Best VPNs for theScore Bet in 2026 | Top 5 Picks

Best VPNs for theScore Bet in 2026 | Top 5 Picks

theScore Bet is a regulated sportsbook associated with the well-known theScore sports media brand. It offers more than a betting app, providing a comprehensive media and wagering platform featuring live scores, news, personalized markets, and online casino content in some jurisdictions. However, much like other licensed sportsbooks, theScore Bet is not available globally and is subject to jurisdictional, age, identity, and location verification requirements.

Therefore, accessing theScore Bet is more complex than standard streaming or media websites. While a VPN might enable you to access an otherwise unavailable betting or gambling site, these platforms utilize sophisticated verification methods - meaning that access could be interrupted or denied at any point. This article covers theScore Bet's availability and how a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you access blocked platforms, along with the limitations of these tools.

Disclaimer: PCrisk.com neither promotes nor endorses the circumvention of gambling restrictions, geoblocks, or applicable laws. This article is intended solely for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. If you choose to engage in online betting or gambling, you are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and for adhering to the platform's Terms of Service (ToS).

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Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Why is theScore Bet restricted?
• theScore Bet availability
• How can a VPN help you access theScore Bet?
• Access theScore Bet with a VPN in 2026
• Best VPNs to access theScore Bet
• Can you use a free VPN to access theScore Bet?
• Common issues and solutions when accessing theScore Bet with a VPN
• How to access theScore Bet without a VPN?
• Is using a VPN to access theScore Bet legal?
• In closing
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is theScore Bet restricted?

theScore Bet is owned by Score Media and Gaming Inc. - a Toronto-based sports media company known for its popular mobile app in North America. Following the liberalization of US sports betting in 2018, the company launched theScore Bet in September 2019, promoting it as the first mobile sportsbook developed by a media company in North America. Penn Entertainment, Inc. acquired theScore in October 2021, and the brand expanded to sportsbook and casino operations in Ontario in 2022. PENN subsequently rebranded its US sportsbook offerings, transitioning from Barstool Sportsbook to ESPN BET, and ultimately returning to theScore Bet in the US as of December 1, 2025. Currently, theScore Bet represents both a sportsbook product and a key component of the wider PENN and theScore ecosystem.

TheScore Bet offers more than standard pregame wagers. PENN describes it as a sports betting app featuring a wide range of wagering options, fast load times, and seamless integration with theScore media app. The platform provides live streaming of over 150,000 sporting events, in-app live betting, the NFL-focused BetVision feature, personalized betting markets, synced bet tracking, promotions, and account linking with theScore media app. In Ontario, PENN also operates theScore Casino, which offers slots, table games, live dealer content, and over 1,200 games. In several US states, online casino content is available under the Hollywood Casino brand within theScore Bet and as a standalone app.

The platform's extensive functionality requires strict controls. Sports betting and online casino services are licensed on a market-by-market basis, rather than by country. Operators must demonstrate that they offer services only in approved locations and verify player age, identity, and other key factors. theScore Bet's help center states that wagers may only be placed when users are physically located within a licensed state or province. On desktop, the platform verifies location through browser permissions and a third-party service - GeoComply.

Compliance requirements extend beyond location. In Canada, theScore Bet requires account holders to be Canadian residents at least 19 years old, not currently blocked from gambling by their own self-exclusion request, and able to verify identity by providing a government-issued ID. In the US, account holders must be residents and at least 21 years of age, not self-excluded, and able to provide information consistent with tax, anti-money laundering, and recordkeeping standards. The platform's terms state that failure to verify age, identity, or KYC information may result in restrictions or suspensions.

Therefore, geoblocking on theScore Bet is more robust than standard IP-based blocking used by typical entertainment websites. GeoComply verifies user location at the device level by combining GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular, and IP signals, and its fraud tools detect VPNs, proxies, and Tor exit nodes. theScore Bet's geolocation troubleshooting page states that proxies or VPNs are not permitted when placing wagers. The page also notes that remote desktop software can disrupt location checks and that even Zoom may interfere with verification. The platform may suspend accounts for repeated verification failures, suspicious betting activity, or bonus abuse.

