Best DraftKings VPN for 2026 | Easy guide

Best DraftKings VPN for 2026

DraftKings and VPNs are more complicated than most guides suggest. A VPN can protect your data on hotel Wi-Fi, airport networks, and other public connections. The FTC even recommends VPNs for securing information on public Wi-Fi. However, DraftKings is a regulated platform that checks your physical location using GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi signals. The company also tells users to avoid VPNs if location detection fails. So, the best DraftKings VPN in 2026 is not the one that claims to bypass geolocation. It is the one that keeps your account safe, your connection stable, and can be turned off easily when DraftKings needs to verify your location.

At PCrisk, we created this guide using our latest VPN rankings, hands-on reviews, and an understanding of how DraftKings works in 2026. We only included VPNs from our current best-VPN shortlist and evaluated them based on speed, leak protection, mobile stability, split tunneling, US performance, customer support, and trust - specifically for DraftKings use. If you are in a state where betting is not allowed, DraftKings says you can still log in, deposit money, and view bets or promotions, but you cannot place bets. That is why this article focuses on safe, legal, privacy-focused use rather than unrealistic claims.

Disclaimer: PCrisk.com does not support or recommend bypassing gambling restrictions, geo-blocks, self-exclusion systems, operator controls, or local laws. This article is intended solely to provide information on cybersecurity. If online gambling is not allowed where you live, using a VPN will not make it legal. It could also break platform rules and result in account restrictions, withheld winnings, account closure, or other penalties.

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• Introduction
• Why should I use a VPN to access DraftKings?
• How to access DraftKings with a VPN in 2026
• The best VPNs for DraftKings in 2026
• How we test VPNs for DraftKings
• Best DraftKings VPNs in 2026 comparison
• Can DraftKings detect my VPN?
• Common issues and solutions when using a VPN with DraftKings
• Can I use a free VPN for DraftKings?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I use a VPN to access DraftKings?

The main reason to use a VPN with DraftKings is privacy on public networks. If you check your account from a hotel, airport, coffee shop, or shared Wi-Fi, a good VPN encrypts your internet traffic. This lowers the risk that someone on the same network can see your session details or account activity. The FTC has often recommended VPNs as a smart way to protect yourself on public Wi-Fi, and we agree from a cybersecurity standpoint.

Another reason is to keep your session secure. DraftKings accounts hold personal details, financial info, and require identity checks. In our PCrisk VPN tests, we focus on features like kill switches, leak protection, and stable reconnections, because a weak VPN can expose your IP or browsing activity if it disconnects. This matters even if you are just checking your bets or account settings.

A third reason is having more control. Top VPNs now offer features like split tunneling, auto-connect, and ad or malware blocking. These do not bypass DraftKings geolocation, but they help you manage your session better. For example, split tunneling lets you use the VPN for general browsing while excluding certain apps or sites. Auto-connect is useful when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Tools like NordVPN's Threat Protection, Surfshark's CleanWeb, and Proton VPN's NetShield also help reduce ads and trackers while you browse.

One reason we do not support is that a VPN is a reliable way to place DraftKings bets from a restricted location. DraftKings checks your physical location using GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The company tells users to avoid VPNs because they can interfere with location tracking, and it advises users with locked accounts to turn off any VPN or software that hides location. So, while a VPN can help with privacy, it is not a safe or reliable way to get around location restrictions.

This difference is important because DraftKings bases betting rights on your physical location, not your home address. DraftKings support says you can sign up even if you do not live in a betting state, but you cannot place real-money bets unless you are physically in a state where sports betting is allowed. You do not need to be a resident of an approved state to bet, but you must be there when you place your wager.

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How to access DraftKings with a VPN in 2026

We chose NordVPN because it is still our top VPN at PCrisk in 2026. It offers DraftKings users a strong mix of speed, leak protection, app stability, and useful features. The steps below show how to use a VPN for privacy with DraftKings, not how to bypass location rules.

