Hi folks,
My name is Nick. I currently live in Bloomington, IN, in the United States, and play on Ignition and ACR. I am looking to relocate to Canada/Mexico/Costa Rica on or around May 1st, to set up a PokerStars account in time to play SCOOP, which is set to run May 7-21.
Ideally, I would like to relocate for one month (approx. May 1st - May 31st), with the possibility of relocating again in September for WCOOP to the same or different location. I plan to sublet an apartment or house via AirBnB, VRBO, or through another local advertisement. After recently asking PokerStars CSR about my interest in temporarily relocating from the U.S. in order to play SCOOP, this is what they wrote back:
Quote:
...Once you have entered your information [and set up an account], you will be able to play in our real money tables. No documents are needed at this stage, however bear in mind that is very important that you are able to provide a proof of Identity (Citizen Card,Resident Permit Card, Passport or Driving Licence). It's also important that you have how to proof your new address.
Sometimes for security reasons or cash out security purposes we request an utility bill, lease contract, bank statement or council certificate that must show your name, address and statement date (not older than 3 months).
The above appears to be a revised policy from what I have read on the forums in terms of what is (or used to be) required to begin playing on PokerStars. It now seems that one can relocate to a country where PokerStars operates, sign up and begin playing immedialy, and only later have to provide the necessary documentation.
My questions are as follows:
1. Has anyone
recently (within the past 6 months) relocated to Mexico or Canada and opened up a brand new PokerStars account? If so, what was your process? Which particular documentations items were required? Any general advice?
2. Will an AirBnB lease agreement suffice in terms of proof of address? If not, what will?
3. If you temporarily relocate with a rental, what are some ways in which you can produce a utility bill in your temporary address?
4. If you can deposit/withdraw using Bitcoin, is setting up a new foreign bank account in which to deposit/withdraw funds required?
To be clear, I have no intention of doing any part of the relocation process illegally. Since PokerStars is happy to accommodate U.S. players who can establish temporary residence (i.e. not just staying in a hostel), this is what I would like to do. I've read a lot of conflicting advice on this topic, some of it potentially outdated, and am hoping to make the relocation as smooth as possible.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration,
Nick