DraftKings blocked? Unable to log into your account? You’ve probably found yourself in a region or country that isn’t supported by the website’s gambling license, or one that prohibits gambling altogether.
To unblock DraftKings, you’ll need to use a VPN (virtual private network). Don’t worry, we’ve already rounded up and tested the best DraftKings VPNs for you — check them out below:
- Surfshark VPN: The all-around best DraftKings VPN
- NordVPN: VPN for DraftKings with incredible speed and privacy
- CyberGhost: The best VPN for DraftKings when traveling extensively
- Private Internet Access: DraftKings VPN with U.S. VPN servers in every state
- ExpressVPN: DraftKings VPN with excellent speeds for other activities
Surfshark was our overall best VPN for DraftKings, offering a broad choice of servers that can unblock the platform, excellent speeds, and strong protection for your personal information.
Surfshark
Curious about how the other choices measure up? Check out our full write-up below!
DraftKings is ideal for sports aficionados. It combines casino slots, fantasy sports, and sports betting into a single platform. Want to create your own fantasy league team on DraftKings but can’t access the website? You need a DraftKings VPN (virtual private network).
DraftKings is a Boston-based company that uses region-locking software to block access from countries where gambling is illegal. The service is also blocked in numerous U.S. states, though laws are slowly changing.
But the Best VPNs for DraftKings will let you bypass gambling restrictions. You’ll be able to place bets or manage your fantasy sports drafts while out of state or away from home. That’s why we’ve tested numerous VPNs for DraftKings — for when you want to log into the website while on vacation or on the road.
After extensive testing of the best-available VPN services, we’ve found Surfshark to be the No. 1 VPN for accessing DraftKings Sportsbook, Casino, or Daily Fantasy Sports. Below, you’ll find our full write-up and list of recommendations!
Important:
Online gambling is considered illegal in some countries, and unblocking gambling websites with a VPN might go against their terms of service. We do not condone the use of a VPN to break any rules or regulations set by gambling sites. Always make sure you act in accordance with your country’s laws as well as the terms of service of the platform you’re using.
What VPN is Best for DraftKings?
Surfshark’s our pick of the best VPN for DraftKings thanks to its expansive server coverage in the U.S. It just beats NordVPN to the post, offering servers in nearly every single unblocked location.
Before we dive into our five best VPNs for DraftKings, let’s take a quick glance at the key features that make each of these VPN providers perfect for unblocking DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports, Sportsbook, and Casino accounts from anywhere.
| Feature | Surfshark VPN | NordVPN | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access (PIA) | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 3,200+ | 5,700+ | 9,500+ | 30,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Number of countries | 100+ | 60 | 91+ | 84 | 94 |
| Dedicated IP | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Kill switch | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard | IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard) | OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec (iOS only) | Lightway, OpenVPN, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP |
| Price | From $2.49 per month | From $3.49 per month | From $2.19 per month | From $2.19 per month | From $6.67 per month |
| Purchase | Surfshark VPN | NordVPN | CyberGhost | PIA | ExpressVPN |
For more detailed information about each of our top picks, keep reading! We’ve detailed what exactly makes each of these DraftKings VPNs perfect to unblock DraftKings fantasy sports or other sections of the website.
1. Surfshark VPN: The all-around best DraftKings VPN
Features:
- Offers a broad choice of U.S. VPN servers, specifically in states where DraftKings is legal and established
- Won’t log your data or activity, keeping the personal information you share with DraftKings safe
- 256-bit AES encryption to further data privacy for payments and withdrawals
- A built-in kill switch to keep your real location hidden
- Unlimited data, reliable connections, and strong unblocking capabilities for a zero-interruption experience
Surfshark’s our number-one choice for a DraftKings VPN. Aside from the provider’s lightning-fast servers and no-logs guarantee, it was the provider’s server network that just tipped the breaker between Surfshark and NordVPN. This service is also our second-best VPN for Parimatch, another online betting service.
At the time of writing, our research suggests that over 90% of last month’s 12 million visitors to DraftKings logged in from the U.S. This means that most people looking to sidestep a DraftKings block will be best choosing a U.S. VPN connection – and Surfshark has scores of them, with many in states where DraftKings is fully accessible.
