5 Best VPNs for PokerStars in 2024

PokerStars is unavailable in some regions due to geo-restrictions and regulatory issues, preventing users from enjoying online poker. You can’t sign up from regions such as most US states, Australia, and Germany. Even if you already have an account, you won’t be able to use PokerStars if you travel abroad.

Fortunately, you can solve this issue by using a VPN for PokerStars. A VPN will change your virtual location and trick the online casino into thinking you’re elsewhere. You'll be able to access PokerStars from anywhere, unblock casino games available in specific regions, as well as protect your online privacy.

We’ll share the 5 best PokerStars VPN services and how to play PokerStars with a VPN. Then, we’ll discuss why you need a VPN and how to choose the best one. We’ll also reveal where the platform is legal, if you can use it in the US, explain safety guidelines, and wrap up with a round of FAQs.

Best VPN for PokerStars - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for PokerStars in 2024
2. Surfshark – Fully Automated PokerStars VPN for First-Time Users
3. ExpressVPN – Advanced VPN for PokerStars for Privacy Protection
4. CyberGhost VPN – PokerStars VPN with Special Optimized Servers
5. PIA VPN – High-End VPN for PokerStars with Strong Unblocking Abilities

How to Play PokerStars with a VPN

You need to find a reliable provider that works with the gambling platform and has servers where it is available. Then, download and install it on your device. Here are step-by-step instructions:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with PokerStars (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on the device you’ll use. 
3. Open the VPN and log in or create an account.
4. Connect to a server where PokerStars is available (Canada or the UK, for example). 
5. Download the PokerStars app on your preferred device. 
6. Log in or create an account and deposit money into it. 
7. That’s it! You can now join a poker table from anywhere and enjoy playing.

In terms of the best VPN locations for Pokerstars, we recommend picking a server in the UK or Canada (Ontario). Those locations will give you unlimited access to Pokerstars, in addition to a wide range of casino games that you can enjoy.

The Best VPNs for PokerStars in 2024

To pinpoint the best options, you will need to follow the criteria we have provided in our guide about the best VPN for online gambling. First, your VPN must unblock PokerStars and other similar platforms from any location. That’s why you need a provider with a big server fleet with servers in locations where PokerStars is available, such as Canada and the UK. 

Moreover, you need to focus on the VPN’s security features, such as obfuscation, a kill switch, military-grade encryption, reliable VPN protocols, and a strict no-logs policy. On top of this, select a provider that has native apps for various devices, like phones, computers, and tablets, and allows numerous simultaneous connections. 

Another essential feature is that the VPN needs to be fast and have consistent performance. This will prevent any interruptions while gambling. Ultimately, search for a VPN with a fair price, a generous money-back guarantee, and 24/7 customer support. 

Based on the above-mentioned criteria, here are the 5 best VPNs for playing PokerStars in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for PokerStars in 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN for accessing PokerStars, featuring a vast server fleet of 6,300+ servers across 111 countries. Plus, thanks to its 480+ servers in 3 Canadian locations and 440+ UK servers in 4 cities, you will be able to unblock PokerStars and other gambling sites, regardless of your location. 

As you can read in our detailed assessment of NordVPN, it comes with obfuscated servers that hide your VPN usage, a kill switch that prevents data leaks, AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption, and robust VPN protocols like NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. There is also an audited no-logs policy to verify the VPN doesn’t share your data with third parties. 

NordVPN also allows you to install the PokerStars app on any device. This is because it has native apps for all popular devices, such as phones, tablets, and computers. Furthermore, a subscription to this VPN comes with support for 10 simultaneous connections. Also, you can count on ultra-fast speeds and stable performance.

This VPN's 2-year subscription is priced at $3.09/month. You can test the provider for a while and make the right decision based on your personal experience due to the 30-day money-back guarantee that NordVPN covers its plans with. Ultimately, there is 24/7 customer support to guide you through any problem that may occur. 

