When enjoying online poker, many people wonder “whether they should use a VPN or not.” VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology used to enhance security and change your connection country, but introducing it without understanding its purpose and precautions can sometimes cause problems instead.
Here, we’ll explain in detail the mechanisms of VPN, usage scenarios, and how to choose one.
1. What is a VPN? What Role Does it Play in Online Poker?
A VPN is a service that encrypts internet communications and allows you to change your IP address to one from another country. Originally used for secure corporate communications, it has now become common for personal use as well.
The main reasons VPNs are used in online poker are as follows:
- Bypassing access restrictions (some sites block access from certain countries)
- Encrypting communications to protect data during play
- Avoiding being mistaken for multiple accounts from the same network
2. The Difference Between Those Who Should Use VPN and Those Who Shouldn’t
Whether you need a VPN depends on the following conditions:
| User Situation | VPN Necessity | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Using poker sites accessible from Japan | Not needed | Can play without issues using normal communication |
| Overseas sites that restrict access from Japan | Needed | VPN can make access possible by changing IP address to overseas |
| Playing on public Wi-Fi or other low-security communication environments | Recommended | VPN encryption can prevent data leaks |
| Multiple people accessing from the same IP (family, etc.) | Sometimes necessary | To avoid being misunderstood as fraud by operators |
3. Differences Between Free and Paid VPNs
While there are both free and paid VPNs available, for online poker where “stability” and “speed” are particularly important, we strongly recommend paid VPNs.
- Free VPN: Often has slow communication speeds, data limits, and ad displays. Also lacks connection stability.
- Paid VPN: Capable of high-speed and stable connections with good support. Many services offer “no-log policies” that don’t keep logs, providing high security.
4. Key Points to Consider When Choosing a VPN
To select a VPN suitable for online poker, you need to comprehensively evaluate the following aspects:
App Usability and Japanese Support: For first-time VPN users, the app’s ease of use is a major point. Check in advance whether settings can be made intuitively and if there’s Japanese support for customer service and official websites.
Connection Speed and Stability: Lag and disconnections are major enemies in online poker. Choose services with good speed test results and servers that don’t get congested easily. It’s also recommended to actually play during trial periods to confirm performance.
No-Log Policy: VPNs that explicitly state they don’t record any logs (usage history) are very important for privacy protection. Especially for games involving real benefits like poker, choosing a highly reliable VPN allows you to play with peace of mind.
Number of Supported Devices and Simultaneous Connections: Check if it supports multiple devices like smartphones, PCs, and tablets. How many devices can connect simultaneously is also important when considering family use and device versatility.
Number and Types of Server Locations: VPNs with more connection countries and regions expand the range of accessible services. Additionally, having high-speed servers in specific countries or gaming-specialized servers makes usage more comfortable.
5. Precautions When Introducing VPN
Confirming Support System: Whether you can receive Japanese support when VPN doesn’t work properly or when you’re having trouble with settings contributes to peace of mind.
Confirming Communication Stability: Depending on the type of VPN and connection server, there’s a risk of lag during play or disconnections. Regularly conduct speed tests and choose stable servers.
Presence of Kill Switch Function: When VPN suddenly disconnects, there’s a risk of “IP leak” where your original IP address is exposed. To prevent this, it’s important to choose a VPN equipped with kill switch functionality.
Compatibility with Apps and Devices: Some VPNs may have compatibility issues with older smartphones or operating systems. Check the operating environment on the official website before introduction.
Auto-Start and Always-On Connection Settings: Manually turning on VPN connection every time is troublesome. Whether the app can be set to automatically connect to VPN when starting up also affects usability.
Summary
Using VPN for online poker has significant advantages in terms of bypassing access restrictions and improving communication security. However, usage isn’t always essential, and situation-specific judgment is necessary. Free VPNs have risks, and paid VPNs are superior in stability and security, making them an important option for setting up your playing environment.
FAQ
Q. Does using a VPN slow down speed?
A. Some free VPNs may slow down, but paid VPNs allow for high-speed and comfortable play.
Q. Are VPNs sometimes prohibited on poker apps?
A. Yes. Some services prohibit them in their terms of service, so be sure to check.
Q. Can VPNs be used on smartphones?
A. Many VPN services also provide smartphone apps and can be easily introduced.
