Access DraftKings from Anywhere with a VPN in 2023

Hey there fellow sports fan! If you‘ve ever felt frustrated being unable to access parts of DraftKings from your location, this guide is for you.

I‘ll explain how VPNs can help you unlock geo-restricted features on DraftKings – the popular daily fantasy and sports betting platform. Whether you want to compete in DFS contests, bet on games or play casino games on DraftKings, a good VPN will let you bypass annoying location blocks.

Here‘s what I‘ll cover:

  • What exactly is DraftKings and why is it restricted in some areas?
  • Is using a VPN with DraftKings legal? Know the risks.
  • 5 top-rated VPNs to use with DraftKings
  • Step-by-step guide on how to set up a VPN for DraftKings
  • FAQs on using VPNs safely and optimally with DraftKings

Let‘s get started!

What is DraftKings and Why the Location Restrictions?

Founded in 2012, DraftKings is an online hub for daily fantasy sports (DFS), traditional sports betting, and casino games. On DraftKings, you can build fantasy lineups for real cash prizes or wager on outcomes of sporting events.

The company operates legally within about half of all US states. But in other areas, DraftKings faces partial or total blocks due to local gambling and gaming laws.

For example, in Idaho, Montana and Washington state, DraftKings is completely unavailable. Other states like Connecticut, Oregon and Illinois prohibit DraftKings Sportsbook but allow daily fantasy contests. Internationally, DraftKings is generally unavailable outside of the UK and Canada.

These restrictions exist because federal and state laws regarding online gambling and sports betting vary widely across different jurisdictions. Where gaming activities are prohibited or tightly regulated, DraftKings geo-blocks access to comply with local laws.

Can You Legally Use a VPN with DraftKings?

The short answer is it depends on your location, the specific activity you want to access on DraftKings, and applicable laws.

In general, using a VPN to entirely circumvent state or federal gaming prohibitions is not legal. For instance, if all forms of real money gambling are banned in your state, you should not use a VPN to access DraftKings contests or sportsbook.

However, if your location only restricts certain parts of DraftKings, using a VPN just to access permissible activities falls into more of a legal grey area.

To stay on the safe side, only use a VPN with DraftKings to access contests, betting and other features that are legally available in the state or country you are virtually located in. Geographic restrictions are annoying, but violating outright gambling prohibitions comes with real legal risks.

Now let‘s look at the top VPNs that can securely tunnel your connection…

5 Best VPN Services for DraftKings in 2023

Based on extensive testing and research, these are my top picks for VPNs to use with geo-restricted DraftKings access in 2023:

1. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Live Sports and Contests

With lightning-quick speeds and 3,000+ global servers, ExpressVPN is my top choice for DraftKings. Here‘s why:

  • Blazing fast speeds for real-time betting and last-second DFS picks. Consistently tested as one of the fastest VPNs.

  • 160 server locations in 94 countries, including DraftKings-friendly areas like New Jersey, Las Vegas and the UK.

  • Airtight security with 256-bit AES encryption, a strict no-logs policy and a kill switch.

  • 24/7 live support to help configure optimal servers for accessing DraftKings.

  • Works on all devices – computers, phones, tablets, routers and more.

  • Risk-free 30 day money back guarantee.

With best-in-class speeds and reliability, ExpressVPN is purpose-built for live sports viewing, betting and fantasy play. It‘s like having courtside or box seats to DraftKings from anywhere!

Get 3 free months of ExpressVPN

2. NordVPN – Largest Server Network

NordVPN earns the #2 spot for its vast server network of over 5,400 servers in 60 countries. Some key advantages:

  • Huge server network lets you easily switch between different DraftKings-friendly locations.

  • Consistently fast speeds for HD live streams without buffering.

  • Next-gen encryption, auto-enabled kill switch and zero logs.

  • Access to unique obfuscated servers if VPNs are blocked in your area.

  • User-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and more

  • 30-day money back guarantee

NordVPN is renowned for its bulletproof privacy, security and lightning-fast connections. The huge global server network offers abundant options for accessing DraftKings.

Start your 30-day risk-free trial of NordVPN.

3. CyberGhost – Budget Pick

At just $2.25/month for a 3-year plan, CyberGhost is the most affordable VPN for DraftKings with 7,400+ servers worldwide.

  • Budget pricing but still excellent speeds for DFS contests.

  • Apps are very user-friendly with one-click server connections.

  • Strong 256-bit AES encryption and strict no-logs policy.

