Looking at the Use of VPNs for Online Gambling
Many people use VPNs for a range of purposes. These include watching specific TV shows and films, improving online security and visiting gambling sites they would otherwise be unable to access.
The growth of using VPNs for gambling online is substantial. © StefanCoders, Pixabay
VPNs Explained
So, what is a VPN? It stands for Virtual Private Network and is a programme that does two things: it encrypts your internet traffic and it hides or even changes your IP address (where your web browser thinks you are).
Many people use VPNs to make their internet browsing more safe and secure. Some people use them to access things they can’t usually access where they are. Many streaming sites, such as Netflix, restrict content to certain countries.
There could be a film that’s available on Netflix in one country but not in yours due to licensing agreements. With a VPN, you could make your computer think you’re in the country where the film is available.
So long as the VPN runs, you can log in to your Netflix account and watch the film that is unavailable in your country. There’s usually no limit to where you make a VPN think you are.
Some use VPNs for gambling. The main reason for doing this is to get around national gambling restrictions. In quite a few countries, online gambling is illegal or heavily restricted. Using a VPN unlocks gambling sites banned in the user’s own country but free to access elsewhere.
In the UK, VPN usage for online gambling isn’t too common. This is because the country’s laws are generally quite relaxed, and the industry has a lot of regulation. Gambling over the internet is very safe and people in the UK have a wealth of options to choose from.
Even though there is a large number of gambling sites in the UK, some people may still use VPNs. They want to access sites that, for one reason or another, aren’t available in the UK just yet.
Another point to mention is public Wi-Fi. This can be convenient, but the downside to it is that they can be unsafe and unsecure. They’re often more vulnerable to attacks than home Wi-Fi networks.
If you have to connect to a public Wi-Fi network, using a VPN gives you the extra bit of protection you would otherwise lack. It safeguards your activity and any sort of sensitive or important data you might have.
Problems When Using VPNs to Gamble Online
On the surface, gambling using a VPN doesn’t seem like anything untoward. After all, you’re just making your computer think it’s somewhere else so you can access certain sites. However, VPNs have a range of issues.
First is the fact that many gambling sites forbid players who use VPNs. They use special software to bypass VPNs and see where someone is based. If a site forbids VPNs and catches you using one, you could be suspended or even permanently banned.
There’s also the fact that a VPN might not be able to link your IP address to your desired country. Many VPNs offer only a selection of countries for free; if you want access to the full selection of countries, you have to pay extra.
Speaking of paying extra, it’s not just the list of countries that increase when you pay. It can also be things like the connection speed and the security. The free software can be useful, but always remember that you’re not getting the full version if you’re not paying.
VPNs vary greatly in their design, features and reputation. Most of them perform well, are user-friendly and have a great reputation. However, some of them don’t, and it’s these you should avoid using.
A Virtual Private Network that slows your internet connection down isn’t good when you want to play casino games online. To get the most out of online gambling, you need a fast, uninterrupted connection so the games can run properly and you can respond to them in real time.
There are online casinos you shouldn’t sign up for, i.e., unlicensed ones. Likewise, there are VPNs you shouldn’t use, namely those with lots of negative reviews that are known for being unreliable and unsafe.
Risks of Gambling Online with a VPN
So, are there any risks of gambling using a VPN? Not necessarily. In the UK, the act of using a VPN is completely legal, so long as you visit legal websites, of course. Since gambling online is legal, you won’t get into any trouble if you use a VPN.
Having said that, there are still things that can go wrong when gambling online with a VPN. As mentioned earlier, there is a chance that a gambling site could ban you if it detects you’re using a VPN, and it forbids this.
There’s also the matter of your data. If you use a VPN that’s been compromised, this could result in your sensitive details, and possibly even financial information, getting exposed. While it’s always best to avoid VPNs with low ratings, sometimes even the well-rated ones can be compromised.
Finally, there’s the issue of money. If you have money in your casino account, the operator can confiscate it if you breach the terms and conditions. If it’s against the rules to use a VPN and if you use one, you may lose all your money.
This would include both cash you’ve deposited and any winnings you’ve been lucky enough to earn. If you want to access an online casino using a VPN, always check this is allowed first. There’s no point in spending money if there’s a chance you won’t get to keep it.
Why Are VPNs Being Used More Often for Online Gambling?
Again, there’s not as much of a need to use VPNs in the UK as in other countries. This is because of the country’s legal gambling framework and strong regulation. Elsewhere, VPN usage is on the rise not just for online gambling, but for other reasons too.
Generally speaking, a VPN is only as secure as the company that runs it. Virtual Private Networks open the internet and give people freer access than they would normally enjoy. Many VPNs aren’t as secure or reliable as they should be and can cause problems.
Even though the UKGC licenses most gambling sites in the UK and can be considered very safe, people still use VPNs when gambling online. This is because they want the extra security this tech can provide.
Another reason why people choose to use VPNs for online gambling is because of the privacy they offer. Even though there are no laws against gambling in the UK, people still prefer to be able to visit their favourite casinos and sportsbooks without others knowing about it.
Even though Virtual Private Networks aren’t perfect and can have disadvantages, many people seem to think that the pros outweigh the cons. If you’re considering using one, you must do some research first.
Compare different VPNs, considering factors such as connection speed, safety features and available countries. It’s also worth looking at what you get for free and when you pay.
Remember that in the UK, you can access a huge range of online casinos and sportsbooks and enjoy a perfectly good gambling experience without having to use VPNs.
