Matchbook is a peer-to-peer betting exchange, not a typical bookmaker. Its primary appeal is providing some of the best odds on the market, driven by an exceptionally low commission model. This comprehensive Matchbook review will determine if its value-focused approach is the right fit for your betting style.
Matchbook review: The key takeaways
Matchbook is a pure betting exchange, a platform for serious punters who understand that true value comes from cutting out the middleman. By betting peer-to-peer, users unlock superior odds at the cost of simplicity and some of the promotional bells and whistles found at traditional bookmakers.
- Welcome Offer: The main welcome bonus is “Bet £20, Get £30 in Free Bets,” though alternative sign-up offers, such as 0% commission periods, are frequently available.
- Sports Coverage: The platform covers around 20 sports, with a clear emphasis and excellent market liquidity on football and horse racing.
- Offers: Promotions are available for both new and existing customers, including weekly free bets and enhanced specials on major events.
- Mobile Apps: Highly-rated, dedicated mobile apps are available for both iOS and Android devices, offering the full functionality of the desktop site.
- Customer Support: Support is available via live chat and email, but it is important to note that it is not available 24/7.
- Payment Methods: Key payment options include debit cards, Apple/Google Pay, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent odds consistently beating traditional bookmakers | Steep learning curve for betting beginners |
| Industry-leading 2% commission on net winnings (UK) | User complaints about withdrawal delays & verification |
| Highly-rated and intuitive mobile apps | Customer support is not 24/7 |
| Matchbook Zero feature offers 0% commission on select markets | Lower market liquidity on niche sports vs. larger exchanges |
| Fixed-odds Bet Builder available for same-game multiples | Fewer sports/markets than major sportsbooks |
| No virtual sports offered |
Is Matchbook Safe and Legit?
Yes, Matchbook is legit and operates as a fully licensed and regulated betting exchange in the UK. The platform is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and also holds a licence from the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, ensuring compliance with the strictest standards for player protection, fair play, and responsible gambling.
Matchbook was founded in 2004 and has established itself as a reputable alternative to larger exchanges like Betfair. The platform is owned and operated by Triplebet Limited, a company with extensive experience in the online gambling industry. Matchbook has built its reputation on providing superior odds through its peer-to-peer model and industry-leading low commission rates.
This gaming license from the UKGC is one of the most respected regulatory frameworks in the industry. The site uses advanced SSL encryption technology to protect all user data and financial transactions, and adheres to strict data protection policies including full GDPR compliance.
Matchbook provides comprehensive responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks, session limits, and self-exclusion options. The operator provides direct links to trusted support organisations such as GamStop, GamCare, and GambleAware, ensuring help is available for those experiencing gambling-related harm. A strict KYC verification process ensures that only those of legal age can bet on the platform.
Matchbook bonuses & promotions
Matchbook provides several distinct offers for new and existing customers, focusing on delivering value through free bets or reduced commission.
Welcome bonus for sports betting
The primary Matchbook sign up offer for new sports customers is Bet £20, Get £30 in Free Bets. To claim this Matchbook welcome bonus, you must:
- Use the bonus code NEW30 during registration.
- Place two qualifying £10 bets:
- One £10 single bet on the Exchange at odds of 2.0 or greater.
- One £10 bet on a multiple or Bet Builder with at least 3 selections at odds of 3.0 or greater.
- Once the qualifying bets settle, the £30 bonus is credited as three separate £10 free bets: one for the Exchange, one for Multiples, and one for Bet Builders.
Alternative offers are frequently available, such as 0% commission for 110 days (code: COMMFREE110) or other ‘Bet & Get' deals with varying amounts (e.g., Bet £50, Get £50 or a horse racing-specific offer of up to £100 in free bets).
Terms & conditions summary
The key terms for the welcome offers are straightforward:
- Eligibility: New customers, 18+, located in the UK only.
- Bonus Code: A promo code, such as NEW30, must be entered during the sign-up process.
- Payment Exclusions: Deposits made using Skrill, Neteller, or Paysafecard will not qualify for the promotion.
- Wagering: Winnings from the free bet tokens are paid as cash with no wagering requirements.
Existing customer promotions
Matchbook provides ongoing value for existing players through several recurring promotions:
- Weekly Multiples Offer: Stake £30 or more on multiples (with 3+ selections at odds of 3.00 or higher) between Monday and Sunday to receive a £5 free bet.
- Other Promotions: Keep an eye out for Enhanced Odds Specials on major sporting events and Money-Back Specials on sports like football and golf.
Matchbook sports betting markets review
As a peer-to-peer exchange, Matchbook operates differently from a traditional bookmaker. Users back an outcome (bet for it to happen) or lay an outcome (bet against it happening) against each other. This model is the source of its excellent odds and value. The platform covers all major sports, with particular strength in football, horse racing, cricket, rugby, tennis, and a wide range of US sports.
Betting odds & value
Make no mistake: the odds are Matchbook's single biggest strength. This isn't a promotional gimmick; it's the fundamental output of the exchange model, which removes the built-in margin that traditional sportsbooks apply and consistently produces better value for bettors.
