Traveling sports fans often ask whether they can use DraftKings when away from home. The key point is straightforward: bet placement is governed by state licensing and in-state presence at the time of wager. This guide walks through how location verification works, what to do if verification fails, and compliant alternatives if you cannot place wagers. We explain the technical checks operators use, how to test permissions before travel, and practical steps to avoid common mistakes. The goal is to help you plan so verification issues do not spoil an otherwise smooth trip.

You can view your DraftKings account while traveling, but placing wagers requires being physically inside a licensed state.

DraftKings uses GPS, Wi‑Fi, IP data, and desktop plug‑ins to verify location and block out-of-state bets.

Common fixes include enabling precise location, turning on Wi‑Fi, updating apps, and installing required plug‑ins.

Can you place DraftKings bets while traveling? The basics

The short answer is that you can access your DraftKings account while traveling, but placing a wager requires that you be physically inside a state where online sports wagering is legal and the operator holds a license, and you do not need to be a resident to place a bet in that state, according to state regulator guidance Massachusetts Gaming Commission sports wagering FAQ.

States grant licenses and set rules for operators within their borders, which means the operator accepts wagers only when its location checks show you are inside an approved jurisdiction. That policy exists because wagering authority is issued by state regulators and applies at the moment a bet is placed, not based on your home address New York State Gaming Commission mobile sports wagering FAQ.

Quick pre-travel location check for sportsbook access

Run location test
Enable location
Connect to Wi‑Fi
Update app
Restart device

Run this checklist before travel

A practical way to think about the rule is simple: being in-state matters at bet time. If you log in while on the road you will commonly see your account balance and history, but the action of placing a wager is blocked whenever the operator cannot verify you are inside an approved state. That behavior is standard across state-regulated systems and implemented by sportsbooks to comply with each state's jurisdictional limits our blog.

What 'in-state' presence means

In-state presence means your device signals place you within the geographic boundaries of a state that has authorized the operator to accept online bets. The emphasis is on your physical location at the time of bet placement rather than on proof of permanent residency, so travelers can legally wager while visiting a licensed state as long as the operator is licensed there and can confirm location Massachusetts Gaming Commission sports wagering FAQ.

Residency versus physical presence

Residency rarely matters for the moment you place a bet; many regulators explicitly note that nonresidents may place wagers if they are physically present and the operator is licensed where they are located. Still, the sportsbook will enforce location checks to ensure compliance with state licensing rules so the legal permission stems from geography, not home address New York State Gaming Commission mobile sports wagering FAQ.

draftkings sportsbook states

Knowing which states are considered permitted for DraftKings is a separate step, and you should confirm licensing status for each state you plan to visit before assuming you can place wagers there.

How DraftKings verifies your location

DraftKings and other regulated sportsbooks use multiple signals to build a location decision, commonly combining GPS from your phone, nearby Wi-Fi network information, your public IP address, and, on desktop, a browser-based geolocation plug-in. These layers help operators detect when a device is inside or outside a licensed jurisdiction GeoComply explanation of location verification.

GPS gives a precise coordinate when available, but GPS can be weak indoors or in dense urban canyons. In those cases Wi-Fi and IP signals provide supplementary data points. Desktop checks typically require an extra plug-in or permission because browsers handle geolocation differently; the plug-in gives a stronger verification signal for wagers placed on a computer DraftKings terms of use.

Mobile checks: GPS, Wi-Fi and IP data

On mobile devices location permissions must be enabled and set to allow precise location. If you disable precise location or the app does not have permission to access GPS, verification can fail even if you are physically inside a licensed state. Public Wi-Fi, cellular carrier routing, and an inaccurate IP mapping can also change the apparent location the operator sees, so operators use a combination of signals to reduce false positives and false negatives GeoComply explanation of location verification. For additional mobile troubleshooting see DraftKings support on location detection.

Desktop checks: required geolocation plug-in and browser permissions

Desktop verification often asks you to install a geolocation plug-in or to grant location permissions in the browser. That plug-in collects the same types of location signals and presents them to the operator. If the plug-in is missing, out of date, or blocked by browser settings, the sportsbook may prevent betting until verification is successful DraftKings terms of use.

Close up smartphone showing location permissions prompt and visible Wi Fi network list in background for draftkings sportsbook states on Funded Plays dark minimalist background

Because these signals are combined, a weak signal from one source is often compensated for by another. But when multiple signals are inconsistent, the operator may err on the side of blocking bets to maintain regulatory compliance.