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theScore Bet availability

According to theScore Bet's current public help documentation, the service is available in Ontario and select US states. The company distinguishes between account access and betting access - users can log in, deposit, withdraw, and review transaction history from other locations in the US or Canada, but placing a wager requires physical presence in a licensed jurisdiction. Additionally, a Canadian account cannot be used in the US, and vice versa.

Currently listed availability includes:

If you are outside the approved locations, or if you fail location or identity checks within them, you may not be able to access wagering services. A VPN may help you access this service, but using tools of this nature introduces practical and potential legal risks. If sports betting is illegal in your area, a VPN will not shield you from repercussions. And even if this activity is legal where you are, using a VPN will not prevent failed checks or account limitations.

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How can a VPN help you access theScore Bet?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN provider, masking your IP address and securing your local network traffic. These tools can enhance privacy, protect users on public Wi-Fi, reduce local network visibility, and bypass certain network restrictions. As far as theScore Bet is concerned, a VPN can be helpful if your local network blocks gambling-related domains or if you want increased privacy while accessing sportsbook content, odds, or help pages.

However, theScore Bet is not a typical content website. Its help center states that VPNs and proxies are not permitted when placing wagers, and its geolocation process uses browser permissions and GeoComply. The latter utilizes device-level location analysis and anti-fraud tools to detect location spoofing, proxy betting, account takeover risks, and anonymizers such as VPNs, proxies, and Tor exit nodes. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that a VPN will enable you to access theScore Bet from a location where it is unavailable. There are more considerations, such as age and identity verification, which a VPN will not aid you in bypassing or eliminating related location mismatches.

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Access theScore Bet with a VPN in 2026

In 2026, setting up a VPN is a relatively straightforward process:

1. Select a reputable VPN provider. Your priorities for betting-related browsing should include fast speeds, strong encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and reliable apps for both mobile and desktop. We recommend NordVPN - our Top VPN Choice for 2026.

2. Install the VPN app and sign in. Most major VPN providers support Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, as well as allow multiple simultaneous connections. If you are testing for a local network block, use your usual device and browser to better determine whether the issue lies with the network, the browser, or theScore Bet's compliance checks.

3. Connect to the VPN before opening the website or app. Cached sessions may retain previous location data - hence, clear cookies and cache, especially if you have previously accessed theScore Bet without the VPN. It is worth noting that closer servers reduce potential speed loss and minimize latency.

4. Open theScore Bet and assess how far you can proceed. If the public site loads but betting or log-in actions trigger location or identity issues, this indicates that theScore Bet's regulated controls are active. Continuing to switch servers is usually ineffective at this stage. Sportsbooks often view frequent location changes and repeated failed checks as account risks, and theScore Bet specifically warns that VPNs may interfere with wager attempts.

It must be reiterated that a VPN cannot guarantee continuous and uninterrupted access to any given website, including regulated betting platforms. Gambling and betting sites typically implement much stricter controls, which can tighten during log-in, deposit, withdrawal, or wagering.

It is important to emphasize that a VPN does not serve as a substitute for dedicated security software. Online betting and gambling platforms require account authentication, identity verification, and payment processing, and handle sensitive personal data all the while. Therefore, robust security measures are paramount. Unfamiliar websites, fake bookmaker pages, unofficial betting applications, deceptive ads, and supposed third-party assistance services can expose users to phishing scams, credential theft, and malicious software downloads. Combo Cleaner reduces these risks by blocking access to dangerous sites, detecting suspicious files, identifying malware, and removing threats that could compromise device security. Although no security solution can provide absolute protection, using reputable security software together with a high-quality VPN and by practicing safe browsing - you can create a critical layer of defense.

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Best VPNs to access theScore Bet

An effective VPN for betting and gambling websites should provide extensive server coverage in licensed regions, fast and stable speeds for live betting and streaming, and robust privacy features, such as modern encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a transparent no-logs policy. Reliability is crucial, as gambling platforms often enforce strict location checks, payment verification, and account-region rules. The VPN should offer dependable apps, quick server switching, and responsive support if connections are blocked. VPNs with well-designed Android and iOS apps are essential for mobile betting, since many operators use device location permissions in addition to IP checks. Keep in mind that a VPN cannot bypass gambling laws, age restrictions, self-imposed exclusion rules, or platform ToS. Users should only access licensed platforms where betting is legal and permitted.

The following are our top five VPN choices for 2026 (for an in-depth comparison, read our dedicated article):

1. NordVPN

NordVPN offers the most balanced option. It is our top choice for 2026. NordVPN is our recommendation for gambling-related use, thanks to its speed, extensive server network, audited no-logs policy, strong device support, kill switch, and router compatibility.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the choice for multi-device users. The VPN offers unlimited simultaneous device connections and a large international server network. Surfshark is ideal for covering a large number of devices with a single subscription.

3. Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN is the choice for users who prioritize privacy. Account creation requires no personal information, the service has an audited no-logs policy, and offers anonymous payment options. While Mullvad VPN may not outperform mainstream rivals for unblocking, it is appealing for those wishing to minimize personal data exposure.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is the choice for transparency and a reliable free tier. It is a suitable option for users who want to try a reputable VPN before committing to a paid plan, as it is not ad-supported and has no data caps.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the user-friendly choice. The VPN's applications are intuitively designed, easy to use, and simple to troubleshoot. ExpressVPN is a solid choice for those who value a polished interface and reliable privacy features.

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Can you use a free VPN to access theScore Bet?

Free VPNs may suffice for testing access to public pages on restricted networks, but they are generally unsuitable for regulated sportsbooks. This is especially true for theScore Bet, as the platform actively aims to detect VPN and proxy use during wagers. Hence, even if a free VPN connects - users must still pass device-level location checks, KYC, and anti-fraud measures.

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The following are some of the main limitations and risks linked to free VPNs:

Limited and overused IP pools - free VPNs often reuse small sets of IP addresses among numerous users. As a result, these IP pools are easily flagged as suspicious by betting platforms. Therefore, these tools are rarely capable of enabling access to services with strict compliance screening.

Poor speed and unstable performance - live odds, dashboards, and streaming require a stable connection. Free servers are frequently overcrowded and unreliable - thus making timeouts, broken sessions, delayed updates, and video interruptions a likely outcome.

Weaker privacy and security protections - free VPNs often lack reliability and security features, such as DNS management and leak protection, quality encryption, kill switches, and so on. Privacy and security are critical for platforms that require log-ins, identity verification, and financial transactions, as well as those that handle sensitive data.

Privacy tradeoffs and questionable monetization - some free VPNs offset the lack of subscription revenue by injecting ads, monetizing user data, or including suspicious software. Hence, by attempting to resolve an access issue - users may experience serious privacy issues instead.

For users who are set on using a free VPN - we recommend the free tier of Proton VPN. It provides unlimited data without speed restrictions and is not supported through advertising. However, it is important to understand VPN limitations concerning accessing regulated betting platforms, particularly during wagering.

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Common issues and solutions when accessing theScore Bet with a VPN

VPN access issues with theScore Bet are not unexpected. It is a platform that is aggressive in its efforts to block VPN and proxy related traffic; preventative measures include regulated geolocation, location permissions, browser checks, and identity verification.

Below are some of the most common access issues and potential solutions:

Location verification fails - an incredibly prevalent issue with theScore Bet. The platform requires location services, browser permissions, and GeoComply for desktop use. VPNs, proxies, remote desktop software, and sometimes Zoom can interfere with these checks.

Potential solutions:

• If you are in a location where theScore Bet is available, close any VPN or proxy apps before attempting to place a wager.
• Ensure your browser is allowed to share location with theScore Bet; disabling the permissions may cause interference.
• If you are using a desktop, install or re-enable the GeoComply component when prompted.
• Shut down remote desktop tools running in the background.
• Close Zoom and reload the page if GeoComply is still failing.

