Access to sports betting sites is vital to many gamers, as the global online gaming market continues to grow each year. But this also means that some players can’t access their preferred platforms, depending on where they’re located. Whether you want access to different odds, the latest bonuses, or are traveling, using a VPN for sports betting is a great solution.
However, VPNs aren’t one-size-fits-all. In this handy guide, we’re going to show you everything you need to know to get started. From what the difference between proxy and VPN services is, to the proper usage of a VPN for sports betting. If you’re interested in more information about staying secure online while betting, consider this guide the starting point for a safe and rewarding experience.
Why VPNs Are Better than Proxies
Proxies might seem like an easy solution, but they are no substitute for a proper sports betting VPN. Proxies are fundamentally different and far less sophisticated. First, proxies do not encrypt your data, so your connection remains exposed to hackers, your ISP, and the proxy provider, which defeats the entire purpose of not having a VPN.
Also, proxies are limited to one app at a time. This means with a proxy, you can’t take advantage of the best betting sites bonuses across several sites at the same time. Worse, most betting sites are smart enough to detect proxy traffic, and you could easily have your access blocked without warning.
Another issue with proxies is the speed, in addition to the security lapses. When it comes to protecting your betting activity, financial transactions, and personal data, a quality VPN outperforms proxy solutions by a wide margin on all fronts that matter to sports bettors.
Premium VPNs vs. Free VPNs for Bettors
A free VPN will allow you to access the casino sites that have been blocked from any corner of the world. The only con of using a free VPN is that it is not at all safe since a lot of people use it. The free servers are usually overloaded and are also very, very slow. This is also the reason why most punters do not even recommend a free VPN. The chronic use of WI FI presents many security lapses, perfect for hackers to steal your data.
There are also issues with consistent bandwidth. A premium VPN offers more stable bandwidth, resulting in better consistency. That means you can keep up better with the live betting and streaming for your favorite matches, so you don’t miss a bet. Also, premium VPN servers are also not banned easily.
More Command on the Servers
The closer the VPN server to you is, the faster your connection and the less latency you are going to experience. Many VPNs offer a map of sorts so you can find the closest available server. If speed is what you are after, this will most likely be your best bet. Picking a server based on where your target sportsbooks are located is another option.
However, not every sportsbook takes kindly to a VPN. The top platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel invest millions in geo-location tools to detect VPNs. They do this because these American sportsbooks are licensed only in certain states. This breach can result in their license being revoked, ultimately costing billions. Some European sportsbooks follow suit, making it difficult for some VPN users to access them.
Tips for Sportbooks and Bettors
While VPNs are a game-changer for sports betting, they are not 100% foolproof. Some bookmakers see VPNs as a way to build up membership, while others view them as fraud and a danger to being fined or having their licenses stripped away. In the end, each sportsbook has their own rules. Most unlicensed or foreign sportsbooks are more leanant with VPNs. However, the lack fo regulation poses other challenges. Before joining or using a VPN, research the bookie’s official rules. Some sites have a splash page letting you know that they don’t support VPNs if they detect one.
