VPNs and Online Casinos: What Players Need to Know About Geo-Restrictions
Admin,
There are always two sides to every coin, and when it comes to accessing geo-specific casinos, the analogy holds true.
On one side, you have online casinos that use IP addresses to approve or block players based on their location. But if you flip the coin, you have players using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to mask their location and access these geo-restricted online casinos anyway.
It’s like trying to gain entry to a party you aren’t invited to while wearing a mask to hide your identity. The big question is what happens when the security finds out you’re an uninvited guest?
That’s what we’ll be discussing below, but instead of parties, we’ll talk about online casinos.
Join us as we explore whether it’s legal and safe to use VPNs to access restricted online gambling platforms. We’ll also discuss why some players use VPNs as well as the benefits and risks involved.
How Online Casinos Geo-Block Players Using IP Addresses
Have you ever tried to access an offshore casino, but the site blocked your access? If yes, it means the platform detected your location. But how did the site know your location? This section explains how online casinos detect players’ locations and why they restrict players from specific locations.
How IP Geolocation Works in Online Casinos
In online casinos, geolocation helps the platform identify or estimate your location when accessing their site. Geolocation relies on various technologies, including your IP address, Wi-Fi and cellular signal, and GPS.
IP address: An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique number that’s assigned to your device when you’re connected to the internet. Online casinos can use your IP address to determine your broader location, like city or region.
GPS: Global Positioning System (GPS) uses a process called trilateration to determine the exact location of a device. The GPS receiver on your device receives signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. Then, it calculates the distance from four (or more) satellites to pinpoint your exact position.
Wi-Fi and cell towers: When your computer or mobile device scans or connects to nearby Wi-Fi or cell towers, it can give away your location through triangulation.
Why Do Online Casinos Implement Geo-Restrictions?
Isn’t it selfish when casinos block users from certain locations? Not really. In fact, geo-restrictions benefit both players and casinos in the following ways:
- Ensure legal compliance: Online casinos must block users from regions where gambling is illegal to remain compliant and avoid legal issues.
- Improved user experience: By determining your location, betting sites can provide localized and relevant bonuses, games, and better support.
- Better security: Geo-blocking can help keep away illegal users who might be aiming to practice fraud, identity theft, and other illegal activities.
How Else Can Online Casinos Detect Your Location?
Online casinos rely on more than one method to detect your location. Besides what we’ve already discussed, betting platforms can also use:
- KYC documents: Online casinos may request your details, like your full name and a government-issued ID, to validate your identity and location.
- Payment and banking data: Online casinos can analyze your banking information, such as billing address, IBAN, and country of registration, to determine your location.
Top Restricted Regions in the World
Online gaming licensing varies from region to region. Jurisdictions such as Malta and the Isle of Man enjoy a legal and regulated gambling market.
However, there are regions where the government strictly regulates online betting. These countries include:
- The United Arab Emirates
- Singapore
- The United States
- Qatar
- Japan
Using VPNs at Online Casinos: Advantages and Risks
If you live in a region where gambling is illegal, you might consider using a VPN to access offshore online casinos.
Is it a viable solution? Probably. But what happens when you get caught? Although using a VPN can enable you to access geo-restricted platforms, it’s essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks.
What’s a VPN and How Does It Work?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. This technology acts as a mask, hiding your real IP address when accessing the internet.
How? It creates an encrypted connection between your computer or mobile device and a remote server run by the VPN host. So, instead of the online casino seeing your real IP address and location, it sees another IP address from a different location.
For example, you can use a VPN to change your IP address so it looks like you’re browsing from Malta when you’re actually in California.
But despite VPNs’ various advantages, there are also risks involved.
Advantages of Using VPNs at Online Casinos
Some of the benefits of using VPNs to access online casinos include:
- Placing wagers on geo-restricted casinos that are unavailable in your region.
- Claiming generous promos, such as an exclusive online welcome bonus that is only available in a specific jurisdiction.
- Enhancing your online security and privacy by masking your IP address and hiding information from potential hackers.
- Accessing more gambling sites from various jurisdictions.
Risks of Using VPNs at Online Casinos
While VPNs have benefits, they also come with various risks, including:
- Violating the casino’s terms and conditions. When caught, the platform can freeze or permanently ban your account.
- Casinos are blocking you from accessing your winnings, making withdrawals, and revoking any bonuses you had previously claimed.
- Slowing your internet speed causes delays and frustrations.
- Leading to legal consequences such as fines, depending on your jurisdiction’s gambling laws.
Can an Online Casino Know That I’m Using a VPN?
Yes. Online casinos utilize various technologies to detect users accessing their site via a VPN. The main detection methods include:
- Behavioral patterns: Betting sites can use machine learning to track your patterns, such as login times and specific betting behaviors. For example, multiple logins from different countries within a short time raise a red flag.
- Device fingerprinting: Platforms can detect VPN usage by tracking your device’s configurations, such as operating system, time zone, browser version, and language.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Online Gambling?
It depends. It can be legal or illegal to use VPNs when betting, depending on the platform’s terms and conditions or the region’s gambling laws.
Online Casino Terms and Conditions
Most online casinos prohibit players from using VPNs to access bonuses, games, and betting services. You can find the clauses about using IP-masking tools like proxies and VPNs by reading the casino’s terms and conditions.
Avoid using VPNs on betting sites that clearly outline that they don’t allow players from restricted regions or those using an IP-hiding tool. Remember, there’s no legal recourse if a casino bans your account or blocks withdrawals for violating their terms of service.
Your Jurisdiction’s Gambling Laws
It’s advisable to stay away from betting activities (including using VPNs) if you reside in a country where gambling is restricted or illegal. Take time to research the gambling laws in your jurisdiction, including the consequences of accessing offshore platforms.
For example, UK citizens can gamble online without the need for VPNs. In the United States, the laws vary from one state to another. In China, it’s illegal to gamble online or use an IP-masking software to access online casinos.
Why You Should Consider Local Casinos Over Using VPNs
While it can be tempting to use VPNs to access casino sites, it’s better to avoid doing so and protect yourself from trouble. If available in your region, the best alternative is to look for local licensed casinos. Betting on licensed online casinos offers benefits such as:
- Accessing faster customer support and dispute resolution.
- Gaining long-term value since VPN use might be detected at any time.
- Tapping into legit promotional offers such as online welcome bonuses, free spins, and daily or weekly rewards.
- Having peace of mind since you’re not breaking any laws or terms.
- Taking advantage of safe deposits and cashouts.
Always Gamble Safely and Responsibly
Though VPNs promise anonymity and security, they can usually be detected, leading you to trouble with the law or the betting platform. Honestly, they aren’t worth the risk. Whenever possible, the better alternative is to find licensed gambling sites operating in your jurisdiction.
Once you find a reliable betting platform, start small with free games and low wagers as you work your way up. And always remember to gamble legally, safely, and responsibly.