When you’re vacationing abroad, you still want access to regular services you use at home. Many of them, like bank accounts, can block you if they detect unusual activity from a foreign IP address. So, use Surfshark to unblock DraftKings and any other U.S. service you use regularly, like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu streaming accounts.
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
Our deep-dive review of Surfshark VPN looks at this leading provider in more detail. Check it out if you want to see how the software fared in our speed and privacy tests!
2. NordVPN: VPN for DraftKings with incredible speed and privacy
Features:
- 5,700+ servers in 60 countries
- Numerous servers that allow DraftKings
- Zero-logs policy, meaning your personal and payment data won’t be logged or shared
- Data further protected by AES 256-bit encryption
- Kill switch to protect your identity if VPN drops
- Dedicated IP addresses to reduce the likelihood of accounts being flagged by DraftKings for VPN use
While NordVPN may have fewer U.S. servers to choose from, you’ve still got access to 5,700+ servers in over 60 countries. There are plenty of available countries where DraftKings is unblocked. We also appreciate the numerous obfuscated servers, which will help you lessen the likelihood of being detected for using a VPN, and possibly forfeiting any winnings.
NordVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses — again, this can help avoid detection as a VPN user. A dedicated IP address means you’ll be using a unique IP that nobody else has. Since regular VPN server IP addresses — fixed IP addresses — are shared, this feature can further reduce the chances of VPN flagging.
Like Surfshark, NordVPN has a strict no-logs guarantee — personal and payment information shared with DraftKings won’t be logged. We’re particularly impressed with NordVPN’s privacy features in other areas too. While not strictly crucial to unblock DraftKings fantasy sports, Nord offers bonuses like DoubleVPN for enhanced privacy and advanced malware protection.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
We’ve found NordVPN’s advanced security options to be excellent during our testing circuits. For more information on this VPN provider, check out our detailed NordVPN review and speed tests!
3. CyberGhost: The best VPN for DraftKings when traveling extensively
Features:
- One of the largest server networks from a Premium DraftKings VPN
- Extended money-back guarantee, giving you up to 45 days to use DraftKings with a refund
- 9,500+ VPN servers across 90+ countries
- Includes a kill switch to keep your location hidden
- Zero data logging and 256-bit encryption, so your data’s in safe hands
CyberGhost has one of the most extensive server networks available from a premium VPN. This comprises almost 10,000 VPN servers across 91 countries. Among those are various U.S. VPN servers, including those that’ll bypass DraftKings blocks.
If you’re on an extended vacation but want access to your DraftKings account, CyberGhost is your best bet for a longer grace period. Their 45-day money-back guarantee trumps that of other premium VPN services. We’ve had no trouble getting a full refund when requesting it within their refund period.
Like both Surfshark and NordVPN, CyberGhost has a zero-logs policy and uses strong data encryption for all connections. And like Nord, CyberGhost’s option to choose a dedicated IP could help you to avoid being flagged for VPN use.
- Very user-friendly
- High quality for a low price
- Torrents and Netflix possible
Still debating whether CyberGhost is the right DraftKings VPN for you? Check out our full review of CyberGhost for more information about this provider!
4. Private Internet Access: DraftKings VPN with U.S. VPN servers in every state
Features:
- 30,000+ VPN servers, including in every U.S. state
- Proven no-logs policy to keep your DraftKings account data safe
- 256-bit AES protection for your data
- Built-in kill switch to hide your true location if the connection drops
- Good speeds in our testing circuits, though some slower servers
Like Surfshark, Private Internet Access (PIA) has a broad spread of U.S. VPN servers. In fact, we saw that PIA lets you choose a VPN server in any state, making it an ideal DraftKings sportsbook VPN! This made it extremely easy for us to select a state where DraftKings is allowed and bypass their blocks on online betting.
Bear in mind though, that while PIA’s connection speeds are strong, some servers tend to be slower than others. If you’re simply setting up your Daily Fantasy Sports draft or spinning some slots, it shouldn’t affect you. PIA is one of the best VPNs for Stake Casino, too, and we had no problems with the speed of its servers there.
That aside, Private Internet Access is an excellent DraftKings VPN that supports all desktop platforms. You’ll also find a VPN app for iOS and Android to complement your DraftKings mobile experience!
