[BiPolar_Nut]

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1. Would it be possible to physically set up my own proxy in Canada, specifically Vancouver?

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You don't want a proxy. Proxies will redirect web ports (TCP 80 and TCP 443), and typically lobbies are 80 and login info/tables are 443. The problem is Party also "phones home" on other UDP ports. A proxy will allow you to connect, sure...but the site can easily tell you are going through a proxy. Weather they will care or not is another story but I wouldn't trust going through a proxy. What you need is a VPN so that *all* your traffic is redirected through the remote computer. Yes, you can set up a VPN server in Vancouver.

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2. Could I pay a tech guru to do this for me?

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Yes.

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3. How much would something like this cost initially and monthly to maintain?

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Depends on the tech and the service. I've set up for HSNLers before on their own dedicated server in a top-notch data center in Vancouver and the monthly was $69 to the data center company. You want a solid data center w/ redundant internet connections from multiple providers, backup generators and UPS's to run during power outages, climate/dust controlled environment, physical security, good customer service, etc. "Joe's hosting and sandwich shop" would be cheaper, but prolly not a good idea. Setup you'd have to work out w/ whomever does the work. You may also find someone offering a multi user VPN environment (each w/ their own dedicated IP) for a little less per month. I run such a service out of Montreal but am shutting it dow this weekn due to lack of interest (even though tons of people were screaming to know when it would be available...I launched...almost nobody moved on it grrrrr).

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4. Is the proxy 100% foolproof and would it be able to avoid detection from poker sites that don't take US players?

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Proxy, no as per reasons in #1. VPN, yes, but only if set up correctly. The key in VPN setup is proper client-side setup. VPN's go down sometimes (I was up an average of 15-16 days 24/7 before a drop, and would be reconnected within about 30 seconds). Poker clients will automatically attempt to reconnect to the poker site. If the poker client attempts to reconnect to a poker site while the VPN is down (during the 10-30 seconds it will take to reconnect to the VPN) then guess what....it's trying to connect from your real US IP and your Party acct will get insta-locked and you'll have to fight to get *some* of your bankroll back...if you're lucky. This has happened to at least one 2+2er I am aware of....$20k got locked, only $16k was eventually recovered.

VPN will cover the data side, but you still need ID, address, phone#, funding vehicle which may or may not be a problem.

PM me if desired.