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 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 |
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 welcome offer for new sports customers is Bet £20, Get £30 in Free Bets. To claim this, 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 |
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.