Using a VPN to play poker online

I, unfortunately, live in NY and cannot play poker online at all that I know of. I am very interested in getting back into playing but I don't have the time to go to the casinos so online is my only possible option at this time.

I have VPN software and can use an IP in Vegas or another country and I understand it's against the TC on most, if not all, poker sites but I'm willing to take the chance if the punishments aren't really that extensive. I apologize if this is covered in another thread but I couldn't find it. I'm new on this forum and haven't used the search engine much. If there is another thread I'm not seeing could someone please link it in a reply? Thank you!

From what I'm reading, these are the ramifications of getting caught:

1. You won't be able to cash out.

I plan on using crypto currency that is free-ish money to me from mining. I'm not overly worried about losing a $500 deposit as long as I'm able to play poker for an extended period of time. In fact, i'm so out of practice I probably won't even deposit that much and start off at micro-stakes. If I can just get some solid practice in against real money players, that would actually be enough entertainment and practice for me at the moment.

2. You will get your account suspended.

Banned or suspended? I hear the word suspended a lot. I can deal with that. That reads to me like "yeah, we caught you but we really want your money when you can legally play in NY".

So my main question is ... do VPNs work or am I wasting my time?

Play money sites are not an option as that is just not poker as we all know. I'm fine with risking the loss of some money and even a good chunk of winnings. I'm not ok with prosecution or getting banned permanently across a network of poker sites that may be available to NY residents at a later date. Thank you all for your time!