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1. Sign up for NordVPN and install it on your device. NordVPN is our current top-ranked VPN overall at PCrisk, and its apps support fast NordLynx connections, a kill switch, and split tunneling on Windows and Android. Those are exactly the kinds of quality-of-life features we want when a session involves account security and frequent network changes.

2. Start by turning on basic security features. Make sure the kill switch is on, and if you often use public Wi-Fi, turn on auto-connect too. In our tests, NordVPN's kill switch worked well, and the app smoothly switched networks. This is more important than any marketing claims when you are logging in from different networks while traveling.

3. If you use Windows or Android, you can try split tunneling. NordVPN offers this feature on those platforms, letting you keep the VPN on for general browsing but exclude certain apps or sites. On iOS and macOS, NordVPN does not have split tunneling, so Apple users usually need to turn the VPN off completely if a site or app does not work with VPN traffic.

4. If you want secure browsing, connect to a nearby server. When using a VPN with DraftKings, the closest stable server is usually best. It helps keep your speed up and reduces lag. In our tests, NordVPN's NordLynx protocol worked very well, with only a small drop in speed compared to not using a VPN.

5. Use the VPN for browsing your account, doing research, or general privacy - not for placing bets where location matters. DraftKings says you can log in, deposit money, and view bets or promotions even if you are in a state where betting is not allowed. So, if you just want to secure your account on public Wi-Fi, a VPN is still useful.

6. Before you place a real-money Sportsbook or Casino bet, turn off the VPN and make sure location services are on. This step is important. DraftKings checks your location using GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and says a VPN can interfere with this process. If you skip this, you are more likely to have errors, get locked out, or have location problems.

7. On desktop, do not use only a wired connection. DraftKings says its GeoComply plugin will not work if your computer is connected by Ethernet alone. You need to have Wi-Fi and location services turned on, and DraftKings recommends using Google Chrome for the best experience. Many users do not expect this, especially if they think Ethernet is always better.

8. On mobile, use the official app. DraftKings says Sportsbook and Casino are not available through a web browser on mobile because they need location services. If you want to use these products on your phone, use the DraftKings app instead of trying to use a browser.

9. If location still does not work, start with basic troubleshooting. Clear your app or browser cache, restart the app or browser, make sure Wi-Fi is on, check location permissions, and update your device software if needed. DraftKings support recommends these steps before contacting customer service. In our experience, this usually solves the problem.

10. If you are in a state where betting is not allowed, only access your account. DraftKings clearly says you cannot place bets if you are physically in a place that does not allow sports betting. A VPN can protect your data, but it cannot make you legally present somewhere you are not.

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The best VPNs for DraftKings in 2026

Here we focus on the top five VPNs from our 2026 VPN roundup: NordVPN, Surfshark, Mullvad VPN, Proton VPN, and ExpressVPN. When we ranked VPNs for Draftkings, we looked for services that offer strong security, easy everyday use, good support, and practical split-tunneling or mobile features. This means our DraftKings ranking differs slightly from our general list.

1. NordVPN is our top pick for DraftKings. It delivers fast NordLynx speeds, strong leak protection, a reliable kill switch, split tunneling on Windows and Android, and smooth apps on all major platforms. You also get features like Double VPN, obfuscated servers, and Threat Protection, making it a complete security package, not just a basic VPN.

For DraftKings, we like that NordVPN is easy to use. It is fast enough that you will not mind turning it on for hotel Wi-Fi, and it is simple to turn off when DraftKings needs your real location. One account lets you connect up to 10 devices, which should be enough for most people. The main drawbacks are its higher price on short-term plans, no true free version, and less split-tunneling flexibility for Apple users compared to Windows and Android.

• Pros: top speeds, strong trust, smooth apps, useful security extras.
• Cons: higher monthly price, no unlimited free plan, and less flexibility for Apple devices.

2. Surfshark is our top budget choice. While NordVPN is the safest all-around pick, Surfshark stands out for value. It costs less on long-term plans, lets you connect unlimited devices, and still offers fast WireGuard speeds, strong leak protection, a reliable kill switch, and smart reconnections with Everlink. If you have a family or lots of devices, unlimited connections are a big plus. Surfshark also has Bypasser split tunneling on supported platforms and CleanWeb filtering for extra convenience.

Surfshark ranks just behind Nord because it offers almost as much while saving you money. In our tests, it was fast on local servers, stayed stable over time, and worked well for families. For DraftKings users, it is a great choice if you want one subscription for your laptop, phone, tablet, travel device, and even your partner's devices. The main downsides are that renewal prices go up a lot after the first term, there is no permanent free plan, and some features are weaker or missing on iOS and Linux.

• Pros: great value, unlimited devices, strong WireGuard speeds, helpful CleanWeb and Everlink.
• Cons: higher renewal costs, no real free plan, and some missing features on certain platforms.

Proton VPN is our top pick for transparency and the best free option, even if it is limited. If you care about privacy, Proton VPN stands out. We found it strong on privacy, with open-source apps, a strict no-logs policy, and features like Secure Core and NetShield. In our tests, it performed well on nearby servers, had strong leak protection, and did a good job with streaming and unblocking on paid plans. Paid users can connect up to 10 devices, and split tunneling works on Windows, Android, and Linux.

For DraftKings users, Proton VPN is a good choice if you care more about trust and transparency than top speed. We do not rank it above Nord or Surfshark because it usually costs more and is not always the fastest, and we also found its support can be slower. Still, we recommend it to privacy-focused readers, especially if you want to try a real free plan. However, the free tier only covers one device, is limited, and is not ideal for regular DraftKings use.

• Pros: great transparency, strong privacy, solid paid service, and the best-known free plan here.
• Cons: higher paid prices, slower support, and a free plan that is too limited for most DraftKings needs.

ExpressVPN is our top choice for anyone who wants a simple, easy-to-use VPN. Some people do not want to tweak settings - they just want an app that connects and reconnects quickly without any hassle. That is where ExpressVPN stands out. We found it strong on security and privacy, reliable for streaming and unblocking, and very polished in its app design. Its Lightway protocol is made for fast reconnections, the Network Lock kill switch worked well in our tests, and its RAM-only TrustedServer setup is a real sign of trust.

For DraftKings users, ExpressVPN is a good fit if you travel a lot and do not want complicated software. It is easy enough to install on a family member's device without causing support problems later. Depending on your plan, ExpressVPN now supports multiple devices simultaneously, and its apps are among the simplest to use. The main downside is price. It costs more than Surfshark and is usually pricier than NordVPN, plus it has fewer advanced features like multi-hop or full security bundles.

Pros: very polished apps, quick reconnects, strong privacy, and solid performance.

Cons: expensive, and fewer advanced features.

Mullvad VPN is our top choice for privacy purists, but it is not the most practical option for DraftKings. We respect Mullvad a lot, and we rate it highly for its strong privacy focus. You do not need an email to create an account; it uses random account numbers, supports strong WireGuard and OpenVPN, has open-source apps, and has passed independent audits. It also did well in our speed and security tests, and its flat pricing is simple and clear.

So why is Mullvad fifth for DraftKings? Most DraftKings users need more than just privacy - they want easy support, better unblocking for mainstream sites, and fewer surprises on different platforms. We found that Mullvad does not focus much on getting around streaming blocks and does not offer live chat support. That does not make it a bad VPN, just a more specialized one. If you care most about privacy and want to share as little personal data as possible, Mullvad is great. But if you want the smoothest DraftKings experience, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, or ExpressVPN are better choices.

• Pros: top privacy, anonymous signup, flat pricing, strong security.
• Cons: weaker unblocking, only five devices at once, and no live chat.

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How we test VPNs for DraftKings

At PCrisk, we used our standard VPN testing approach for this article, adjusting it for DraftKings. Our usual process focuses on security first, then privacy, followed by speed, stability, usability, and streaming. For DraftKings users, these factors still matter, but we adjust the priorities because regulated geolocation changes what you need from a VPN.

Security is still our top priority. We check encryption strength, protocol quality, risks of IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and how the kill switch works during disconnects. If a VPN leaks under pressure, it is not safe for accounts with personal or payment data. DraftKings users need a VPN that keeps their information secure, even if the Wi-Fi connection is unstable. That is why we give security the most weight.

Next, we look at speed and stability. We start by testing our connection without a VPN, then test servers at different distances and times, using a fast wired connection to avoid network issues on our end. For DraftKings, we focus more on how reliable nearby servers are, how quickly the VPN reconnects, and how smoothly it works when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular or different hotspots. A VPN that reconnects well is often better than one that is just fast in tests but unreliable in real use.

Privacy and trust come next. We review privacy policies, check no-logs claims, look at independent audits, and consider where the company is based and how open it has been. This is important for everyone, but especially when your account may involve ID documents, payment info, or location-based access. That is why NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, and Mullvad score well in our rankings - they have strong reputations for trust, not just low prices.

Usability in everyday use is also important. We test how easy it is to sign up, install, use the app, switch servers, use split tunneling, set up auto-connect, and get support on Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone. For DraftKings, we go further. We check how quickly you can turn off the VPN when geolocation is needed, whether split tunneling works on popular platforms, and if the app works smoothly when changing networks. DraftKings tells users to keep Wi-Fi and location services on and warns that VPNs can interfere with location checks.

The last category is practicality for DraftKings. We do not give extra points for a VPN's supposed ability to "beat DraftKings." DraftKings uses regulated geolocation and tells users to avoid VPNs if location checks fail. So, we focus on low leak risk, strong mobile apps, easy toggling, useful split tunneling, fast nearby servers, and good support. If a VPN is private but hard to use, it loses points. If it is easy but not trustworthy, it also loses points. That is why NordVPN is our top pick, Surfshark is the best budget choice, Proton gets extra credit for trust, ExpressVPN stands out for simplicity, and Mullvad is best for privacy-focused users.

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Best DraftKings VPNs in 2026 comparison

The table below shows our rankings for DraftKings, which are different from our general PCrisk scores. A VPN that is best for privacy is not always the most practical choice for DraftKings.

The scores, device limits, split-tunneling details, and drawbacks above are from our PCrisk best-VPN reviews. Remember, none of these VPNs are guaranteed to bypass DraftKings geolocation. DraftKings uses GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi to detect your location and tells users to avoid VPNs if location detection fails.

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Can DraftKings detect my VPN?

In practice, yes. DraftKings can usually tell if something is off with your location setup. While DraftKings does not share every detection method, its support materials make things clear. The company tells users to avoid VPNs because they can interfere with location tracking, and says it checks your physical location using GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. If your account is locked or restricted, DraftKings advises turning off any VPN or software that hides your location. On desktop, DraftKings says the GeoComply plugin will not work with only a wired connection and recommends enabling Wi-Fi and location services. This goes beyond just checking your IP address.

That is why we do not believe the "best DraftKings VPN" is just the one that spoofs your location most aggressively. DraftKings does more than check your IP address. It operates in a regulated gambling environment that requires you to be in the right physical location. If your VPN does not match your device location, browser plugins, or Wi-Fi status, you might get location errors, repeated verification requests, or even an account review instead of a smooth login.

Where is DraftKings blocked or restricted?

Think of DraftKings as having several different maps. Sportsbook, Casino, DFS, and Pick6 are each available in different places.

