Playing games of chance over the internet is now a common pastime that people from all corners of the globe enjoy. Yet, due to specific countries’ laws, not everyone from everywhere can partake in this hobby on their desired platforms or reap all of their benefits. That is where the temptation of utilizing VPN technology comes into play. For those few readers that have not yet heard about virtual private networks, they are services that funnel user data to the World Wide Web through servers located in different territories. The goal of this process is for the users’ internet access to mimic a location that does not correspond with their physical one. Thus, this software-hardware combo tricks accessed platforms, fooling them into believing that a person is visiting their site from one spot when, in reality, they are accessing it from another. The main benefit of this practice lies in that it provides increased security. Yet, it also lets people consume content they otherwise would not be able to, helping them remain anonymous on the internet.
The online gambling sector is fickle when it comes to regulation. Many countries allow this activity, with others outlawing it for their residents entirely. Hence, citizens of nations in the latter group have to use a VPN service to play blackjack or 3 Card Poker on the internet. Unfortunately, while many sites advise this, it has substantial drawbacks that can cause gamblers to get banned from online casinos and even lose their deposited funds. Below, we get into the nitty-gritty of this problem.
Most High-End Casinos Can Detect VPN Use
Naturally, gambling operators can get in trouble if they do not follow the laws of the country from which they operate. That entails obeying international directives and the agreements its nation has signed with others. Hence, it is not a good look if an operator accepts players from a region that outright forbids online gambling or only allows it to its residents on platforms that have attained operating approval. These companies have to take precautions to ensure that they do not break the law.
Restricting access to VPN users starts with sites having a list of banned IP addresses that all the top services use. For example, brands like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN each have two or more servers in specific countries they employ to funnel data. These have largely remained unchanged for years due to the associated costs. So, operators are well aware of these IP addresses, and they do not allow anyone using them to access their platforms. Furthermore, they have site logs and automated technology that notices if a user frequently changes his access points. If that is occurring, a temporary ban may follow, or at least a review process as to why this is happening, as it is a VPN red flag.
KYC Procedures Make It Impossible to Hide Your Location
Know Your Customer (KYC), sometimes also called Know Your Client is a set of ethical guidelines/standards that businesses must apply when offering their services online. They protect operators and players, aiding in the corroboration between these parties, guaranteeing that it transpires fairly.
These days, virtually all online casinos implement a KYC process. Depending on their regulator, they may ask players to go through this procedure on sign-up or when requesting a withdrawal. When that moment comes, gamblers must present copies of an ID, proof of address, and in some cases, even a source of funds. Of course, their place of residence will get listed on these documents. Therefore, if it does not correspond with their IP address, operators know that something fishy may be going on. Casino users can gamble and win at their chosen interactive gaming hub via a VPN service. Yet, when it comes time for them to receive their winnings, the truth about their location will surface, making their VPN use useless.
What Are the Penalties for VPN Use?
As a rule of thumb, most operators will freeze a player’s account if they suspect that a gambler is masking the IP address assigned by his internet provider. Moreover, if they are sure this is occurring, they will close the account in question and return the account funds to that player. As a penalty, some operators may even confiscate a user’s balance. These actions will get defined on a gambling website’s terms and conditions page.
Aside from following laws, online casinos cannot allow those that wish to use VPN for security reasons only because it allows them to create multiple accounts and abuse bonuses. That is when players take advantage of the same promotional deal many times over. The temptation to do so is particularly substantial concerning no deposit bonuses that give away gambling funds or slot spins for free.Â
For more gambling news and reviews, visit OUSC.