The commission structure is also a major draw:
- Customers in the UK and Ireland pay a low 2% commission on net winnings per market.
- Crucially, no commission is charged on losing bets.
The Matchbook Zero feature further enhances this value by offering 0% commission and zero margin on select horse racing and football markets. While these offers have payout caps (e.g., £200), they represent some of the best value available anywhere.
Live betting experience
In-play betting is a core strength of the Matchbook platform. The live markets feature dynamic, fast-updating odds that are perfectly suited for trading positions as an event unfolds.
Key features of the live experience include:
- Live Streaming: There is no live streaming for football. Instead, a graphical match tracker provides live animations and key stats. Live streaming is available for select horse racing and greyhound racing events.
- Cash Out: Both full and partial cash out options are available. On the exchange, this functions as a way to trade out of a betting position to either lock in a profit or minimise a potential loss.
Bet builder & special features
Matchbook offers a Bet Builder tool that functions as a fixed-odds product. This means that unlike standard exchange bets, Bet Builder wagers are placed against Matchbook itself, not other users.
The tool allows you to combine up to 12 selections from a single football match into one bet. Available markets include:
- Match Result
- Total Goals
- Both Teams to Score
- Player to be Carded
- Player Shots on Target
Additional betting features
Beyond the sports exchange, Matchbook offers other products to round out its platform.
Casino games
Matchbook offers a complete online casino featuring a wide selection of slots, classic table games, and a live dealer casino. A separate welcome bonus is typically available for new casino customers who prefer it to the sports offer.
Matchbook site experience
Matchbook's platform is designed for serious, value-focused bettors, with a clean and functional interface across all devices.
Website design & navigation
The desktop site uses a dark charcoal grey theme with red and orange highlights, creating a professional and serious “trading-floor-like atmosphere.” The layout is clean, logical, and fast, prioritising betting markets and functionality over promotional banners and other distractions.
Mobile betting experience
Matchbook offers dedicated mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, which are very highly rated by users (4.8/5 on the App Store). The app is fast, intuitive, and includes all the features of the desktop site. The clear colour-coding system (blue for back bets, red for lay bets) makes it exceptionally easy to use. In our testing, the app proved to be the superior way to interact with the platform, offering speed and clarity that enhances the live trading experience.
Betting limits
The minimum deposit is typically £10 for most payment methods. For users looking to place very high-stakes wagers that may exceed standard market liquidity, a dedicated brokerage service is available.
Customer support
Matchbook provides customer support through Live Chat, email ([email protected]), and a phone callback service.
However, there are two significant drawbacks to be aware of:
- Support is not available 24/7. Operating hours are limited, typically from 9am until late evening (e.g., 1am GMT).
- A recurring theme in user reviews is complaints about slow withdrawals and frustrating verification processes. This represents a notable risk for potential customers.
Matchbook payment methods
Matchbook offers a solid range of modern and traditional banking options.
How to deposit
Deposits are generally instant and free, though some third-party fees may apply to e-wallet transactions. It is important to note that PayPal is not an available payment method.
| Payment Method | Minimum Deposit | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debit Card (Visa/Mastercard) | £10 | Instant | Free |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | £10 | Instant | Free |
| Skrill / Neteller | £10 | Instant | Fees may apply |
| Paysafecard | £10 | Instant | Free |
| Bank Transfer | Upon Request | 3-5 days | Potential fees |
How to withdraw
While our tests showed withdrawals can be very fast, users should be aware that Matchbook's internal approval process can take up to 24 hours before funds are released, and multiple sources report significant delays related to account verification.
| Payment Method | Minimum Withdrawal | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Debit Card (Visa/Mastercard) | £10 | 1-5 business days (as fast as 3 hours in tests) |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | £10 | Up to 24 hours |
| Skrill / Neteller | £10 | Within 48 hours |
| Bank Transfer | £500 | 3-5 business days |
Matchbook vs Competitors: How Does It Compare?
To help you decide is Matchbook worth it, we've compared it against three other platforms: Smarkets, NetBet, and Betdaq. Here's how Matchbook stacks up in key areas.
| Feature | Matchbook | Smarkets | NetBet | Betdaq |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Betting Exchange | Betting Exchange | Traditional Bookmaker | Betting Exchange |
| Welcome Offer | Bet £20 Get £30 | 0% Comm 60 Days | £20 + 25 Spins | 0% Comm 100 Days |
| Promo Code | NEW30 | N/A | NETGROUND | 0COMM100 |
| Commission Rate | 2% | 2% | N/A (Bookmaker) | 2% |
| Best Odds Guaranteed | No | No | No | Yes (Racing) |
| Bet Builder | Yes (Fixed-odds) | No | Yes | No |
| Live Streaming | Racing only | No | Selected events | UK/Irish Racing |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.8★ | Good | Average | 2.5★ |
| Customer Support | Not 24/7 | Email only | Live Chat & Email | Not 24/7 |
| PayPal Accepted | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sports Coverage | ~20 sports | ~20 sports | 20+ sports | ~20 sports |
| UKGC Licensed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (#34865) |
Matchbook vs Smarkets
Smarkets is a direct competitor – another betting exchange that has grown rapidly since launching in 2010. Smarkets offers a flat 2% commission rate (identical to Matchbook) with a welcome offer of 0% commission for 60 days (shorter than Matchbook's 110-day option).
