Studies show that more people are engaging in online gambling every day and websites like topbetsonline.co.za help you decide the best bookies. After going through such lists and choosing the best site, there is nothing as irritating as discovering your preferred sportsbook is not available in your country.
While gambling is legal in many countries, in some it is still illegal, and engaging in it has serious consequences. Some countries allow betting but restrict it to only specific government-authorized sportsbooks.
This is where a VPN comes in. A Virtual Private Network or VPN is an amazing tool normally used to secure your browsing sessions or circumvent any restrictions tied to your location. Not all VPNs are the same, and depending on the VPNs protocol, some may not enable you to gamble privately and securely.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN works like a mediator between your internet service provider and the internet, enabling you to access the internet through them. It ensures you can browse privately and protects your information from being accessed by other parties.
When you visit an online sportsbook, the VPN you use will match your IP address to its own, hiding you from anyone on the internet and protecting your identity. It also encodes your data, scrambling it in a manner that can only be decoded with an encryption key. This way, any information passing through the VPN becomes unreadable when.
When it comes to accessing a sportsbook from a different country, the VPN will mask your location, and the data sent from your location will be rerouted to the VPN servers location. For example, if you are in Kenya, a VPN can enable you to access online casinos in the US, UK, or Canada that require you to be a citizen of the US to play.
Benefits of a VPN
A VPN can provide numerous benefits such as increased online privacy and security, access to restricted content, and the ability to bypass internet censorship.
By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN hides your IP address and browsing activity from third-party entities such as internet service providers and hackers. This not only protects your data but also allows you to use public Wi-Fi safely.
VPN can also give you access to unavailable content in your country due to geo-restrictions. If you live in a country with strict gambling restrictions, a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access the internet freely.
When browsing the internet, you can do it anonymously when using a VPN. This is beneficial for betting and personal use alike. Data and files can be shared online without any security concerns, ensuring protection from theft or corruption by hackers. Your ISP, apps, and other services can’t get access to your data with a VPN keeping it private.
How to choose a VPN
The most important benefit of a VPN is the security it provides. You are assured that your identity and data are protected. Still, there are other key factors you should look at when choosing a VPN.
- Encryption protocols. The VPN you choose should have very strong encryption protocols. A VPN uses encryption protocols to protect your data. Examples of such protocols include WireGuard, PPTP, IKEv2/IPSec, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, and SoftEther.
- Server locations. When selecting a VPN, look at the locations where it has servers. For example, you can only use a sportsbook in the UK if the VPN has a server there.
- Speeds. The VPN you choose should have a fast connection. While some VPNs allow you to access many sites, they can become extremely slow and make the betting process unbearable. A VPN’s speed can also be affected by the encryption protocols it uses.
- User reviews. Like other services, it is important to assess user reviews to see if the VPN you want offers the services it advertises and if people are satisfied with it.
VPNs are not expensive, and while you could be tempted to get a free VPN, it is not advisable to do that. This is because the majority of free VPNs have fewer servers, may contain malware, and are usually slower with weaker encryption. Therefore, you would be better off buying the best VPNs.
Is gambling with a VPN legal?
VPN use is legal in many countries, except those with censorship laws like China, Iraq, Belarus, Oman, UAE, Iran, Uganda, Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, and Turkey. In such countries, using a VPN is actually a criminal offense.
The main reason for using the VPN will determine the legality. Gambling is legal in many countries and some countries even allow you to use betting sites from other countries.
Nevertheless, if you are in a state or country where betting is banned, using a VPN could come with serious consequences. Also, trying to access sportsbooks such as DraftKings from the US and you are in a different country can lead to a lifetime banning.
Consequences of illegal betting
In countries where VPN use and gambling is legal, your chances of being arrested for illegal betting are slim. However, there are other consequences you will face when you try to access sportsbooks from other countries.
As already mentioned, you could get a lifetime ban. Most sportsbooks have security measures put in place and will be able to recognize that you are using a VPN. If discovered, you will never be able to access your favorite sportsbook anywhere you are.
You could lose your funds. Not only will you be unable to withdraw any winnings, the sportsbook will shut down your account, and if you have any funds in your account you will lose it all.
In summary
Though online gambling has made significant strides in the last couple of years, there are still some countries that restrict their citizens from participating in it. If you are in such a country, using a VPN for sportsbook betting is still illegal and could have serious consequences.
Disclaimer:
- As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman and Sikkim, prohibit gambling
- Land-based casinos are legalized, with certain guidelines, in Goa and Daman, as per the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976
- Land-based casinos, Online gambling and E-gaming (games of chance) are legalized in Sikkim under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009
- Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries as per and subject to the conditions laid down by state laws. Kindly refer to the same here
- Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in a licensed premise in select states. Kindly refer to the 1996 Judgement by the Supreme Court Of India here and for more information
- This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff.