User Review
( votes)Who are they?
A relative newcomer to the exchange market (2004), Matchbook is a rapidly expanding competitor to the more-established exchanges of Betfair and BETDAQ, and is fully-licensed by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and UK Gambling Commission. Offering a number of sports options, including football, tennis and recently-added horse racing markets, Matchbook is a genuine contender for the Betting Exchange crown held for so long by its longer-established rivals.
Why should I bet with Matchbook?
The relative benefits of betting on an exchange as opposed to a traditional sportsbook are well-documented (more favourable odds, limits which are decided only by what is available to be traded, and an approach that actively supports and encourages ‘winning’).
Yet from an exchange perspective, quite simply Matchbook offers a more favourable commission than Betfair (1.5% on accepted and 0.75% on posted bets in comparison to Betfair’s more standard 2-5% on wins). Minimum bets are €0.01 and there are no limits other than what is available to trade.
In the US Sports market, Matchbook’s liquidity is unrivalled.
Odds can be displayed in US, Decimal, Hong Kong, Malaysian, Indonesian and % formats on matchbook’s incredibly user-friendly platform, and if you are looking to bet regularly medium limits, or trade, then a Matchbook account is imperative. Likewise for exchange novices, Matchbook’s platform is a great way to feel your way in.
Why shouldn’t I bet with Matchbook?
Similar to all exchanges, the liability that a player attracts can be greater than the stake, but as long as a customer is clear on this point, then this should not be an issue. Certainly all exchanges make this abundantly clear, and ensure maximum liability is covered in the betting bank before a bet is accepted.
Otherwise, perhaps the only drawback to Matchbook is its relative size, resulting in fewer markets and relatively less liquidity (currently) than some of the major players, except in the US Sports market where Matchbook is king. But with Matchbook growing at a break-neck speed, these issues will not remain relevant for long.
Emphasising the above points, currently within the horse racing markets, Matchbook only offers win and selected ante post markets, but according to the Matchbook website, ‘additional markets (such as each way) will be made available very soon.’
Also, Matchbook is perhaps the only exchange that charges commission on winning AND losing bets, but this explains the platform’s ability to offer the lowest commission on the market.
Current Sign-up bonus
New Matchbook customers get £50 cash back by placing £50 in back or lay selections within the first five weeks of opening the account (the qualifying period). This offer is only available to customers who make their first deposit via debit or credit card.
Other noteworthy specials
Matchbook’s post special is a particularly good deal, ensuring those punters who post their bets pay only 0.75% commission.
Matchbook also recently ventured into the Horse Racing market, and although it no longer offers 0% commissions, players will get ‘treble odds’ on their first Back or Lay bet on any horse racing win category. The only caveat is that the initial deposit must be made via credit or debit card.
Sports and markets available
Noted previously as a relative weakness of the Matchbook product, the number of sports and markets available does not compete with the larger exchanges. Yet do not let that detract from the fact that on the 13 sports Matchbook currently offers (along with politics – currently Matchbook is offer markets on the French presidential election, and whether or not Donald Trump will be president of the US on Jan 1st 2018), the odds offered are almost unparalleled, and that is a major bonus of this exchange.
Special features
There is nothing particularly fancy about the Matchbook site, with its layout not dissimilar to other exchanges. It appears Matchbook’s commitment in providing a true exchange service to its customers is not to be undone by unnecessary style innovations or gimmicks.
Support Functions
Phone, email and live chat functions, the latter of which is available 9am to 3am 7 days a week.
Payment Options
The usual selection of bank transfer, InstaDebit, Neteller and Skrill (Moneybookers).
Verdict
9/10 – Exchange