Both exchanges charge identical 2% commission, making odds value essentially equivalent when liquidity is similar. However, there are notable differences:
Matchbook advantages: Higher-rated mobile app (4.8★ vs good), Bet Builder feature (which Smarkets lacks), live streaming for racing (Smarkets offers none), more frequent promotional offers including weekly free bets, and a dedicated brokerage service for high-stakes bettors.
Smarkets advantages: More modern, intuitive interface that's easier for beginners, superior political and entertainment betting markets, no reported withdrawal issues to the same extent as Matchbook, and a cleaner user experience overall.
For sports bettors who value the Bet Builder feature and racing streaming, Matchbook wins. For those who prioritise political betting, a modern interface, and smoother withdrawals, Smarkets is the better choice. Both offer identical commission value.
Matchbook vs NetBet
NetBet is a well-established traditional bookmaker that has been operating since 2001 – fundamentally different from Matchbook's exchange model. Their welcome offer using the NetBet bonus code NETGROUND provides £20 in free bets plus 25 free spins when you bet £10 at minimum odds of 1/1 (2.0).
The comparison here is between two different betting models:
Matchbook advantages: Superior odds through the exchange model (typically 2-10% better than bookmaker prices), 2% commission only on winning bets (not on stake), ability to lay bets (bet against outcomes), better long-term value for serious punters, and a higher-rated mobile app.
NetBet advantages: Simpler betting experience with no learning curve, PayPal acceptance (which Matchbook lacks), live streaming on a broader range of events, combined sports/casino welcome bonus, 24/7-accessible support, no reported withdrawal issues, and higher average payout rates (96%+) with guaranteed liquidity.
For experienced bettors who understand exchange mechanics and prioritise odds value, Matchbook delivers superior long-term returns. For beginners, casual bettors, or those who need PayPal and reliable support, NetBet is the safer, more accessible choice.
Matchbook vs Betdaq
Betdaq is the world's second-largest betting exchange (after Betfair) and Matchbook's most direct competitor. Betdaq's welcome offer provides 0% commission for 100 days using code 0COMM100 – a longer commission-free period than Matchbook's standard offer but shorter than the COMMFREE110 alternative.
Both exchanges charge identical 2% commission on net winnings for UK customers, making base odds value equivalent when liquidity matches.
Matchbook advantages: Higher-rated mobile app (4.8★ vs Betdaq's 2.5★), Bet Builder feature for same-game multiples (Betdaq lacks this), superior app performance and user experience, and a dedicated brokerage service for high-stakes wagers.
Betdaq advantages: Best Odds Guaranteed on UK horse racing through its sportsbook (which Matchbook doesn't offer), exchange multiples allowing accumulators at exchange odds (unique to Betdaq), PayPal acceptance, live streaming for UK/Irish racing, and longer 0% commission welcome period (100 days vs 110 available at Matchbook).
Both exchanges have similar liquidity on major sports, though Betfair remains larger than both. For racing punters, Betdaq's BOG and exchange multiples provide unique value. For mobile betting quality and the Bet Builder feature, Matchbook is superior. Both are excellent exchange alternatives to Betfair with identical commission rates.
Why choose Matchbook for sports betting
Matchbook is a top-tier betting exchange designed for bettors who prioritise value, low margins, and excellent odds. Its peer-to-peer model consistently delivers better prices than traditional bookmakers, making it an ideal platform for experienced punters who understand the back-and-lay model and want to maximise their long-term returns.
The core strengths of the platform are its industry-leading low commission rate of 2% on net winnings, its consistently great odds, and a superb mobile app that makes trading on the go seamless and intuitive. The addition of a fixed-odds Bet Builder and the Matchbook Zero feature provides further flexibility and value.
However, the platform is not without its weaknesses. The exchange model presents a learning curve for beginners, customer support is not available 24/7, and there is a significant volume of user complaints regarding withdrawal delays and verification.
Ultimately, Matchbook presents a clear trade-off: it offers market-leading odds and exceptional value that serious bettors will find irresistible. This comes at the cost of less comprehensive support and documented withdrawal friction. For those whose strategy is purely price-driven, Matchbook is not just a good choice—it's an essential one. For beginners or those who prioritise service, a more traditional sportsbook may be a gentler entry point.
Matchbook FAQs
Matchbook is operated by Triplebet Limited, a company associated with Matthew Benham, who is also the owner of Brentford FC.
Yes, Matchbook is fully licensed and regulated in Great Britain by the UK Gambling Commission under licence number 39504.
No, Matchbook does not offer a Best Odds Guaranteed promotion. Its value comes from the naturally superior odds generated by the low-commission betting exchange model.
You can bet on all major sports including football, horse racing, tennis, cricket, rugby, and US sports like the NFL and NBA. Niche markets, such as politics, are also available.
For UK customers, Matchbook charges a flat 2% commission only on your net profit from a market. You do not pay any commission if you make a net loss on a market.