  • Allows up to 7 simultaneous device connections. Share with friends!

  • 45-day money back guarantee to test risk-free.

While cheaper than other VPNs, CyberGhost still delivers great performance and security. It‘s a top value choice for accessing DraftKings on a budget.

Get started with CyberGhost for just $2.25/month.

4. Private Internet Access

Known for affordability and reliability, Private Internet Access (PIA) is another good VPN option with:

  • 35,000+ servers in 78 countries, many near popular DraftKings locations.

  • Leading protocols like Wireguard and OpenVPN for fast, stable connections.

  • Verified no-logging policy and encryption to protect your privacy.

  • Allows up to 10 device connections on a single plan.

  • Apps for all major platforms – Windows, Mac, Android iOS and more.

  • 30-day money back guarantee

With rock-solid performance and budget pricing starting at $2.03/month, PIA is a great VPN for accessing DraftKings on the go.

Sign up now for PIA starting at just $2.03/month.

5. IPVanish

Last up is IPVanish, which offers abundant server locations and great speeds starting at just $3.33/month:

  • Access 1,900+ servers in 75+ countries to avoid geo-blocks.

  • Strong 256-bit AES encryption and a strict zero logs policy.

  • Consistently fast speeds for real-time contests and live betting.

  • Unlimited device connections with a single account.

  • User-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and more.

  • 30-day money back guarantee

With servers on every populated continent, IPVanish makes it easy to spoof your location within permitted DraftKings regions worldwide.

Start using IPVanish for just $3.33/month.

Now let‘s walk through how to get set up…

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a VPN with DraftKings

Once you‘ve signed up for a recommended VPN service above, follow these steps to get up and running:

  1. Download and install your VPN‘s desktop and/or mobile apps. Be sure to set up any router installation if you want to connect other household devices.

  2. Run the VPN app and log into your account.

  3. Browse the server list and connect to a location where DraftKings is fully permitted, like New Jersey, Las Vegas or the UK.

  4. Once connected, you can now access DraftKings normally as if you were truly located in that state or country. Feel free to access any DraftKings features legal in that location.

  5. When using DraftKings, keep your VPN connected at all times to maintain the virtual location.

  6. Try out different VPN server locations to find ones that work best for reliably accessing DraftKings.

And that‘s it! With your traffic tunneled through the encrypted VPN, DraftKings will see you as being in the permitted area you connected to rather than your true blocked location. Pretty cool right?

Now let‘s go over some frequently asked questions…

FAQs on Using VPNs Safely with DraftKings

Here are answers to some common questions about securely accessing DraftKings with a suitable VPN:

Is it illegal to use a VPN to play DraftKings in banned states?

Yes, you should avoid using a VPN to entirely circumvent state laws that prohibit accessing DraftKings. Only use VPNs to access parts of DraftKings legal in your virtual location.

Can DraftKings detect I‘m using a VPN?

DraftKings can sometimes detect known VPN IP addresses. To lower risk, use reputable VPNs like the ones recommended that optimize servers to avoid detection. Also enable added protocol obfuscation where available.

Will I get in trouble for winning money on DraftKings through a VPN?

Potentially yes – DraftKings requires identity verification to withdraw winnings. If you falsified location data, this would violate terms and raise legal issues. Avoid entering paid contests through a VPN.

What countries are best to VPN to for accessing DraftKings?

The UK, Canada, Germany, Mexico and states where DraftKings is fully permitted like New Jersey and Nevada typically work well. Test different server locations to find ones providing the most reliable DraftKings access.

Can I be tracked if I use a no-logs VPN?

A true no-logs policy means your VPN provider records no identifiable connection data. This prevents tracking of your DraftKings usage and location history. Independent audits help validate no-logs claims.

Unlock DraftKings Wherever You Are!

Location restrictions preventing you from fully enjoying DraftKings are frustrating. But thankfully a good VPN lets you bypass geo-blocks and access DraftKings from anywhere – the safe way.

I recommend trusted providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN and CyberGhost that offer high speeds, abundant server locations and strict logging policies.

While exercise caution accessing prohibited gaming services, using a VPN just to get around annoying region blocks is a pretty safe workaround.

Now you can enter DFS contests, bet on your teams and play casino games on DraftKings regardless of where you happen to be! Have fun and remember to gamble responsibly!

Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy playing!

Written by Jason Striegel

C/C++, Java, Python, Linux developer for 18 years, A-Tech enthusiast love to share some useful tech hacks.