Identity confirmation fails - according to theScore Bet, this issue is often caused by incorrect personal information entered during sign-up or from a sign-up process that requires a reset.

Potential solutions:

• Verify the spelling of your name, birthdate, address, and other details.
• Ensure that the data matches the identification you are using.
• Reinstall the app if the sign-up flow seems stuck.

Your account has been suspended - theScore Bet's documentation lists potential causes as multiple incorrect SMS codes, repeated incorrect password attempts, suspicious betting patterns, or bonus abuse.

Potential solutions:

• Stop repeated log-in attempts, as that can exacerbate the issue.
• If available, use official account recovery options.
• Avoid rapidly switching servers, sessions, or devices during troubleshooting.
• Contact theScore Bet support if account recovery continues to fail.

Streaming or special features are unavailable - live streams require users to be logged in, located in a legal operating region, and (typically) to maintain a cash balance. Some streams may also be restricted due to rights or regional limitations.

Potential solutions:

• Verify that you are logged in to the correct account.
• Check whether you are located in a licensed region for that specific feature.
• Maintain the required balance or event access conditions.
• Keep in mind that not every event is available to all users.

To summarize, reputable VPN providers usually offer quality support that may be able to resolve VPN-related access issues. However, some issues are directly related to theScore Bet and can be resolved by contacting the platform's support, or they may be beyond the platform's control due to ToS or local laws.

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How to access theScore Bet without a VPN?

If you prefer not to use a VPN, the main alternatives are open (web-based) proxies and the Tor Browser. While both can alter how websites perceive your connection, they are not direct substitutes for a VPN and are particularly unsuitable for regulated betting platforms.

Open (web-based) proxy

While a VPN routes traffic through an encrypted tunnel at the device or app level, a web proxy acts only as a "middleman" between your browser and the website. This typically hides the user's IP address from that site. However, proxies usually affect only browser traffic, not all apps or services, and generally provide weaker privacy, security, and performance than a reputable VPN.

This is especially relevant for sportsbooks like theScore Bet. While proxy-style masking may allow access to blocked public webpages on restricted networks, it does not address the compliance requirements of online betting. Regulated sportsbooks do not rely solely on IP addresses; they usually also verify physical location, account eligibility, payment and identity details, and detect anonymizing tools. theScore Bet prohibits the use of proxies and VPNs when placing wagers. Additionally, the platform uses geolocation providers like GeoComply, which employs multiple signals to determine users' locations (e.g., GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular data, IP information, device details, and anonymizer detection). Therefore, open proxies are ineffective for sportsbook use and may cause geolocation errors, fraud checks, account reviews, or blocked access.

Open (web-based) proxies also present significant security risks. Many are slow, unreliable, overloaded, or operated by unknown parties. Proxy operators may access unencrypted browser traffic, making it unsafe to use free proxies for account log-ins, payments, or betting platforms. Even with HTTPS, low-quality proxies can expose metadata, inject ads, disrupt website functionality, or cause repeated log-in challenges. While proxies may suffice for casual browsing or accessing blocked content, they are not appropriate for sensitive activities, such as identity verification, deposits, withdrawals, or gambling accounts.

Tor Browser

The Tor browser is another option, but it serves a different purpose. Tor is designed for privacy, anonymity, and censorship resistance, not for streaming, gambling, or account-based services. It routes traffic through a volunteer network, which makes it difficult for websites and observers to link activity to a user's real IP address. Tor is useful for reading news, researching sensitive topics, accessing censored information, or reducing tracking. However, these features make it unsuitable for regulated sportsbook activity, where platforms require stable identity, consistent location, low fraud risk, and clear jurisdictional compliance.

As far as practicality is concerned, Tor is slower and less reliable than a standard browser or mainstream VPN. Interactive sessions may be unstable, pages can load slowly, CAPTCHAs appear more frequently, and some sites block or restrict Tor exit nodes. Sportsbooks may flag Tor traffic as suspicious because it hides location and complicates fraud detection. Even if you can access the log-in page, Tor rarely provides a consistent or compliant experience for deposits, withdrawals, identity checks, or placing wagers. For services like theScore Bet, Tor is far less suitable than a mainstream VPN and much less practical than using the platform from a licensed jurisdiction with location permissions enabled.