- Strong focus on privacy and security
- Good price
- Fast and stable servers
Want to learn more about Private Internet Access? We took an in-depth look at this provider’s speeds and security features in our PIA review.
5. ExpressVPN: DraftKings VPN with excellent speeds for other activities
Features:
- 3,000+ VPN servers with plenty that can unblock DraftKings
- Server locations in 94 countries
- Automatic kill switch to prevent your true location being shared with DraftKings
- Unbeatable speeds — take all your high-speed, HD services on vacation
- Zero-logs policy backed up by 256-bit AES encryption
ExpressVPN is a great DraftKings VPN for anyone who’s looking to catch their usual shows or play games while on vacation. During speed tests, we’ve found this provider to be excellent for streaming and gaming. So as well as unblocking DraftKings from abroad, you can also unblock Netflix’s U.S. catalog or plenty of other Netflix alternatives.
This VPN has fewer servers than the others we’ve tested, but there are numerous locations that’ll unblock DraftKings — including Canadian, U.S., and U.K. servers. And like all of the other top DraftKings VPNs, ExpressVPN has a built-in kill switch that’ll stop your real location from being exposed if your connection should drop.
- Very easy-to-use VPN
- Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
If you’re looking for a more detailed investigation of ExpressVPN’s speeds, features, and pricing, check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review.
How We Picked the Best VPNs for DraftKings
We always tailor our VPN recommendations to the task at hand. For example, choosing the best DraftKings VPN isn’t the same as choosing the best VPN for streaming. In picking the best DraftKings VPNs, we focused on the following points.
- Server locations: Because DraftKings is blocked right down to an individual state level, you need a VPN that offers a wide choice of server locations. We looked at VPNs that not only provide a broad network, but also offer VPN servers in different U.S. states.
- Mobile app support: DraftKings fans love the portability of the website — you can manage all your drafts or spin the slots directly within the sleek sportsbook and casino app. We looked for providers that offer excellent VPN apps for both iOS and Android to use alongside DraftKings’ own app.
- Zero data logging: DraftKings requires you to provide your name and address to verify your identity and bet real money. With so much personal and payment data involved, you want a no-logs VPN that won’t store or share your personal information. The addition of military-grade encryption to protect your data from any cybercriminals lurking on unsecured Wi-Fi networks is another added bonus each pick boasts.
With any of the five DraftKings VPNs we’ve recommended, you’ll be able to bypass the website’s geo-blocks and manage your fantasy teams from anywhere. However, Surfshark’s the overall winner in all areas.
Important:
DraftKings requires a valid ID and verification from a U.S. state or other country where the service is not blocked. This makes it impractical to sign up from abroad as a non-resident — but people temporarily away from home can use a VPN to access DraftKings.
Be sure to review DraftKings’ Terms of Service (ToS): using a VPN to gamble is against the ToS for some sportsbook and casino operators. If you’re discovered, you may have your winnings withheld. We also recommend understanding your local and regional laws around gambling.
U.S. States Where DraftKings is Unblocked
DraftKings offers online sports betting (the “Sportsbook”), a Casino, and Daily Fantasy Sports. The rules around free access work a little differently for each area of the website. The Sportsbook and Casino see the most stringent blocks.
Across the U.S., online gambling has been largely illegal for years — but laws are slowly changing. Just this year, a number of states legalized online sports betting. Still, the list of approved states where DraftKings Sportsbook is available is shorter than the list of blocked states.
For reference, here’s our quick-reference list of U.S. states where you can access DraftKings Sportsbook:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- New Jersey
- New York
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
If you’re only interested in the DraftKings fantasy sports feature, the good news is that it’s available in all U.S. states except for Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Note:
Make sure you understand any risks involved with gambling in a banned state. Some jurisdictions class it as a misdemeanor that can carry a fine.
Can I Use a Free VPN for DraftKings?
Free VPNs aren’t always the best choice for certain activities. They might limit your data or connection speeds — or worse, log and share your data with third parties.
Limited data or capped connection speeds aren’t as big of an issue for DraftKings. This is more of a problem if you’re streaming or gaming. The bigger problem is a lack of servers to choose from. With free VPNs, you might not find a VPN server that can bypass DraftKings’ geo-blocks.
