Online Gambling in America: How to Stay Under the Radar and Place Bets from Anywhere

Not all online gambling venues are accessible everywhere. Some U.S. states still filter out access, and offshore gambling sites will restrict access based on an IP address. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is typically used by most American players for this purpose—especially when looking for a trusted VPN for safe casino playing.

VPNs are excellent tools that let you play safe and free while taking advantage of online gaming portals. In the first place, they let you change your IP address to go to restricted sites. Secondly, they secure your internet traffic—so all of your activity on the internet is kept private and secure. Such protection is especially useful when you're handling sensitive financial data, such as bank cards and personal information.

While legal in the majority of the United States, Internet gambling can be denied access to some websites by virtue of physical location within a state or by an operator's policy. In some cases, sites may be blocked in their entirety by federal law or by a licensing issue.

If this is a problem you are experiencing, then one of the best ways to overcome geo-blocks is by a VPN. Accessing a server based somewhere else, you can visit sites as if you were there—preventing any blocks from prohibiting you from placing your bets. 

Why Are Online Betting Sites Blocked in the First Place?

Of the 195 accepted countries within the world community, 56 nations strictly prohibit gambling and 10 states prohibit internet gambling altogether. To comply with local law, most internet betting platforms employ geo-blocking software to prevent customers from access in banned areas.

The reasons for such prohibitions are multifarious, the most prevalent of which are social, political, or religious in nature. For example, gambling is prohibited in the majority of Islamic states. While legal gambling is prohibited, states have not yet implemented legislation specifically addressing internet gambling or lack the means to effectively enforce them.

Risks of Using a VPN for Internet Gambling

Even with its merits, VPN gambling has some potential risks. The most prevalent are as follows:

• Blocked Access Even with VPN: Certain websites are highly advanced at recognizing VPNs. For instance, PokerStars can search for cheat software on your machine—and in the process, discover VPN clients. This can lead to an account ban. To prevent this, employ a VPN that has an "obfuscation" feature to disguise VPN traffic.
• Withdrawal Issues: Even if you succeed in getting into a betting site and placing a bet smoothly, your prize money may prove to be difficult to withdraw. The majority of websites require proof of identity in terms of a photo ID, real residential address, and active bank account. The instant the operator becomes aware that you are physically based in an authorized jurisdiction, they will have your money as well as your account frozen. Through the use of foreign payment systems such as PayPal, Wise, or Payoneer, this threat is partially circumvented at times.
• Suspension or Shut Down of an Account: When a website discovers that you are taking advantage of its Terms of Service by cheating with a VPN, your account could be shut down or suspended. You could lose your winnings and any other activity on the website in the future.

Conclusion: Liberty with VPNs, But with Prudence

VPN is a great way of accessing restricted betting sites in your area, and it will also keep your data protected and your information confidential. To American players in areas with poor access or traveling or living in poor access states, it is a godsend.

But beware always. Experiment with low stakes first, ensure that you can withdraw winnings, and read each site's Terms and Conditions thoroughly. Stay aware of community forums or trusted sites to avoid costly mistakes.