Key points
- Matchbook has completed its acquisition of the Betdaq betting exchange.
- Betdaq trading stays open until 21 October 2026.
- Customer accounts stay open for withdrawals until 4 November 2026.
- Dermot Desmond founded Betdaq in 2000.
Matchbook, the peer-to-peer betting exchange and market technology business, has completed the Betdaq acquisition, according to an announcement published on 14 October 2026. Betdaq, founded by Dermot Desmond in 2000, will stop trading on 21 October 2026, and customer accounts stay open for withdrawals until 4 November 2026.
The Matchbook Betdaq acquisition
The existing Betdaq service, operated by EPS Ltd, remains open for trading until 21 October 2026 to allow an orderly transition, according to the announcement.
Customer funds remain protected under both operators’ regulatory obligations throughout the transition. Betdaq customers can find the dates, a detailed FAQ and their options at betdaq.com.
Betdaq’s ownership history
Betdaq is among the earliest betting exchanges in the world. Desmond founded it in 2000, and it has served exchange bettors for more than 25 years, according to the announcement.
Ladbrokes bought Betdaq from Desmond for €30m. Eight years later, Entain, the owner of Ladbrokes, sold it back to him in a deal confirmed on 24 November 2021, according to The Currency.
Matchbook’s recent moves
Its expansion includes easyBet, a partnership with easyGroup, and ADI PredictStreet, its entry into prediction markets around the FIFA World Cup 2026. More Matchbook coverage is collected on EpicWins.
Next steps
Betdaq trading ends on 21 October 2026. Customers can withdraw funds from their accounts until 4 November 2026.
