TunnelBear Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network)
TunnelBear is downloadable VPN software with 2GB of free data per month. Unlimited data with a subscription.
You can use it to choose from a simple drop down menu or map where your PC appears to be accessing the internet from. You can easily change between countries.
This is the perfect solution for people who want to run their automated betting software on their home PC, but give it a UK IP address (or any other country they want).
Non-UK residents might want to use a UK IP address to run Bf Bot Manager.
UK Residents might want to use a non-UK IP address to access betting agent sites like AsianConnect which accepts UK residents but the website is sometimes blocked for UK IP addresses.
What is the difference between a VPS and VPN?
A VPS is a Virtual Private Server. It is a real computer in another country. When you pay for a VPS, you get an active windows desktop in another country that is running 24/7 whether your PC is switched on or not. You can install software on that desktop. You can store files on that desktop’s hard drive. Your software uses the CPU and RAM of that VPS. This is perfect for people who don’t want to run their automated betting software on their home PC or work laptop. If you turn off your home PC, the software keeps running on the VPS. You can access your VPS from any PC or Mac, not just your home PC.
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. It is software you download onto your home PC that routes your internet activity through another country to make it appear you are accessing from an IP address in that country. Your betting software still has to run on your home PC. Your betting software uses the CPU and RAM of your home PC. If you turn off your PC, the software stops running. This is useful if you want to use your home PC to run betting software but need to give it a UK (or other country) IP address. For example, when you have a powerful home PC with 8 cores and 32 GB of RAM, it would cost a lot more money to get a VPS with similar CPU and RAM specifications. A VPN may be a better option in that case. VPNs also give you the benefit that all your internet browsing is now secure and cannot be easily tracked.
Cost
VPNs are generally cheaper than VPSs.
Longer contacts get cheaper monthly rates.
With a 3-year VPN contract, you can get 67% off an unlimited VPN plan for £2.50 per month with a £90 one-time payment. (3.33 USD per month / 120 USD one-time payment)
The cheapest VPS I know is £12 per month for a 4 core 8GB RAM system.
Notes:
VPNs and VPSs are still detectable by a few websites that make the effort.
For example, some sites like William-Hill.com or the BBC iPlayer knows if I am using a VPN or a VPS and prevents me using that service.
But I can log into Betfair.com fine. I can run Bf Bot Manager fine. I can run BetHound fine with the VPS or VPN.
You can always test if TunnelBear’s VPN will help you access the site you want to by using their free plan first. 2 GB of data per month for free.