2. Surfshark – Fully Automated PokerStars VPN for First-Time VPN Users

The next VPN for PokerStars we recommend is Surfshark. With a range of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, Surfshark easily unblocks PokerStars and other gambling platforms. The main reason for this is it has 120+ Canadian servers in 3 locations and 210+ UK servers in 4 cities. Therefore, if one of the servers doesn’t work, you can always switch to another one.

Surfshark also prioritizes your online security and safety. That’s why it has AES 256-bit and ChaCHa20 encryption that makes your traffic undetectable, a kill switch that cuts your Internet if the VPN fails, and an audited no-logs policy. Even better, there is automatic obfuscation on all its servers, and it employs industry-leading protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. 

Playing PokerStars with VPN protection won’t be an issue if you decide to use Surfshark. The provider has dedicated apps for different devices, like computers, tablets, and smartphones. It even goes one step further and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark also has some of the fastest speeds on the market, as well as reliable performance from anywhere.

Right now, this VPN is priced at only $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. Its money-back policy allows you to test it for 30 days. Last but not least, its knowledgeable customer support will help you solve any potential issue quickly.

3. ExpressVPN – Advanced VPN for PokerStars for Privacy Protection

ExpressVPN has thousands of servers in 105 countries, including servers in 3 Canadian cities and 4 UK locations. Due to this, you will be able to unblock PokerStars and other similar sites from any possible location. This VPN is truly known for its fantastic content-unblocking features.

Another way ExpressVPN stands out from other providers is security. You will receive military-grade encryption (AES-256, WolfSSL), a kill switch, and VPN protocols like Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. Plus, it has a strictly audited no-logs policy. Aside from these features, your VPN usage will remain concealed due to automatic obfuscation on all its servers. 

ExpressVPN allows you to download it on various devices, as it has native apps for phones, tablets, and computers. It even comes with 8 simultaneous connections, meaning you can use it on more devices at the same time. As our full analysis of ExpressVPN notes, you will also enjoy its superb speeds and steady performance, no matter how far away your chosen server is.

The lowest you can pay for ExpressVPN is $6.67/month (1-year plan). It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with the VPN’s services. Last but not least, there is reliable customer support that you can reach at any time and overcome any issue.

4. CyberGhost VPN – PokerStars VPN with Special Optimized Servers

CyberGhost is another fantastic VPN that unblocks PokerStars smoothly, as well as other gambling platforms, thanks to 500+ Canadian servers in 3 locations and 1,000+ UK servers across 3 cities. What’s even better is that CyberGhost employs thousands of servers located in 100 countries.

CyberGhost has some impressive features, such as a strict no-logs policy, unique NoSpy servers, AES 256-bit, and ChaCha20 encryption that scrambles your data, and VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec that ensure fast data transmission. While it has a reliable kill switch, it unfortunately doesn’t offer obfuscation. 

Luckily, you can install CyberGhost on various popular devices, such as phones, tablets, or computers, and enjoy its 7 simultaneous connections. Plus, CyberGhost is one of the easiest-to-use VPNs, so even first-time users should face no issues. Regarding speed, CyberGhost has medium-fast connections and dependable performance - more than enough for online gambling. 

This VPN comes priced at only $2.19/month (2-year plan) and has a 45-day money-back guarantee, which seems quite generous. Lastly, you will be able to contact its 24/7 customer support, which helps you with any possible issue. Aside from that, you'll find email support, customer support tickets, various installation guides, and more.

5. PIA VPN – High-End VPN for PokerStars with Strong Unblocking Abilities

Private Internet Access (PIA) can be another option for you if you wish to access PokerStars with VPN security. This provider has one of the largest server networks on the market, with thousands of servers in 90+ countries. Among them, it has servers in 4 Canadian locations and UK servers in 3 locations that help you unblock PokerStars and other gambling sites effortlessly. 

PIA comes with a broad range of security practices, such as VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec; military-grade encryption (AES-128/256 and ChaCha20); obfuscation that doesn’t reveal you’re using a VPN; and an audited no-logs policy. It even has a kill switch that cuts your connections if the VPN fails. 

