Matchbook Acquires Betdaq to Strengthen Prediction Markets Strategy
United Kingdom.- 15 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Matchbook, the international peer-to-peer sports betting exchange, has announced the acquisition of Betdaq, one of its longstanding competitors in the British betting market.
The transaction, confirmed on 14 October 2026, aims to combine the commercial expertise of both businesses, increase available liquidity and strengthen the peer-to-peer betting model.
The acquisition comes amid growing international interest in prediction markets, a sector Matchbook entered during 2025 and now considers an important component of its technology and commercial strategy.
Acquisition Reshapes the UK Exchange Market
The Betdaq takeover represents a significant development within the United Kingdom’s betting exchange sector.
Following the acquisition, the number of major betting exchanges operating in the British market has been reduced to four:
- Matchbook, now incorporating Betdaq.
- Betfair Exchange.
- Spreadex.
- Smarkets.
Matchbook intends to use the integration to expand its market share and strengthen its competitive position against other established providers.
The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Two Businesses With More Than Two Decades of History
Betdaq was founded in 2000 by Irish businessman Dermot Desmond, who is also known for his investments in professional sport.
Headquartered in Dublin, the company was among the first businesses to develop the betting exchange model.
Matchbook, meanwhile, was established in 2004 and is headquartered in Alderney, in the Channel Islands.
For more than two decades, both companies have developed platforms enabling customers to bet directly against one another, with prices determined by market supply and demand.
The transaction brings together two of the industry’s longest-established exchange brands.
Greater Liquidity and More Competitive Pricing
One of Matchbook’s principal commercial objectives is to consolidate activity from both exchanges into a deeper pool of liquidity.
In exchange markets, liquidity refers to the availability of orders and counterparties required to complete transactions.
According to the company, the combination could deliver:
- Tighter betting spreads.
- Greater available trading volume.
- Improved execution of larger orders.
- More competitive prices for customers.
- More efficient odds formation.
The integration aims to combine Betdaq’s established customer base and heritage with Matchbook’s technology, pricing and trading expertise.
Statements From Ronan McDonagh
Ronan McDonagh, CEO of Matchbook, highlighted that both businesses were founded on the principle that market participants should determine betting prices.
He explained that the global expansion of prediction markets is bringing this model to new international audiences.
According to McDonagh, acquiring Betdaq will deepen available liquidity and strengthen the competitiveness of exchange betting.
He also emphasised that the company’s immediate priority is ensuring an orderly transition for Betdaq customers, protecting their funds and providing clear information about their available options.
Betdaq Trading Ends on 21 October
Matchbook has confirmed a transition timetable for existing Betdaq users.
The key dates are:
- 14 October 2026: acquisition announced.
- 21 October 2026: existing Betdaq trading service closes.
- 4 November 2026: final date for withdrawals through existing Betdaq accounts.
Betdaq’s current platform, operated by EPS Ltd, will remain available for trading until 21 October to support an orderly transition.
Customer accounts will remain open for withdrawals until 4 November.
Matchbook confirmed that customer funds will continue to be protected in accordance with applicable regulatory obligations throughout the process.
Prediction Markets Drive Strategic Expansion
The acquisition follows Matchbook’s increased involvement in prediction markets.
In December 2025, the company launched a prediction markets platform, becoming one of the first British betting businesses to enter the emerging sector.
The model shares characteristics with traditional betting exchanges by allowing participants to trade positions linked to future events.
Matchbook believes the growing popularity of these platforms, particularly in the United States, is generating renewed interest in market-based pricing.
Partnership With ADI PredictStreet
One of Matchbook’s most significant developments during 2026 was its partnership with ADI PredictStreet.
In June, the company signed a white-label technology agreement with the platform, which was commercially associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
ADI PredictStreet was announced as the tournament’s official prediction markets partner.
The collaboration expanded Matchbook’s international visibility and strengthened its B2B technology activities.
This strategy complements its traditional sports betting operations by introducing exchange technology to new markets and partners.
easyBet and Commercial Expansion
Matchbook’s transformation also includes easyBet, a brand launched in 2024 through a partnership with easyGroup.
The initiative expanded the distribution of the company’s betting exchange services and strengthened its commercial presence.
Alongside prediction markets, easyBet represents part of Matchbook’s broader strategy to diversify its operations.
The Betdaq acquisition builds on this approach by bringing additional customers and trading activity into the group’s exchange ecosystem.
Traditional Exchanges Seek New Growth Opportunities
The acquisition comes during a period of slower growth for traditional betting exchanges in the United Kingdom.
During the 2025/26 financial year, the sector’s Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) declined again.
However, Matchbook maintains that it has gradually increased its own market share.
Acquiring Betdaq could accelerate this growth by incorporating an established competitor.
At the same time, the development of prediction markets creates new opportunities to apply exchange technology and market-based pricing models.
Next Steps and Impact
Matchbook’s acquisition of Betdaq represents a significant consolidation within the British sports betting exchange market.
The integration aims to create a deeper liquidity pool, more competitive spreads and improved order execution for customers.
The immediate priority will be completing Betdaq’s transition, with trading scheduled to end on 21 October and withdrawals remaining available until 4 November 2026.
Over the longer term, Matchbook intends to combine technology, liquidity and commercial experience to strengthen both its traditional exchange business and its involvement in prediction markets.
The transaction highlights the growing technological convergence between betting exchanges and prediction markets, two models built around peer-to-peer participation and market-driven pricing.
Editó: @fonta
