Matchbook Completes Betdaq Acquisition, Uniting Two Veteran Betting Exchanges

Key Takeaways

• Acquisition completed: Matchbook has acquired Betdaq, bringing together two of the longest-established names in exchange betting. Terms were not disclosed.
• Transition dates: The existing Betdaq service stays open for trading until 21 October 2026, and customer accounts stay open for withdrawals until 4 November 2026.
• Funds protected: Customer funds remain protected under both operators’ regulatory obligations throughout.
• Liquidity objective: The combined pool is intended to deliver tighter spreads, bigger fills and better prices for customers of both exchanges.

Matchbook, the peer-to-peer betting exchange and market technology business, has completed its acquisition of Betdaq. Financial terms were not disclosed.

According to the Racing Post, the deal is also understood to include Racecourse Data Technologies, which supplies hardware, betting software and technical support to on-course bookmakers and lets them hedge their positions into the Betdaq exchange.

Betdaq was founded by financier Dermot Desmond in 2000 and was among the earliest betting exchanges in the world. Desmond sold the business to Ladbrokes in 2013 for €30 million (£25 million) and bought it back in 2021 from Ladbrokes’ parent company, Entain. Matchbook was established in 2004.

What changes for Betdaq customers

The existing Betdaq service, operated by EPS Ltd, will remain open for trading until 21 October 2026 to allow an orderly transition. Customer accounts will stay open for withdrawals until 4 November 2026. Customer funds remain protected throughout, and Betdaq customers can find key dates, an FAQ and their options at betdaq.com.

One deeper pool

The deal combines Betdaq’s heritage with Matchbook’s pricing, liquidity and technology in a single pool. Matchbook says that should mean tighter spreads, bigger fills and better prices for customers of both exchanges.

The acquisition comes as the peer-to-peer model gains momentum worldwide, with exchange betting and prediction markets, particularly in the United States, bringing market-made pricing to new audiences. Matchbook has expanded in recent years through easyBet, its partnership with Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s easyGroup, and through ADI PredictStreet, its entry into prediction markets around the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Ronan McDonagh, CEO of Matchbook, said: “Betdaq and Matchbook grew up proving the same idea — that bettors get a better deal when prices are made by a market rather than a margin. A quarter of a century on, that idea is winning: exchanges and prediction markets are bringing peer-to-peer pricing to new audiences around the world, and this acquisition deepens the pool at the heart of everything we build.”

He added: “Our first priority through this transition is Betdaq’s customers: their funds are safe, their options are clear, and in one combined pool they should find better prices and deeper liquidity than either exchange could offer alone. Everything we are doing — this deal included — is about making the exchange first choice.”

A message to on-course bookmakers

On-course bookmakers who hedge through Betdaq are among those most affected by the change. In a message to on-course firms published on the website of the United Council of Racecourse Bookmakers, McDonagh said he believed the acquisition would “strengthen the on-course market through improved liquidity and pricing”.

He added: “However, as on-course bookmakers we fully understand your concerns regarding disruption to your business and your ability to trade and hedge your positions. I would like to reassure you that we are committed to assisting you in a fast and seamless transition to the Matchbook exchange with minimum intrusion and a personal service for those that wish to join us.”

Reporting: G3 Newswire

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