Which states allow DraftKings and why availability changes

DraftKings can accept wagers only where it holds a state license, and state availability changes over time as regulators update rules and as operators seek new market access. The American Gaming Association documents this ongoing market evolution and is a helpful overview of state-level changes in the industry American Gaming Association State of the States 2025.

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To confirm whether DraftKings is licensed in a specific state, check the state regulator's official website and DraftKings help pages for an operator state list and any details on required desktop plug-ins or special local rules. Those official sources are the authoritative reference for permission to place online wagers DraftKings terms of use.

How to check official state lists and licensing

State regulator websites typically publish a roster of licensed operators and outline the rules for mobile sports wagering. Because licenses can be added or revoked and rules can change, verify the current status shortly before travel rather than relying on an old memory or an archived list American Gaming Association State of the States 2025.

Why market access and licenses evolve

States continuously reassess market access through legislation, administrative approvals, or negotiated compacts, so an operator that is unavailable today may later enter the market, or vice versa. Regulatory changes and commercial arrangements explain why availability is not fixed over time American Gaming Association State of the States 2025.

What to do if you get a geolocation error

If the app or site reports geolocation trouble, start with simple checks: enable precise location, turn on Wi-Fi, update the DraftKings app and your device operating system, and restart the device. These steps resolve many location errors that result from permissions or stale app versions DraftKings help center troubleshooting.

Minimal 2D vector infographic of layered verification signals GPS Wi Fi IP and desktop plugin on a Funded Plays dark background illustrating secure verification steps draftkings sportsbook states

On desktop, confirm the sportsbook's geolocation plug-in is installed and allowed in your browser. If a plug-in prompts for permission, accept it and follow any on-screen instructions to verify. If the plug-in is blocked or missing, the site will usually prevent wager placement until it can confirm your geographic presence DraftKings terms of use.

Quick fixes on mobile

Mobile quick fixes include switching to your phone's mobile data briefly to help confirm location, toggling precise location off and back on to refresh permissions, and reconnecting to a known Wi-Fi network so the operator sees a consistent signal. Keep screenshots or the Wi-Fi SSID handy if support requests verification of your connection DraftKings help center troubleshooting.

Desktop troubleshooting and the plug-in

For desktop issues, reinstall the sportsbook plug-in if prompted, check that the browser allows location sharing, and disable extensions that might block geolocation scripts. If you still see errors, gather a screenshot of the plug-in prompt, the browser version, and your OS version before contacting support so they can diagnose the mismatch more quickly DraftKings terms of use.

Practical travel checklist: before and during your trip

Before you leave, make a short checklist: confirm each state on your itinerary permits DraftKings, update the app and OS, verify location permissions are set to allow precise location, and test the app at home so you know what a successful verification looks like. See this short Funded Plays reference before you go.

On arrival, run the sportsbook's built-in location test or try placing a small pre-authorized action to confirm verification. If it fails, try the steps above and note the current Wi-Fi name and a screenshot to share with support if needed.

Can I use DraftKings while traveling across state lines?

You can access your DraftKings account while traveling, but to place wagers you must be physically located within a state where DraftKings is licensed and where the operator permits online betting at that moment.

Will DraftKings let me bet when I land?

When you arrive, enable Wi-Fi and try the in-app location test again. If the operator still shows you as out of state, wait until you can establish a stable connection in a permitted state or follow the troubleshooting steps and reach out to support with details about your device and connection DraftKings help center troubleshooting. You can also review the support article on accessing your account from different jurisdictions Can I access my DraftKings account in a non-permitted jurisdiction?.

Confirm which states you will visit allow betting

Check the state regulator website for each destination, and cross-check the operator help center to confirm DraftKings is licensed where you plan to place bets. Doing this a few days before travel reduces surprises and gives time to resolve account or verification issues American Gaming Association State of the States 2025.

Test your app and permissions before leaving

Run the app's location test, enable precise location permissions, and ensure your device has the latest app and OS updates. Testing at home helps you recognize the normal verification flow so you can spot when something differs while traveling DraftKings help center troubleshooting.

Steps to follow on arrival at your destination

On arrival, connect to a local network, open the app, and let the verification run. If you see an error, try toggling Wi-Fi and mobile data, restart the app, and if necessary contact support with screenshots and the Wi-Fi SSID so they can confirm whether the issue is a transient signal problem or a licensing block DraftKings terms of use.