In summary, open (web-based) proxies and Tor can be effective privacy or access tools in certain situations, but they are not suitable alternatives for sportsbook use. Proxies are too limited and unreliable, while Tor is intended for anonymity, not regulated account activity. For betting platforms, the key issue is not merely IP visibility, but whether the platform can verify eligibility, physical location in an approved jurisdiction, and the absence of tools that interfere with compliance checks.

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Is using a VPN to access theScore Bet legal?

VPNs are legal in many countries and commonly used for privacy, security, remote work, and safer public Wi-Fi browsing. However, using a VPN does not alter gambling laws, platform rules, age or licensing requirements, or self-exclusion restrictions. With theScore Bet, the key concern is not just accessing the website or app, but whether you are legally permitted to place a wager and if the platform can confirm your physical presence in a licensed jurisdiction.

theScore Bet's public help documentation states that betting is only available in jurisdictions where the service is licensed and approved. While users can log in, deposit, withdraw, and review account history from other locations in the US or Canada, placing a wager requires physical presence in an approved jurisdiction. theScore Bet also prohibits the use of VPNs, proxies, or similar tools for betting. Hence, even if VPN use is legal in your area, using one to access or place bets on theScore Bet may violate ToS, fail geolocation checks, or result in denied wagers, account review, suspension, or other enforcement actions.

There are two key considerations - whether VPNs are legal, restricted, or blocked in your country, and whether online gambling and sports betting are legal, licensed, or prohibited where you are physically located. A country may permit VPNs but restrict gambling, vice versa, or regulate both.

The following are some examples of countries where VPNs are prohibited or restricted:

North Korea: Internet access is highly restricted and limited to approved users, institutions, and elites. Consumer VPN use is not feasible, as open Internet access is tightly controlled.

Iran: while VPN use is common, unlicensed VPNs are restricted. In 2024, unauthorized VPNs were banned, and domestic alternatives were promoted. Blocking and disruptions are frequent during times of unrest, making VPN use both legally and technically risky, especially for accessing blocked content.

Myanmar: VPN blocking and enforcement are common, and the cybersecurity law imposes penalties for unauthorized VPN use. This creates legal risks, particularly in politically sensitive situations. Hence, users may face both technical barriers and potential legal consequences.

Belarus: VPN disruptions and blocking are reported alongside broader efforts to restrict access to external information and independent media. Using a VPN to bypass state controls could attract official attention.

China: unauthorized VPNs are restricted, while licensed VPNs may be allowed for controlled business use. China enforces extensive Internet censorship through the "Great Firewall", and most consumer VPNs are blocked, unstable, or legally risky unless approved.

Russia: Internet controls have tightened, with hundreds of VPN services being blocked. Laws also target the promotion or advertising of VPNs that enable access to prohibited content. The environment is restrictive, unstable, and increasingly monitored.

Turkey: access to popular VPN services is restricted during periods of political sensitivity. VPN reliability is unpredictable, especially during major news events or protests.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): VPNs are legal when used for legitimate purposes, such as corporate network access. However, using VPNs or proxy tools to commit or conceal offenses, access prohibited content, or bypass filtering can result in severe penalties. Hence, the risk depends on how the VPN is used.

Oman: VPNs and related services are subject to a licensing-based regulatory approach. Use of VPNs to bypass telecom restrictions or operate outside approved frameworks is not permitted. Users should consider VPN use in Oman as regulated, not unrestricted.

The following are some examples of countries where online betting and gambling are prohibited or tightly regulated:

Canada: gambling is primarily regulated at the provincial level. Ontario operates a regulated online gambling market, requiring licensed operators to comply with strict standards for age, location, and identity verification, as well as responsible gambling and anti-fraud measures. For theScore Bet in Canada, wagering access is limited to Ontario, and users must be physically present in an approved jurisdiction to place wagers. Ontario is a clear example of a regulated iGaming market. Licensed operators are listed by iGaming Ontario, and players must be at least 19 years old and physically present in Ontario to participate.

