Matchbook Acquires Betdaq Brand to Strengthen Its Betting Exchange Business
United Kingdom.- 16 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Matchbook, the peer-to-peer sports betting exchange, has announced the acquisition of the Betdaq brand, one of its longstanding competitors in the British betting market.
The transaction, announced on 14 October 2026, represents another consolidation development within the betting exchange sector and comes amid growing international interest in prediction markets.
As part of the agreement, Betdaq’s existing exchange will cease trading on 21 October 2026, while customers will retain access to withdrawals until 4 November.
Acquisition Brings Together Two Established Exchange Brands
Matchbook confirmed that it had completed the acquisition of Betdaq, a betting exchange founded in 2000 by Irish businessman Dermot Desmond.
However, Betdaq’s official announcement specifies that Triplebet Limited, the company operating Matchbook, has acquired the Betdaq brand and associated assets.
The transaction should therefore not be interpreted as an automatic transfer of all customer accounts and existing betting operations.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
The agreement brings together two names with extensive experience in peer-to-peer sports betting.
Betdaq to Cease Trading on 21 October
Betdaq’s existing exchange is operated by Exchange Platform Solutions Limited (EPS), which holds regulatory licences in Great Britain, Ireland and Alderney.
The company has established a timetable for an orderly closure.
Key dates include:
- 14 October 2026: acquisition announced.
- 21 October 2026: final trading day on Betdaq.
- 4 November 2026: deadline for account access, statements and withdrawals.
No new betting markets will be offered through the existing platform after 21 October.
EPS will continue providing customers with access to their accounts during the withdrawal period.
Customer Accounts Will Not Transfer Automatically
One of the most important aspects of the transition is that existing Betdaq accounts will not automatically migrate to Matchbook.
Customers wishing to continue using a betting exchange through Matchbook will need to open a new account.
This involves completing the relevant registration, verification and acceptance procedures.
Matchbook has stated that customer funds will remain protected in accordance with the regulatory obligations applicable to both operators.
The company aims to ensure customers receive clear information about their options throughout the closure process.
Greater Liquidity for Peer-to-Peer Betting
One of Matchbook’s principal commercial objectives is to strengthen liquidity across its exchange.
In a betting exchange, odds are determined through offers placed by market participants rather than exclusively by a traditional bookmaker.
Sufficient market activity can improve price formation and trading conditions.
Matchbook believes bringing the brands together could support:
- Deeper market liquidity.
- Narrower bid-ask spreads.
- Larger available order sizes.
- More competitive trading conditions.
- Increased activity within a shared infrastructure.
However, these potential benefits will depend on how many former Betdaq customers choose to register and trade through Matchbook.
Statements From Ronan McDonagh
Ronan McDonagh, CEO of Matchbook, emphasised that the company’s first priority is ensuring a clear transition for Betdaq customers.
He highlighted the importance of protecting customer funds and communicating the available options ahead of the existing platform’s closure.
McDonagh also explained that bringing activity together within a more concentrated exchange structure could improve market conditions.
He believes the growth of prediction markets reinforces a principle developed by Matchbook and Betdaq over more than two decades: prices formed through direct interaction between market participants.
Betting Exchanges and Prediction Markets
The acquisition comes during a period of increasing international interest in peer-to-peer trading systems.
Prediction markets offer contracts linked to future events, while betting exchanges allow participants to trade wagers with one another.
Although their legal and commercial structures may differ, both models incorporate market-based price formation.
Matchbook sees this connection as an opportunity for further growth in exchange betting.
The expansion of businesses such as Kalshi and Polymarket has increased international awareness of peer-to-peer markets, particularly in the United States.
Kalshi and Polymarket Highlight Market Expansion
According to an analysis by the Pew Research Center, using data from The Block, combined monthly trading volumes on Kalshi and Polymarket increased significantly during 2026.
Reported figures included:
- May 2026: US$26 billion.
- July 2026: US$53 billion.
Growth was primarily driven by trading involving sporting events.
These figures represent trading volume rather than platform revenue.
Matchbook believes the international expansion of this model could support wider adoption of peer-to-peer betting and exchange services.
Matchbook Already Operates Prediction Market Products
The company’s activities extend beyond conventional sports betting exchanges.
Matchbook already supports prediction market products in the United Kingdom.
Following a partnership with easyGroup in 2024, the operator expanded its technology offering.
Its existing infrastructure supports products including:
- easyBet Predictions.
- ADI Predictstreet.
These services use Matchbook’s exchange technology and operate under Triplebet’s existing regulatory framework.
The Betdaq acquisition could support this strategy by strengthening Matchbook’s commercial recognition.
Prediction Market Regulation Across Europe
The growth of these products is also creating new challenges for regulatory authorities.
In the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission has indicated that certain prediction market products fall within its betting intermediary category.
Triplebet has held a betting intermediary licence since November 2014.
However, regulatory approaches vary considerably across European jurisdictions.
Notable developments include:
- Gibraltar: introduced dedicated prediction market provisions on 13 July 2026.
- France: restricts certain unauthorised prediction platforms.
- Spain: enforces licensing requirements for gambling-related products.
- Denmark: has also taken action against services operating outside its regulated framework.
These differences affect the international expansion strategies available to operators.
The Challenge of Customer Migration
Although the acquisition gives Matchbook control of the Betdaq brand, the commercial benefits will depend on customers’ subsequent decisions.
Because accounts will not transfer automatically, existing Betdaq users must decide whether to continue exchange betting through Matchbook.
This creates several operational considerations:
- Communicating closure deadlines.
- Processing customer withdrawals.
- Completing new registrations.
- Conducting identity verification.
- Retaining existing customers.
- Concentrating trading activity on the new platform.
Matchbook’s ability to attract former Betdaq users will be important in determining whether the expected liquidity benefits materialise.
Next Steps and Impact
Matchbook’s acquisition of Betdaq represents an important development within the peer-to-peer sports betting market.
The closure of Betdaq’s existing exchange on 21 October, followed by the 4 November withdrawal deadline, marks the beginning of a new stage for both brands.
Matchbook aims to strengthen its commercial position through concentrated trading activity and the continued development of its prediction market services.
However, the liquidity and pricing improvements anticipated by the company will depend on customer migration and actual market participation.
The transaction also reflects a broader industry development: the growing relationship between traditional betting exchange models and the international expansion of prediction markets.
For the iGaming industry, the acquisition highlights the increasing importance of peer-to-peer platforms, shared liquidity and technology capable of connecting market participants within regulated environments.
Editó: @fonta