If you’re really keen on checking out a free VPN service, our list of the best free VPNs will help you understand more about the best providers in this area. To save you a little time, our single best free VPN at the time of writing is PrivadoVPN.
But beware. Free VPNs don’t usually guarantee an uninterrupted connection. What’s more, due to common usage by large numbers of people, websites have an easier time spotting and blocking access when you’re using a free VPN. Both of these things can get your account flagged, which means winnings are very likely to be withheld.
- Secure VPN with strong encryption
- Doesn't keep logs
- Limited server network
If you want to gamble online safely and avoid having your account restricted, a premium VPN like Surfshark is a much better choice. You have a stronger chance of remaining undetected. And with Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee, that’s likely enough time to cover your whole vacation!
VPNs to Avoid When Using DraftKings
In our test circuit for DraftKings VPNs, we also came across a few services that are best avoided. Some VPNs — particularly free VPNs — are a risk to data privacy.
In case you decide to try any VPNs out for yourself, check out our table for some VPNs that aren’t suitable for managing your sportsbook.
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Hola VPN | Hola VPN performed very poorly in our review circuit, scoring just one point for security. This VPN logs your data, which could pose a privacy risk to you if you’re online betting with DraftKings in a banned state. |
| Psiphon Pro | This VPN has been known to not only track users, but share data with commercial companies and other third parties. If you prefer to keep your online betting on the down low, that might be hard if you start seeing targeted advertising. |
| Tuxler VPN | While Tuxler VPN can unblock many platforms that other free VPNs can’t, it’s very slow. It’s also missing many of the basic privacy and security features we rely on to keep data safe from prying eyes. |
Final Thoughts: Use Surfshark as the Best VPN For DraftKings
DraftKings, like other websites that allow gambling, can only operate in certain regions and countries due to licensing laws. What’s more, some countries — and many U.S. states — don’t allow online betting, so the website is inaccessible.
But with a VPN for DraftKings, you can bypass these geographical blocks. So, use Surfshark to enjoy a broad range of U.S. and international VPN servers that will get you the IP address you need to unblock DraftKings.
If you need a quick reminder of our VPN lineup, just take a peek below.
- Surfshark VPN: The all-round best DraftKings VPN
- NordVPN: VPN for DraftKings with incredible speed and privacy
- CyberGhost: The best VPN for DraftKings when traveling extensively
- Private Internet Access: DraftKings VPN with U.S. VPN servers in every state
- ExpressVPN: DraftKings VPN with excellent speeds for other activities
While you’re here, why not check out some of our other guides? A VPN is your ticket to vast swathes of fun content that’s hidden behind regional restrictions! Here are some useful links that’ll help you keep track of how your favorite sports teams are doing.
- How to Watch Rugby Online From Anywhere
- How to Watch Tennis Online From Anywhere
- The Best Free Sports Streaming Sites
Check out our frequently asked questions about DraftKings VPNs. We might’ve answered your query already!
Yes, you can use a VPN to trick DraftKings into thinking you’re in a different location. This means that it’s possible to unblock DraftKings — even if you live in a U.S. state or other country that doesn’t allow online sports betting.
The best VPNs for DraftKings will ensure that your true location stays hidden. Just remember, you should always check DraftKings Terms of Service (ToS) and your local laws to understand any risks involved.
After testing a handful of VPN services, Surfshark is the best VPN for DraftKings Sportsbook. It’ll also unblock the other areas of the DraftKings website, including the Daily Fantasy Sports and Casino sections.
With this provider, you’ll be able to choose from numerous U.S. states to change your IP address and bypass geo-blocks. Our Surfshark review offers even more insight into why this VPN never fails to impress, especially for unblocking DraftKings and other sports or betting websites.
You only need a VPN for DraftKings if you live in a U.S. state or other country where the platform isn’t allowed to operate. Many U.S. states for example have not legalized online sports betting. If you live in any of the states we’ve listed below, you can access DraftKings without a VPN:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- New Jersey
- New York
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Residents of Canada and the U.K. can also freely access the website as normal!
In some areas of the U.S., ignoring the ban on online gambling is classed as a misdimeanor and can land you with a fine. Even if you aren’t caught out, you can face consequences with the gambling operator. This could include loss of any winnings that you’ve managed to accrue. Always check the local laws in your area and understand the risks you might face.
