What Are VPNs?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Any time you use a computer or any other device to access a website on the internet, you’ll have an IP address that’s linked to your geographic location. The thing is, certain sites are blocked if you’re trying to access them from a restricted location. This is where VPNs come in.
A VPN masks your real IP address, allowing you to circumvent strict geo-blocking protocols. Effectively, you could be physically sitting in your home country, but you can make websites believe that you’re gaining access from elsewhere in the world. For example, you could be in the UK but adopt an IP address from Malta. Doing so would allow you to see specific content that’s only available in certain jurisdictions. For example, an online casino’s bonuses and promotions.
Why Use A VPN?
Using a VPN is a great way to stay anonymous while online. Your IP is masked and your data is encrypted, which makes it far more difficult for websites and potentially harmful third parties to track your browsing. It’s always a convenient way to view content that’s only available in certain countries. The VPN essentially bypasses geo-restrictions to allow you to visit sites that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
So, why would this appeal to people who like to gamble online? Well, provided you play at a VPN-friendly casino, there are certain benefits.
The first relates to security. If you’re playing for real money, you want assurances that your personal and financial information is safe. While a VPN cannot control your browsing habits, it does offer some protection against potential online threats as long as you don’t willingly expose any sensitive details. Next, you can use a VPN to unlock specific casino bonuses. Again, though, this is only at sites that allow the use of VPNs. This gives you the chance to claim certain offers in specific currencies that may otherwise be unavailable. So, it’s great for gamblers who want to make the most out of a deposit. Finally, it’s also a way to access different gaming libraries. Certain casino games are restricted in some locations and if you’re travelling, a VPN may allow you to access your favourite games.
Always check if the gambling websites you are playing are VPN-friendly. Take into account that some online casinos like PokerStars or Draftkings have special fraud detection tools that allow them to know if you are using a VPN. If the online casino detects VPN gambling activity, and since this might go against the gambling laws imposed by the government in your area, they might cancel your winning and block your account.
One last thing though. While VPNs are extremely useful, you’ll still need to take care to ensure you’re always playing at a trustworthy casino operator. If you’re unsure about any site, remember that you can also rely on us here at Johnslots to point you in the right direction – we only ever recommend fully licensed online casinos.
Pros and Cons of VPN-Friendly Casinos
Like with most things, there are both advantages and disadvantages to playing at VPN-friendly casinos. At Johnslots, our goal is to give you all of the info you’ll need to make an informed decision. That’s why we’ve put equal effort into highlighting the pros and cons below – be sure to check them out.
