Should You Use a VPN When Gambling Online
Posted by Harry Kane on Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Despite facing a raft of regulatory challenges, the online gambling industry in the UK remains a huge and fast-growing entity. In fact, the iGaming market in the UK is now the largest of its type in the regulated world, with total gross revenue of $12.5 billion recorded as recently as 2022.
While this market features a large number of licensed operators that players can choose from, however, it has also emerged as a beacon for scam casinos and rogue operators. These entities are set up to capture sensitive player information and steal their funds, and they may use various means to achieve such various objectives.
Because of this, it’s crucial that you take steps to safeguard yourself when wagering online at any casino. But can a VPN help in this respect, and are there other proactive measures that you can take to protect your hard-earned cash? Let’s get into it!
What is a VPN and its Main Benefits?
VPN stands for ‘virtual private network’, and this creates an encrypted network connection between your mobile or desktop device and a remote server that’s operated by a client. This ensures that all web traffic and data appear as an indecipherable string of code, to potential hackers, network managers and even Internet service providers (ISPs).
Because of this, VPNs are commonly used when navigating unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. In this respect, they create an integral and additional layer of network security, minimising the risk of sensitive data being compromised. By connecting to a remote server, they also mask your device’s IP address and physical location, negating the risk of doxing or the launch of malicious malware attacks.
This also helps you to overcome geographical content restrictions, which are commonly associated with sites such as Netflix. More specifically, you can target VPN clients that operate multiple server locations all around the world, tricking service providers into thinking that you’re located in a different part of the world.
How to Identify the Best VPN for Online Gaming
As you can see, there are numerous benefits of using a VPN (especially when accessing public Wi-Fi connections). However, some of these are particularly relevant when engaging in online gambling, such as encrypting your web traffic (for privacy reasons) and preventing hackers or scammers from accessing your main funding sources.
But what are the key considerations when choosing a VPN client specifically for the purpose of gambling? We’ve outlined a few of these below, so that you can compare the market in detail and hopefully remain at the most informed choice possible!
Is the VPN Paid or Free
In general terms, it’s better to target paid VPNs rather than free alternatives, as the latter often lack advanced security protocols and are more inclined to sell user data to create a viable revenue stream. While there’s a cost involved in this, many premium VPNs can be accessed for as little as £3 per month, with this offering superior value and protection over time.
Does the Client Block Gambling Sites?
You may also find that some VPN clients (even paid subscriptions) actively block gambling sites and subsequently restrict or deny you access. Obviously, this is a key consideration when comparing the marketplace, as you must subscribe to a VPN provider that does not block iGaming sites and allows unfettered access (such as Surfshark or NordVPN).
Can the VPN Be Downloaded onto Your Device?
Not all VPN clients have been created equal, especially in terms of how they’re accessed and whether they’re compatible with multiple device types. So, you’ll need to confirm your own personal and device requirements, to ensure that the client can be downloaded onto your specific tablet, laptop or smartphone. Some may offer apps too, so keep this in mind before making your final decision.
What Server Locations are Available?
If we take a closer look at market leading VPN clients like Surfshark, we can see that they operate more than 3,000 server locations across the globe. This affords you far greater choice when gambling online, and you’ll at least need to ensure that you choose a client that operates servers in the same country as your chosen casino. This can increase your options when wagering online, so long as you gamble responsibly and only through sites that are licensed and regulated within the relevant jurisdiction.
What Security Protocols are Operated?
Finally, you should note that each VPN client operates its own unique combination of security protocols. These dictate the relevant level of security and performance of the client, and you’ll need to compare these options to find the best possible option for you. OpenVPN and WireGuard makes for one of the best combinations, as this strikes the ideal balance between security and speed when accessing casinos online.
The Bottom Line
By using this criterion, you can choose the VPN client that best safeguards you and your bankroll when wagering online. This will depend largely on your own personal preferences and circumstances, of course, but as a general rule, we’d definitely recommend using a reputable and paid VPN when betting through an unsecured public network.
Other steps that you can take include always keeping your personal and financial data safe and refraining from storing this information directly on devices. Also, try to use trusted and inherently secure payment methods such as PayPal or Visa debit card, while you can also
wager using cryptocurrency at some online casinos (so long as you’re familiar with this technology). By taking such proactive steps, you can safeguard yourself when betting online, and create additional layers of security regardless of how you access sites and precisely where you’re located in the world!