About Us
History
Sports Refugees was launched in 2011 in response to the market changes that followed Poker Black Friday. The relocation service behind it has helped over 400 professional poker players and sports bettors to date.
While the major online poker rooms made front page news in 2011, poker players were not the only people affected by Black Friday. Recreational and professional sports bettors over the years have always been affected by regulation in the US: the Wire Act, UIGEA, the Black Friday indictments and more.
In response to the demand and inquiries from sports bettors in the years following Black Friday, a specialized service was launched just for them.
Mission
The mission is simple: help professional sports bettors travel and relocate to countries internationally. The reasons that bettors want to relocate are varied, but the goal remains the same. You want to bet on sports when, where and how you want. You want to be able to deposit, withdraw and exchange your funds freely. You want to enjoy your lifestyle. You want freedom to bet on sports openly, whether it is a hobby or your career.
While the inspiration for the relocation concept started in the United States, the client base has expanded to include poker players and sports bettors from Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Asia. We work inclusively with individuals, couples and families.
Why do sports bettors choose to relocate?
Some clients are living in a country where betting on sports is illegal or unregulated. They may be in a situation where they have problems depositing or cashing out. Others have had money stolen from illegitimate sites and want to bet on lawful and dependable sites instead. Some bettors move for tax reasons. Others relocate temporarily just to avoid the bitter cold winters in their hometowns.
Benefits of moving abroad to bet sports
- Better or more transparent regulation
- Freedom to bet on almost all international sites
- More security and accountability from sites
- Deposit and withdraw when you want with minimal restrictions
- Access to international e-wallets and more payment processing options
- Expanded banking options
- Live almost anywhere in the world
- Weather and climate of your choice
- Lower cost of living in most cases
- Move to a time zone that aligns with your betting schedule
- Tax benefits depending on your country of citizenship and destination
Tax consultations in your home and new country can be arranged with licensed professionals.
Media links
| ESPN | Relocating on the Minds of Many |
|---|---|
| Covers | US gamblers find homes abroad |
| The Post Game | The unlikeliest of poker queens |
| Bloomberg Businessweek | Poker expats in paradise |
| The New York Times | Poker, Inc to Uncle Sam |
| The Independent | Players turned into refugees by online gaming ban |
| Huffington Post | Fed shutdown of online gaming |