gambling where it’s banned could lead to consequences that range from account closure, to financial penalties or jail time.

Bear in mind that the legal, political, and religious situations can frequently change from country to country. I always check my local laws to ensure I'm not doing anything illegal by accessing online poker sites.

How to play on PokerStars in the USA

The situation with PokerStars in the United States is more complicated than in some parts of the world. Although some US states can still engage in online gambling on sites like PokerStars, the majority of the US cannot – and restrictions vary depending on the site in question. Fortunately, you can access PokerStars in Pennsylvania, Michigan, or New Jersey with a US VPN, or connect to a completely different country where the site is not blocked. So, follow these steps if you’d like to gamble for real:

Step 1: Get a reliable gambling VPN

You'll need to subscribe to a VPN that's proven as effective at bypassing gambling blocks. Based on my tests with 20+ VPN providers, I recommend NordVPN. Aside from having excellent unblocking power and robust security features, it's highly affordable – particularly for long-term plans.

Step 2: Download and install the VPN software

After you've created an account, download the VPN software on your device. Depending on whether you want to play PokerStars on desktop, mobile, or both, you should check that your chosen VPN supports your operating system.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN server in an allowed location

Open your VPN application and connect to a server located in a permitted region where PokerStars is available. Within the US, you could for example choose NordVPN's Detroit server. It's located in Michigan – one of three US states where PokerStars is currently available.

Step 4: Access PokerStars without restrictions

So long as your VPN connection remains active, you can now go to the PokerStars website or open the mobile application and start competing with other players.

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:

1. Sign up for a high-quality VPN. You won’t experience any performance issues with NordVPN.
2. Install the VPN app on the device of your choice
3. Connect to a nearby country that allows online gambling, for example, New Zealand
4. 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 want to reduce potential risks like DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, getting a UK VPN and securing your internet connection would be wise. Here’s how to do that:

1. Grab a trustworthy VPN. NordVPN boasts top-notch privacy and security.
2. Download and install the client
3. Connect to a nearby server for optimal speed
4. Select a PokerStars game and have fun!

Bet in the PokerStars sportsbook

Do I recommend a free VPN for PokerStars?

In general, I 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, while less effective, some of them might be able to bypass geo-blocks. Nevertheless, you’ll get very few servers to choose from, and the speeds are slower than you get with a premium service. The best free VPN for PokerStars is Proton VPN.
• Grab a premium free trial VPN for PokerStars casino. It is the best option if you can’t afford a premium subscription. You’ll get access to all servers and features for a limited time. Furthermore, you can punch through firewalls and geo-blocks with the best VPN, such as NordVPN, so accessing and playing on PokerStars will be like pie.

Enter PokerStars with NordVPN

Can PokerStars detect VPN?

Yes, PokerStars can detect VPN activity, which may result in consequences such as account freezing or banning. However, the platform doesn’t actively hunt players who rely on the technology. Nevertheless, if there is reason to believe you're using a VPN to illegally access the casino, action will usually 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 before any of these scenarios become a reality.

That’s why it’s crucial to pick a reliable PokerStars VPN that doesn’t compromise your user safety and privacy and that offers robust enough IP cloaking and obfuscation features to ensure you aren’t detected. You always want to remain undetectable, even if the connection drops.

Safety tips while playing PokerStars with a VPN

While a PokerStars VPN has built-in security features to protect your data and connection, 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. I tested each of my recommended PokerStars VPNs to ensure they don’t leak your data either.
• Withdraw your winnings as often as possible. In case of changing legislation or other sudden changes to requirements, PokerStars could restrict your country from playing. It has happened before, and players could no longer access their accounts. What’s more, a mistake that exposes your location could see your account restricted, so make you regularly withdraw your winnings.
• Avoid using any payment options that could reveal your real identity and location. Instead, look into 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, which is 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, reducing the chances that your connection is detected as VPN traffic.

Bottom line

PokerStars is currently only available in three US states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. While West Virginia recently legalized online gambling and joined the MSIGA (Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement), PokerStars hasn’t yet extended operations to the state. These bans affect many other countries, leaving poker fans without a means to access the most popular poker platform.

