Can I play with a VPN in an online casino?
Learn why playing with a VPN in an online casino is prohibited
It is not uncommon for players from certain countries to use Virtual Private networks VPN in order to get around censorship or bans in their home country. Using a VPN allows you to conceal your true country IP address which can otherwise be used to stop you from playing at an online casino.
VPN servers lower the barriers to the worldwide net for players that are censored from accessing certain sites in their home country.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a server that you can connect to that conceals your true IP address with one from another country. The advantage of using a VPN to access a website is that specifically geo-targeted customers can bypass restrictions so that they can access a website they otherwise would not be able to.
If the casino discovers that you are in a country that is restricted, then the casino reserves the right to close your account and confiscate your winnings.
Why use a VPN in an online casino?
Using a VPN is like visiting an online gambling website from another country. Why might you want to connect to the internet in this way? The reason is simple. Not all online casinos are available to all players from all countries. This could be due to regulations in a specific country which prohibits gamblers from visiting restricted websites. This may be because it is banned or the choice of online casinos is restricted to local operators.
By using a VPN, the IP address that the casino's server will see is the one for which the VPN server is located. In theory, this would mean that you should be able to register and deposit at an online casino in the country for which the VPN is set to. Also, players will be able to set up multiple accounts in order to claim the welcome bonus multiple times.
Why do online casinos prohibit the use of a VPN?
The reason why casinos prohibit the use of the VPN is that by doing so, you may be circumventing country law with regards to gambling. This is, of course, because you are tricking the casino into believing that you are located in a non-restricted country. By using a VPN, you are engaging in an illegal activity, which is something the casino wants no part of, and indicates this in their terms and conditions.
What do I risk using a VPN in an online casino?
One of the biggest reasons for not using a VPN for registration or playing at a casino is that you risk forfeiting your winnings when the casino eventually finds out. It is very likely that the casino will find out, since you will be required to send verifying documents to them, to confirm your identity and place of residence.
If the casino discovers that you are in a country that is restricted, then the casino reserves the right to close your account and confiscate your winnings. Clearly, trying to deceive the online casino is a bad idea!
What if I accidentally play at an online casino with a VPN?
If it so happens that you accidentally play using a VPN, say, because you forgot to turn off your VPN then it is best to contact the casino's customer support to inform them. Alternatively, you might find yourself in a situation where you are in a country temporarily which is prohibited by the casino and you want to play. Using a VPN would be a workaround for some players, though this is not advisable. You should contact customer support and also let them know.
The key takeaway from all of this is that while it may be tempting to use a VPN because of the freedom that it provides, it is not advisable. Remember that at some point you will need to verify your identity, including your place of residence. This puts you at risk of losing your winnings if the casino later discovers that you are attempting to deceive them. While VPNs can serve a legitimate purpose, it is not advisable to use a VPN service when dealing with an online casino.
