In an ever more digital world, keeping our personal data safe has never been more important. While browsing the web, you’ve probably come across ads for different VPN services, offering privacy, security, and anonymity for a low monthly subscription. And while these services are growing in prominence, you may wonder if they are necessary for online gambling and, “How might this affect my casino bonus?”
Some shrewd players utilize VPNs to find bonuses outside their locale or play from a restricted country. While this can be done, it’s important to understand the rules and limitations of VPNs and online gambling before diving in and possibly getting into trouble.
While many people use VPNs routinely while browsing the internet to generally protect their personal data, others use them to watch streaming services or play their favorite games online that may not be available in their home country.
VPNs and Online Casinos
Several people across the globe set their desktop or mobile devices to specific VPNs to guarantee that any personal data shared is kept secure and private. After all, no one likes the idea of possible hackers compromising their confidential information. But did you know casino players can edit their VPN use and visibility?
If you’re new to the online gambling scene and don’t know whether this will negatively affect maximizing on that bonus you’ve been eyeing, it’s your lucky day, because we’re about to explain to you a couple of important things.
Casino Bonuses
You may have noticed that depending upon your geographical location, casinos will offer different types of bonuses. The US-based bonuses will be different than say, a UK-based bonus, and they can vary significantly depending upon where you log in geographically. You’ll quickly find that not all bonuses are created equally. $100 CAD, $100 USD, and £100 are all in denominations of 100, but each one is valued completely differently based on international exchange rates.
Online casinos know this and will offer bonuses accordingly to entice players from whatever region they are targeting. For the most part, VPN usage is fine to protect your data and it can even be fun to use it to see what’s on offer around the world.
However, that’s as far as legal protections stretch. The second you sign up for a geographical bonus that you’re not entitled to or sign up for multiple bonuses on multiple accounts, that’s when curiosity kills the cat and you’ve crossed into illegal territory.
Is Gambling Online with a VPN Legal?
This is where things get tricky. Technically, gambling covertly by hiding your true IP address is illegal. Having said that, it does depend on the country in which you live. If you are living in a country in which online gambling is illegal and using a VPN to gamble, then you are gambling illegally.
If, however, you are living in a legal gambling country and simply using a VPN to protect your data, you’ve hit upon a legal grey area. The best bet is to check on your local laws before gambling with a VPN to determine the legality of online gambling as well as the legality of gambling with a VPN.
Some online casinos employ third-party companies that specialize in internet security, such as Gaming Labs, to carry out geolocation checks on their players. So if the casino has asked for your actual home or billing address, there is no way to legally avoid giving it. Lying on your registration forms could make any winnings you’ve accumulated magically disappear.
Payment Considerations
About now, you’re probably wondering: “Will I be able to withdraw my winnings if I gamble using a VPN?” The short answer is that every casino has the right to withhold your winnings if they discover that you’ve played from a restricted country. This means that any money you’ve deposited, any bonuses you’ve acquired, and any winnings you’ve accumulated could be in jeopardy.
Follow the Rules
Before gambling online using a VPN, it’s important to first, make sure that you are legally able to gamble in the country you live in, and second, that the online casino you’re playing at allows players to use VPNs. By following the rules, you’re less likely to run into any legal issues, lose out on generous casino bonuses, or deal with any financial losses.