Fortunately, you can bypass PokerStars blocks in any US state or blocked country by using a reliable VPN. Based on my tests with more than 20 gambling VPNs, NordVPN is the best VPN for PokerStars, easily overcoming any geo-blocks regardless of your location. It also offers the robust kind of security features you need to avoid VPN detection and protect your money, including obfuscated servers and powerful data encryption.

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FAQ

Can PokerStars detect a VPN?

Yes, PokerStars can detect a VPN if your chosen VPN provider lacks the required security features to evade detection, such as obfuscation and AES-256 encryption. If you’re detected using a VPN, which breaks the site’s Terms of Service, then your account could be banned and your winnings withheld. Always use a reliable VPN like NordVPN to avoid PokerStars VPN detection.

How to bypass PokerStars geolocation?

To bypass PokerStars geolocation blocks, you’ll need to start by choosing a reliable VPN – NordVPN performed best in my tests with more than 20 premium VPN services. Once you’ve created an account and installed the software, connect to a VPN server in a location where DraftKings Sportsbook or DraftKings Casino is available, depending on what you want to play. NordVPN’s Michigan server in Detroit can unblock both products. Then, you can go to the DraftKings website and enjoy playing without restrictions.

Can I play PokerStars with a VPN?

Yes, you can play PokerStars with a VPN, and using a VPN to unblock PokerStars is the only way to play in many US states where the website is blocked. Not only can your VPN unblock the website, but it’ll also ensure all your data is encrypted and protected, hiding your online activity from third parties like your ISP while ensuring that your credentials and your money remain secure. I recommend using a tried-and-tested VPN like NordVPN – the best VPN for PokerStars based on my in-house testing with over 20 VPN services.

Is it legal to play PokerStars with a VPN?

If you’re located in a country where gambling is generally illegal, such as the UAE, then it’s illegal to play PokerStars with a VPN and you could face legal trouble. However, if playing PokerStars with a VPN in an area where it’s blocked due to gambling legislation, such as many US states, you’re more likely to risk an account ban and forfeiture of any winnings. In either case, be sure to pick a VPN like NordVPN to ensure that your activity is properly hidden and minimize the risk of any potential consequences.

Can I play PokerStars in the US?

Yes, you can play PokerStars in the US, but you need to be wary of the rules in your state as PokerStars is currently only available in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. If you live anywhere else in the US, you’ll have to use a reliable VPN like NordVPN to bypass geo-location restrictions and unblock the website. This method will allow you to play PokerStars from anywhere in the United States.

Can you play PokerStars from a different country?

Yes, you can play PokerStars from a different country – the website is legally available in the United Kingdom and many countries throughout Europe, as well as Brazil and three US states. If you live outside of an approved country, you can still play PokerStars by using a reliable VPN to bypass geographical restrictions. During in-house tests with more than 20 VPN servers, NordVPN was able to bypass geo-blocks in every country and allow me to play in countries where the website is ordinarily restricted.

What is the best PokerStars USA VPN?

NordVPN is the best VPN for playing PokerStars in the US and can easily unblock PokerStars in any US state or worldwide location based on my in-house tests. With the fastest VPN speeds available and more than 7400 US VPN servers, I had no trouble finding working connections and connecting to the PokerStars app and website to play poker without being blocked. It also offers robust security features like obfuscated servers and dedicated IPs to avoid detection for VPN usage, while offering the fastest VPN speeds available.

Can I play PokerStars in California?

Yes, you can play PokerStars in California – but as the website is blocked there, you’ll need to use a VPN. My colleagues and I found NordVPN to be the most reliable solution against PokerStars blocks, and it offers robust anti-tracking features to avoid detection like obfuscation and double VPN.

Can I play PokerStars in Florida?

Yes, you can play PokerStars in Florida by using a gambling VPN to bypass the geo-blocks used to restrict the website, due to gambling legislation. NordVPN performed best during my in-house tests with more than 20 providers and could easily unblock PokerStars from any US state or country where the website is restricted.

Can I play PokerStars in New York?

Yes, you can play PokerStars in New York by downloading a VPN like NordVPN and connecting to a server in a legal state. NordVPN is the best VPN for PokerStars and easily bypassed PokerStars blocks in New York and every other location that I tested, including numerous US states where gambling is banned.