Slot games are officially the most popular form of online entertainment in the world. However, many would-be players living in countries where online gambling is illegal can’t join in the fun as they find their access restricted. It has appeared to be an impossible situation, but some players have discovered an effective solution by using VPN software to create a Virtual Private Network to disguise their IP addresses.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network is software that redirects the online signal from your local service provider to one in another location. In effect, it hides or disguises the IP address that is allocated to your particular device by transferring your signal to another country or region. You can then freely access restricted online casinos and websites as if you are residing in that geographical location without fear of the original source being traced. The system places an additional layer of encrypted security on your device, enabling safe transactions and data storage that cannot be infiltrated by third party hackers. Some players prefer to use a VPN when making deposits at new online casinos that they may not want to use regularly.
How Have VPNs Gained Popularity?
VPN software was originally created to provide additional security for the online transactions and sensitive data storage of large corporate enterprises. Its merits soon came to the attention of people who wanted to access streamed channels and online gambling sites for entertainment. For instance, Australia’s entertainment and online gambling laws are largely confused. Online gambling is not entirely illegal, but playing online poker for cash has recently been banned. Although award-winning software developers such as Big Time Gaming are registered in New South Wales, there are severe restrictions regarding access to online casino sites offering a variety of slot games. Consequently, well-known providers such as NetEnt no longer operate there. However, Australian fans of online slots regularly circumvent the restrictions by using a VPN to transfer their device location to another country.
How to Install a VPN
Installing VPN software couldn’t be any simpler or more anonymous. In some instances, you usually only need to create a username and then choose the country you wish your IP address to appear in. Depending on the package you opt for, you either download the software or process it manually by inserting the DNS address. Before choosing a VPN, check that it serves the countries where you want to access online casinos. And it’s always wise to check the provider has an honest reputation before downloading any software to your desktop or smartphone. Some VPNs offer software that is completely free to use. Others offer a free version with basic functions and the option of upgrading to a paid monthly or annual subscription. There are also limited free trials available. Purchasing a VPN system is actually inexpensive and it can frequently be offered as part of your usual computer security software package. The system is proving to be particularly useful for playing online slot games on smartphones which in some circumstances can regularly cross different borders when travelling, encountering restricted online casino access along the way.
Are VPNs Legal?
It all depends on where you live and the laws surrounding online casinos. VPNs are completely legal in the UK. In the USA their use is allowed, although online gambling is restricted. The American use of VPNs is usually monitored by organisations such as the FBI. Some slot fans living in Canada where online gambling is allowed, often find their local server is situated on the American side of the country’s border. VPNs are legal in Canada, so many players use them to simply redirect their signal to another server in their own country. Some territories such as Belarus and China have made VPN use illegal. Others, such as Russia and Turkey allow some VPN traffic, but restrict their use with particular sites. The United Arab Emirates only designate VPNs illegal if they are being used for criminal activities. To use a VPN, you have to be mindful of the law in the country where you are living. Online casinos in particular are often uneasy about their use.
Using a VPN at an Online Casino
Players in countries with restricted gambling laws often use a VPN to place bets at online casinos. However, a major stumbling block can be trying to withdraw any winnings as you have to supply verified identification documents and your residential address won’t match your IP location. In addition, online casinos generally disapprove of their members using VPNs as the practice is directly linked to bonus abuse. Some players often use VPNs to open several accounts with different names primarily to gain no deposit bonuses and other special promotions. Many online casinos use sophisticated software to detect the use of VPNs. Even if you are registered with a casino in the UK for example, but only want to access your favourite slots while on holiday in a country with restricted access, you are not allowed to use a VPN to reroute your IP address. Discovery would mean the closure of your account. Always read the terms and conditions of an online casino to learn more about their policy towards the use of VPNs.
Casinos That Allow VPN
Playing at a casino using a VPN is always a risk as you could tie up funds without anywhere to withdraw your winnings (depending on if you need to prove your address when withdrawing your winnings). The safest way to make sure you don’t get caught out is to use a Curacao licensed casino and to deposit using CryptoCurrency.
To ensure your balance won’t be held, make sure to ask their live chat team if they have any KYC procedures (having to prove address and identity) that you must complete before you can withdraw your funds.