• DraftKings Sportsbook is blocked in Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. In these states, online sports betting is either not legal, not available yet, or waiting on lawmakers. Some of these states still let you play DFS, but not the full sportsbook.
• Some states have betting, but not enough for full DraftKings mobile access. In Mississippi and Nebraska, you can only bet in person. New Mexico and North Dakota offer betting at tribal casinos. South Dakota limits betting to Deadwood properties. In Washington, you can bet in person or use mobile betting only on tribal lands. These are legal gambling options, but they are not the same as having DraftKings available everywhere in the state.
• DraftKings is blocked or limited in Florida, Delaware, Montana, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Nevada. In Florida, Hard Rock Bet controls the online market. Delaware only allows one online sportsbook. Montana uses the state lottery for sports betting. Rhode Island's online betting is run by Bally's. Wisconsin started online sports betting in April 2026, but only tribal operators can offer it, so DraftKings cannot run independently. Nevada is unique - sports betting is legal, but DraftKings Sportsbook is still not available there as of June 2026.
• Even in states where DraftKings is live, some products are still restricted. DraftKings Casino is only in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Daily Fantasy Sports is not available in Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, or Washington. College DFS contests are not offered in Arkansas, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Vermont. Pick6 college football and basketball contests are not available in Arkansas, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Vermont. So when people say DraftKings is "blocked," they often mean just one product, not everything.

As of late May and early June 2026, DraftKings Sportsbook is live in many places, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. This covers a lot of the US, but not everywhere.

Is it legal to use a VPN to access DraftKings in the US?

Using a VPN is generally legal in the US. The FTC says VPNs are good privacy tools, especially for public Wi-Fi. But that's not the whole story. DraftKings says you can only place real-money bets if you are physically in a state where sports betting is allowed, no matter where you live. You cannot place bets in a state where it is not permitted. So, while using a VPN for privacy is fine, using it to fake your location for DraftKings is not a reliable or compliant way to use the service.

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Common issues and solutions when using a VPN with DraftKings

Most complaints about using a VPN with DraftKings are not about picking the wrong VPN. The real issues are usually with geolocation, permissions, or expectations. DraftKings is clear about what can go wrong, and their support advice is generally helpful.

If DraftKings cannot detect your location, turn off your VPN first. Make sure Wi-Fi and location services are on, DraftKings has location permission, and your device is connected well. DraftKings also suggests clearing your cache and restarting the app or browser.

If geolocation keeps failing on your desktop browser, and you are using only Ethernet, DraftKings says GeoComply will not work. Turn on Wi-Fi and browser location services. If you can, use Chrome, which DraftKings recommends for the best results.

If Sportsbook or Casino is not working on your phone browser, it's because DraftKings does not offer these products on mobile web due to location requirements. Use the official app instead.

If your account is locked or restricted, DraftKings says to turn on geolocation, turn off any VPN or location-masking software, and be ready to provide a photo ID, a selfie-style SCID, and sometimes recent financial or transaction details. If your account activity keeps looking unusual, you will likely need to go through support and verification.

The DraftKings Android app is not always available in every state. For Michigan and Virginia sports betting, and West Virginia casino games, there are Google Play Store restrictions. In these cases, you may need to download the app directly from DraftKings instead of using the Play Store.

Sometimes your VPN causes problems. Picking the right provider helps. Fast reconnects, good split-tunneling, strong kill switches, and stable mobile apps make things easier. That's why we recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN over smaller brands for most people.

Before switching VPN servers or changing DraftKings settings, we recommend checking your device for unwanted apps, adware, and suspicious browser extensions that may affect how betting sites load. Combo Cleaner can help scan your system, remove potentially unwanted programs, and keep your browser cleaner before you reconnect with a trusted VPN.

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Can I use a free VPN for DraftKings?

We do not suggest using a free VPN as your main option. Even PCrisk's best-VPN page says free VPNs have real downsides, like slower speeds, fewer servers, and weaker features. For DraftKings, the bigger problem is that free VPNs are a poor fit for a service that already blocks VPNs and checks your location closely.

If you really want a free VPN, Proton VPN is the best choice. Proton says its free plan has no data or time limits, and we rate it highly because it does not have annoying ads. Still, the free plan is limited, only works on one device, and does not support streaming or P2P. For DraftKings, this means it is fine for basic privacy, but not for regular betting.

