Online poker players often run into problems when accessing sites from different countries. Popular rooms like GGPoker or ACR Poker may block users based on location, even if online poker is fully legal where they are.
This gets even worse when you travel. You could be mid-tournament and suddenly disconnected because you logged in from a different country. Many poker sites block access the moment they detect a foreign IP, even if it is just a short trip.
A VPN, or virtual private network, solves this by hiding your real location and securing your internet traffic. It allows you to play from anywhere as if you were still at home, and it protects your data while using public Wi-Fi at airports or hotels.
Not every VPN works well for poker. Some are too slow. Others leak your IP address or get flagged by the site. After testing a long list of providers, one stood out as the most consistent, secure, and poker-friendly. Total VPN is the one we recommend for 2025.
In this guide, we explain why Total VPN is the best VPN for online poker, how it performs in real games, and how to set it up so you can play safely and without restrictions wherever you are.
Table of Contents
Why Use a VPN for Online Poker in 2025
Using a VPN gives online poker players more control, stability, and protection when playing away from home.
It masks your real location and routes your connection through a supported country. This lets you:
- Log in as if you were at home, even while abroad
- Bypass restrictions on platforms like GGPoker, WPT Global, and ACR Poker
- Avoid account issues triggered by sudden location changes
A VPN also encrypts your traffic, which is especially important on public networks like hotel Wi-Fi or airport hotspots. Your connection stays private and secure, shielding you from ISPs, tracking tools, and potential attacks.
Some of the best poker sites restrict access to country-specific bonuses, promotions, or player pools. By connecting through regions like Brazil, Ireland, or Germany, you can unlock exclusive poker bonuses or softer fields that are not available in your home location.
If you take your poker seriously, a VPN helps keep your sessions smooth, private, and uninterrupted, no matter where you are.
Total VPN – The Best VPN for Online Poker
| Feature | Details |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.8 out of 5) |
| Servers/Countries | 1,800+ servers across 80+ countries |
| Current Deal | 80% off – Get TotalVPN for only €1.59/month (billed annually) |
| Works With | GGPoker, ACR Poker or CoinPoker |
| Speed Retention Rate | Around 85% on nearby servers |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Refund | 30-day money-back guarantee |
TotalVPN is a strong choice for online poker players, offering a simple interface, fast connections, and server access in more than 80 countries. It’s also rated 4.1 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with users praising its ease of use, solid performance, and value for money.
With over 1,800 servers, it provides stable access to poker platforms like GGPoker, ACR Poker, and CoinPoker. You can connect through trusted regions such as Canada, Brazil, or Finland, which players commonly use to bypass geo-blocks and stay active while traveling.
Security
TotalVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, the same standard used by banks and top-tier services.
It also includes a kill switch, which automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN drops, preventing your real IP from leaking. This is essential during real-money games and tournaments, where location exposure can result in being kicked off the table or restricted.
While it doesn’t offer advanced tunneling protocols like WireGuard or obfuscated servers, it provides the core features needed to stay protected while playing.
Privacy
TotalVPN follows a no-logs policy and does not track your poker activity or browsing history. However, like many consumer VPNs, it may collect minimal technical data (such as device type and usage time) for operational purposes.
It does not support cryptocurrency payments at this time, so players looking for full payment anonymity may want to use prepaid cards or alternative private options.
TotalVPN is headquartered in the UK, which is not as privacy-friendly as Panama or the British Virgin Islands, but the platform does not advertise any data-sharing partnerships with third parties.
Speed
Speeds are more than adequate for poker use. In independent and real-world tests, TotalVPN retains about 85 percent of your base connection speed when using nearby servers. This means smooth gameplay, no delays during action, and no issues multi-tabling or running MTTs on your favorite sites.
Server switching is quick, and there are no known issues with detection on popular poker platforms when connected to supported regions.
Price
TotalVPN is extremely affordable, especially with the current 80% discount offered by VIP-Grinders, which brings the price down to €1.59/month (billed annually). This includes free antivirus and ad blocking, making it a great value for players looking for a simple but complete security setup.
There is no free trial, but the service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Pros and Cons of Total VPN
- Works with GGPoker, WPT Global, ACR Poker, and CoinPoker
- Solid speeds (85% retention) for smooth multi-tabling
- Built-in kill switch and AES-256 encryption
- 80% discount with bonus antivirus and ad blocker
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No crypto payment support
- Lacks advanced privacy tools like obfuscation
- No free trial (refund only)
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Online Poker?
Using a VPN to access online poker sites is not illegal in most countries. However, that does not mean it is always allowed by the poker platforms themselves.
Most major poker rooms, including GGPoker and PokerStars, clearly state in their terms of service that using a VPN to hide your location is against the rules. If they detect VPN usage, they may restrict your account, withhold your funds, or even ban you entirely. This is especially likely if you are connecting from a country where the site is not licensed to operate.
That said, many players still use VPNs regularly to access poker sites while traveling or living in restricted regions. The key is to use a trusted, leak–proof VPN and avoid drawing attention to your connection
Here are a few important red flags to avoid:
- Connecting from multiple countries in a short time
- Switching locations too frequently
- Using free or unreliable VPNs that leak your real IP
In short, a VPN is a powerful tool to stay connected and protected, but it comes with some risk. If you choose to use one, make sure it is high-quality, stable, and used with consistency and care.
How to Set Up TotalVPN for Online Poker
Setting up TotalVPN is fast and straightforward. Just follow these steps to secure your connection and access your favorite poker sites from anywhere.
1. Subscribe to TotalVPN with the VIP-Grinders offer
Visit TotalVPN’s official offer page and choose the annual plan to get 80% off. The discounted price is just €1.59/month, billed annually.
Complete the sign-up process and create your account. With our offer, both Total Adblock and TotalAV are included in the deal.
2. Download and install the app
TotalVPN works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Choose the version for your device and follow the installation instructions.
3. Log in and select a server
Launch the app and log in with your credentials. Then connect to a server in a poker-friendly region like Canada, Ireland, Brazil, or Finland. These locations work well with GGPoker, CoinPoker, and ACR Poker.
4. Activate key security settings
Open the settings menu and turn on the kill switch and DNS leak protection. These features prevent your real IP from leaking if your connection drops.
5. Check your IP address
Before opening your poker client, visit whatismyip.com to confirm that your IP matches the country you selected.
6. Log in and play
Once your VPN is connected and verified, launch your poker site and log in as usual. You’re now ready to play safely and without restrictions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with VPNs
Using a VPN for online poker can work well, but only if you avoid a few key mistakes that can be quite costly if made.
Switching locations too often can raise red flags. Stick to one stable region like Canada or Ireland and avoid bouncing between countries.
Not checking your IP before opening your poker site is risky. Go to whatismyip.com every time to make sure your VPN is working and showing the correct location.
Using free VPNs often leads to leaks, unstable speeds, or blocked connections. For real-money poker, always use a trusted provider like TotalVPN.
Disabling the kill switch leaves you exposed if the VPN disconnects. Keep it on to make sure your real IP never leaks mid-session.
Accessing your account from different devices without the VPN can get you flagged. Make sure all devices use the same VPN setup and region.
These are simple steps, but ignoring them can cost you your account. Stick to a consistent setup and use a VPN you trust.
FAQs About Using a VPN for Online Poker
Is it legal to use a VPN for online poker?
Why do poker sites block players based on location?
Can a VPN help me access poker sites while traveling?
Will a VPN let me play on sites like GGPoker or ACR Poker?
Do VPNs work for claiming region-specific poker bonuses?
What features should a VPN have for poker?
Can I get banned for using a VPN on a poker site?