As explained in our extensive Private Internet Access review, you can use one of PIA’s apps for tablets, computers, and phones. Moreover, you can protect as many of them as you want because PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Unfortunately, it’s the slowest VPN on our list, but it does have stable performance. 

Right now, it's priced at $2.19/month (2-year plan). PIA also has a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to test it and make an informed decision. To wrap it up, it provides you with knowledgeable customer support that will assist you if you need to overcome an issue that arises. 

Why Playing PokerStars with a VPN is Necessary?

Aside from protecting your privacy and ensuring you're not tracked online, a VPN is necessary for PokerStars to unblock the platform and use it while traveling. Here is what you’ll encounter if you try to access it from an unsupported region: “Unfortunately this site is not available in your region.”

Let’s review all the ways a VPN will help you:

• Access PokerStars from Anywhere – VPN providers let you change your location to a country where PokerStars works and get full access. 
• Avoid Gambling Licensing Issues – Specific 'Real Money' games are available in certain markers only, which means that a VPN helps you access a wider variety of games.
• Unblock PokerStars While Traveling – Even if you can play PokerStars at home, if you travel to an unsupported region, your access will be blocked unless you use a VPN.
• Secure Your Deposits and Withdrawals - Thanks to the encryption they provide, VPNs allow you to transact your money without fearing that someone will steal your payment data.
• Use PokerStars Even on Public Wi-Fi – Gambling sites usually require sensitive data input, so if you want to gamble on public Wi-Fi, you need a VPN to encrypt your traffic. 
• Access a Wider Variety of Gambling Sites – By using a VPN, you’ll be able to change your location and access any gambling site. 
• Protect Your Personal Privacy and Finances – Because you will need to provide transactional details when gambling, utilize a VPN that will prevent unauthorized access. 
• Get Around Bandwidth Throttling - ISPs can slow down those who download or upload a lot of data. You need a VPN to bypass throttling and unleash the full speed of your connection.
• Conceal Your Browsing Activity – ISPs, governments, and hackers often track your online activities. Fortunately, a VPN will allow you to hide from them. 

How to Select the Best VPN for PokerStars

Finding the best option requires you to make sure it fulfills some essential criteria, like the ability to unblock PokerStars, a large server network, and strong security - letting you unblock access to PokerStars while ensuring no one follows you on the Web. Here’s a deeper look:

• Ability to Unblock PokerStars – The most important criterion is that your VPN must unblock PokerStars from anywhere and bypass the site's strong region-based blocks.
• Server Network Size and Spread – In order to unblock the platform, you'll need a VPN with a huge server fleet, including servers in regions where PokerStars works. 
• Obfuscated Servers – Obfuscation helps you hide your VPN usage by letting you switch to smaller data packets, therefore preventing blocks by the platform. 
• Kill Switch – To use PokerStars with VPN protection, ensure the provider has a kill switch to prevent data leaks. A kill switch shuts down your connection if something unexpected happens.
• Verified No-Logs Policy – You need a VPN with an independently audited no-logs policy that will guarantee your data won’t be shared with third parties. 
• Robust Protocols and Encryption – Having a VPN with robust encryption and VPN protocols is a must. Go for OpenVPN or WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• Simultaneous Connections and Supported Devices – In order to use the VPN on more devices at the same time, it needs to have numerous simultaneous connections and native apps for devices like phones, computers, and tablets. 
• High-End Performance and Speed – If you want to avoid interruptions while you’re gambling, choose a VPN with fast speeds and consistent performance across the board. 
• Wallet-Friendly Pricing - We recommend getting a long-term subscription, as that's how you'll save the most in the long run. Also, you might also get some bonuses or extras.
• Liberal Money-Back Guarantee – A solid refund policy will allow you to test the provider and get your money back if you’re unsatisfied with its services. 
• Responsive Customer Support – Your chosen provider should have 24/7 customer support so that you can overcome any potential issue quickly. 

Where Is PokerStars Legal?