United States: online sports betting is regulated at the state level. A sportsbook may be legal in one state but unavailable in another. Operators use geolocation to ensure users are physically located in a licensed jurisdiction before accepting wagers. theScore Bet is available only in select US jurisdictions; users outside these areas should not assume that account access permits betting.

United Kingdom: online gambling is legal but strictly regulated. Operators must be licensed by the Gambling Commission and comply with requirements for age verification, anti-money laundering, responsible gambling, advertising, and safer gambling tools. Unlicensed sites are subject to enforcement.

Saudi Arabia: gambling, including online betting, is prohibited, and there is no licensing framework for legal operators. Users should not assume that offshore websites or VPN access make sports betting lawful. Where gambling is entirely prohibited, VPN use does not eliminate legal risk.

Indonesia: online gambling is illegal and actively enforced. Authorities block gambling websites, restrict related content, and freeze linked bank accounts. Risks extend beyond website access to financial transactions and account activity.

Thailand: online gambling is illegal and actively blocked. Authorities have recently shut down or blocked many illegal gambling sites. Although casino reforms have been discussed, online betting remains high-risk and is generally not permitted.

China: gambling is heavily restricted, with limited exceptions such as state-approved lotteries. Online betting and offshore gambling are not permitted. Restrictions on unauthorized VPN services mean that using a VPN for betting can create both Internet control and gambling law risks.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): gambling is strictly controlled. Using a VPN to reach blocked gambling websites can increase the legal risk, since UAE cybercrime laws may apply if a VPN is used to get around restrictions or hide illegal activity.

India: online gambling and real-money gaming laws are complicated and change from state to state. There are also national restrictions and crackdowns on illegal betting and gambling sites. Some skill-based games may be treated differently from betting or games of chance, but the laws are not consistent. Using a VPN is not a safe way to bypass state or platform restrictions.

To summarize, if sports betting is illegal in your location - using a VPN does not protect you from liability. Similarly, if theScore Bet requires you to be physically present in a licensed state or province, a VPN does not eliminate these rules. While a VPN may enhance privacy or assist on restrictive networks, it might also be the cause behind failed geolocation checks, blocked wagers, account reviews, payment issues, or legal scrutiny.

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In closing

theScore Bet is more complex to access than a typical geo-locked website. As a regulated sportsbook, it requires identity verification, responsible gaming controls, and device-level geolocation. The key issue is not simply changing your IP address, but meeting the platform's broader compliance requirements. According to theScore Bet's documentation, VPNs and proxies are not permitted when placing wagers.

However, VPNs still offer value. Reputable VPNs enhance privacy, secure your connection on public Wi-Fi, and may help you bypass restrictions on managed campus, office, hotel, and similar networks. These tools may enable you to bypass strict geblocks, yet they cannot ensure continuous access, nor can they protect you from repercussions for ToS violations. Privacy tools should not be mistaken for a guaranteed method to bypass regulated sportsbook controls.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why can't I access theScore Bet?

Access to theScore Bet could fail due to being outside a licensed jurisdiction, location verification issues, or incorrect browser permissions. Additionally, software like VPNs, proxies, or remote desktop tools could be interfering with GeoComply - a third-party geolocation service used by theScore Bet. Identity verification or account security flags may also restrict access.

Where is theScore Bet available?

theScore Bet is available in Ontario and select US states (listed in the article above). However, availability may change, so confirm access in the app or help center.

How can I access theScore Bet?

While a VPN may help with privacy or bypassing local network restrictions on public pages, it might not enable full access to theScore Bet from prohibited locations. The platform prohibits VPN and proxy use when placing wagers.

Is it legal to access theScore Bet with a VPN?

VPNs are legal in many countries, but even if you are in such a location - using these tools does not make unlawful betting legal. Significant restrictions exist in some countries, including Iran, Russia, China, Belarus, Turkey, and others. Even in VPN-friendly countries, using a VPN may violate platform terms or fail sportsbook compliance checks.

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