Alternatives if you cannot place bets while traveling

If verification blocks wagering while you are away, the compliant option is to wait until you are physically inside a state that authorizes DraftKings and try again. Placing bets from outside an authorized state or attempting to route traffic through other states breaches operator requirements and can lead to account restrictions DraftKings terms of use.

Another option is to practice or compete in legal, non-wagering skill-based prediction platforms that do not require state sportsbook licensing. These platforms offer an environment to test strategies and maintain engagement while traveling without attempting regulated wagers GeoComply explanation of location verification.

Check your destination and test the app before you go

Before you travel, confirm the states you will visit and run the app's location test to avoid surprises once you arrive.

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Participate in legal, non-wagering skill-based prediction platforms

For players who want to stay sharp without risking regulatory issues, skill-based sweepstakes and prediction challenges can be a useful alternative. These formats operate under different rules than state-licensed sportsbooks and can be accessed from places where wagering is restricted, subject to each platform's terms.

Use fantasy or sweepstakes options where permitted

Daily fantasy contests, free-to-enter sweepstakes, and certain promotional games are sometimes allowed where real-money wagering is not, but those offerings have different eligibility rules and may restrict prizes based on location, so check the terms before participating.

Common mistakes travelers make and how to avoid them

A top mistake is relying on public Wi-Fi without testing it. Public hotspots can route traffic through different states or block the signals apps rely on, causing verification failures even if you are physically in a permitted state. Test on your mobile data if Wi-Fi looks suspect GeoComply explanation of location verification.

Another frequent error is attempting to mask location with a VPN, GPS spoofer, or browser proxy. These methods alter the apparent origin of your connection and are detectable; using them can violate DraftKings terms and may trigger account holds or other enforcement actions DraftKings terms of use.

Relying on public Wi-Fi without testing

If you must use public Wi-Fi, verify the network name, and if verification fails, switch to mobile data or a trusted connection. Keep a screenshot of the network name to share with support if needed DraftKings help center troubleshooting.

Trying to mask location with VPNs or spoofers

VPNs and spoofers not only risk service blocks, they can complicate support investigations and lead to temporary holds while the operator verifies your activity. The practical alternative is to follow permitted access rules and use compliant alternatives if you are outside an authorized jurisdiction DraftKings terms of use.

Not updating the app or installing required plug-ins

Failing to update the app or desktop plug-in is a common, avoidable cause of geolocation errors. Keep your software current and follow any prompts the sportsbook displays about required plug-ins or permissions to reduce preventable verification failures DraftKings help center troubleshooting.

Summary and next steps for travelers

Wagers must be placed while physically inside a state where DraftKings is licensed. Confirm each state on your itinerary, run the app's location test before you go, and carry ID in case support requests re-verification. Waiting until you are in a permitted state is the compliant option when betting is blocked Massachusetts Gaming Commission sports wagering FAQ.

Common troubleshooting steps are simple: enable precise location, turn on Wi-Fi, update the app and plug-ins, and restart the device. Avoid VPNs or spoofing tools because they can trigger blocks and breach terms of use, creating avoidable account complications DraftKings terms of use.

When in doubt, consult the state regulator website and the operator help center for the most current state-by-state access information before travel, and use legal, non-wagering alternatives like skill-based prediction platforms if you need a compliant way to practice while away. See our detailed note on how Funded Plays evaluates access how Funded Plays evaluations work.

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Can I place a DraftKings bet while visiting another state?

Yes, if you are physically inside a state where DraftKings is licensed and the operator can verify your location; residency is not required.

What should I do if the app says I am out of state?

Enable precise location, turn on Wi‑Fi, update the app and OS, restart the device, and install the desktop plug‑in if prompted, then contact support with screenshots if needed.

Can I use a VPN or GPS spoofer to place bets from a different state?

No, using VPNs or location spoofing can violate terms of use and may result in blocked bets or account restrictions.

If you travel with DraftKings in mind, a few minutes of preparation goes a long way. Check state access, run the app's location test, and follow the quick troubleshooting steps if verification fails. When unsure, wait until you are in a permitted state or use legal, non-wagering alternatives. Staying informed about state access and following platform rules keeps your account in good standing and avoids unnecessary complications while you enjoy the trip.