PokerStars is legal in numerous countries all over the world. Although the platform is geo-restricted, you can still play for real money from many countries. However, gambling regulations change often, so here is a detailed list of all the legal countries as of this article’s publishing:

Is PokerStars Legal in the US?

Yes, PokerStars is legal in the US - but in a handful of countries only. More precisely, you can access its real-money games only in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In other states where gambling is allowed, you can access PokerStars' free casino games.

In 2023, PokerStars MI and PokerStars NJ merged into a multi-state network, which means that players in both states can play together. PokerStars PA is still a separate network, which means that it has different tournament schedules, cash game limits, and game formats.

How to Play PokerStars in the USA

You need to connect to a VPN server in a US state where PokerStars operates, such as Michigan, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. So, you'll need to sign up, download your chosen VPN, and then connect - using the following steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN that unblocks PokerStars (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN on your preferred device(s). 
3. Launch the VPN app and enter your credentials to log in. 
4. Connect to a server in a supported US state. 
5. Download and log in to the PokerStars app. 
6. That’s it! You can now gamble safely on PokerStars in the US. 

Safety Guidelines for Playing PokerStars with a VPN

Sticking to certain safety guidelines will enhance your overall privacy, such as connecting to the VPN at the right time, enabling the kill switch, and using obfuscated servers. So, let’s get into more details and explore all the tips thoroughly:

• Connect to the VPN on Time – Connecting to a suitable VPN server before opening PokerStars is one of the most important steps during the VPN setup. This way, you will prevent PokerStars from detecting that you’re trying to access it from an unsupported region, and you will enjoy unrestricted gambling. 
• Withdraw Your Winnings Frequently – Even the best gambling platforms can freeze your winnings and prevent you from claiming them, especially if you try to withdraw larger amounts all at once. That’s why it’s crucial to withdraw your wins more often. On top of that, this will help you avoid triggering Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, which will reveal your actual location.
• Enable the Kill Switch – The kill switch feature will prevent data leaks by cutting your Internet if it notices a VPN connection failure. As a result, your real IP address will remain hidden, and you will continue to enjoy your favorite poker games.
• Use Obfuscated Servers – By going for a VPN provider with obfuscated servers, you will ensure that your VPN usage remains hidden. Therefore, PokerStars won’t be able to see that you’re bypassing restrictions, so you won’t face any VPN blocks. Of course, you'll need a VPN with obfuscation servers in the right locations, which is what NordVPN offers.

Is It Safe to Play PokerStars with a Free VPN?

No, it's not safe to use a free VPN for PokerStars, and we can't recommend using them. That's because free VPNs come with limited features, slow speeds, and small server networks, so most of them won't even be able to unblock PokerStars.

Also, free VPNs put you on a strict daily/monthly data allowance. Plus, most of them collect sensitive data, which is then sold to the highest bidder. Lastly, we've also seen many of those propagate malware, so you might end up with an infected device.

What you can do is try a premium VPN for free. For example, you can start a NordVPN trial on Android and use it for 7 days. You also get a 30-day money-back policy on other devices. Once you're ready to take your pick, check our overview of the top-rated VPNs.

If you're set on sticking to a free option, give Proton VPN a try. It's one of the rare free VPNs to feature unlimited bandwidth, but your speed and the server selection available will be limited.

Final Thoughts

PokerStars is a popular gambling platform for poker lovers. Still, it is restricted in many countries due to different gambling regulations and geo-restrictions. Even if you can use it at home, you will not have access to it when traveling to unsupported regions. That’s why you should play PokerStars with a VPN to unblock it, ensure you're protected, and gain access to region-specific games.

Your #1 option right now is NordVPN, which is the best VPN for PokerStars, as it has a huge server fleet with coverage where PokerStars is available. You will be able to unblock the gambling platform from anywhere while enjoying incredible speeds and top-notch security. Plus, this PokerStars VPN is among the easiest to use and works on any platform imaginable.

That’s all for our guide on choosing a VPN to unblock and play on PokerStars. If you have any questions, please let us know via the comment section below. Thank you for reading!