Windscribe is better than many expect. Free users get 10 GB per month if they confirm their email, plus unlimited connections. This works for occasional privacy, like checking your account on public Wi-Fi. But 10 GB runs out quickly, and geolocation issues remain. We see Windscribe as an emergency privacy tool, not something to rely on for DraftKings.

VPN Gate is a very different kind of free VPN. It is not made for regular users. It is a public relay project run by volunteers at the University of Tsukuba, and the site lists all relay servers and keeps logs for two weeks. This openness is good, but it is why we would not use VPN Gate for gambling, banking, or any account where your identity matters. It is interesting for research, but not right for DraftKings.

Other free VPNs like PrivadoVPN and TunnelBear are available. PrivadoVPN gives 10 GB per month, and TunnelBear gives 2 GB. These are fine for trying out a VPN, but our main advice does not change. For DraftKings, free VPNs are best for testing or privacy on public Wi-Fi, not for regular use with a service that checks your location.

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Conclusion

To sum up, NordVPN is our top pick for DraftKings in 2026 because it offers the best mix of speed, security, trust, and easy-to-use apps, based on our PCrisk tests. We recommend it for most DraftKings users who want a clear answer. Surfshark is the best budget choice. Proton VPN is best for transparency and is the top free option. ExpressVPN is great if you want something simple. Mullvad is best for privacy, but it is less practical for most DraftKings users.

But the most important point is that a VPN does not solve DraftKings location restrictions. DraftKings checks your physical location using GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. They tell users to avoid VPNs if location is not working, and you cannot place bets from a state where it is not allowed. We do not want to mislead readers about this.

Our advice is straightforward. Use a VPN to protect your DraftKings browsing, your account on public Wi-Fi, and your privacy when you travel. Turn off the VPN when DraftKings needs to check your real location for betting. If you want to use DraftKings legally and easily, this is the best approach for 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best DraftKings VPN overall?

For most people, NordVPN is the best choice. We put it at the top because it offers a great balance of speed, reliability, kill-switch protection, split tunneling on supported devices, and easy-to-use apps.

Can DraftKings detect a VPN?

DraftKings can often detect VPN use or be affected by it. They tell users not to use VPNs because these can interfere with location tracking. If your account gets locked, DraftKings recommends turning off any VPN or location-masking software.

Can I place DraftKings bets from a restricted state if I use a VPN?

DraftKings says you cannot place bets from a restricted state, even with a VPN. You can still log in, deposit money, and see bets or promotions, but you cannot actually place a bet while you are there.

Do I need to be a resident of a legal state to use DraftKings Sportsbook?

No, you do not have to live in a legal state. DraftKings says you just need to be physically present in a state where sports betting is allowed when you place your bet.

Why does DraftKings ask me to enable Wi-Fi on desktop even when I have Ethernet?

DraftKings says its GeoComply plugin will not work if your computer is only using a wired connection. For desktop geolocation, you need to have Wi-Fi and location services turned on.

Can I still access my DraftKings account while traveling outside a legal betting state?

Yes, you can still log in, deposit money, and see your bets and promotions while you are in a state where betting is not allowed. However, you cannot place a new sports bet from there.

Which DraftKings VPN is best on a budget?

We recommend Surfshark if you are on a budget. It has low long-term prices, lets you use unlimited devices at once, is fast, and includes useful features like CleanWeb, Bypasser split tunneling, and Everlink-assisted reconnection.

Is a free VPN good enough for DraftKings?

Usually, a free VPN is not good enough. Proton VPN is a well-known option for basic privacy, but its free version is too limited for DraftKings. Windscribe can work sometimes, but we would not trust VPN Gate with a gambling account.

Which VPN should I choose if I care most about privacy, not convenience?

If privacy is your main concern, Proton VPN and Mullvad are the best choices here. Proton is more flexible for everyday use, while Mullvad is better if you want the strictest privacy.

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