Matchbook & Safety

[lukahh]

Yet another Matchbook thread.

Is playing at Matchbook safe? I mean - is their business model sustainable?

We have Betfair making money, and Betdaq with lower commissions (and liquidity) losing money.

Comparatively, Matchbook commissions are ultra low. How is their liquidity, comparing say to Betdaq?

I was considering opening account w/ Matchbook, but - if their comissions are not enough to cover the costs, it may be risky to put money there, especially big sums you need for laying.

Insight, anyone?

[Hareeba!]

It would be good to know their numbers but it seems that's not part of the review process.

If you have these concerns about Matchbook what about other places you play at?

What books do you have funds with?

[lukahh]

Betfair, Pinny, asians (read: sbo, 188). That's where my needs can be satisfied, and feels safe. I suppose they are profitable. These seem much more solid than matchbook. I got accounts at other places, but zero or no significant amounts. Bigger Euro bookies are generally safe i guess as they are responsible (meaning they limit sharp players).
Laying on matchbook would require more than insignificant amount, and that is my concern. Low comission is attractive, but...

[Hareeba!]

Betfair, Pinny, asians (read: sbo, 188). That's where my needs can be satisfied, and feels safe. I suppose they are profitable. These seem much more solid than matchbook. I got accounts at other places, but zero or no significant amounts. Bigger Euro bookies are generally safe i guess as they are responsible (meaning they limit sharp players).
Laying on matchbook would require more than insignificant amount, and that is my concern. Low comission is attractive, but...

ok, so you're not in the US
then if you have any concerns about them, I don't think MB is all that important too you as you can access the best sites on the planet
if you do a lot of business with Betfair (unless you are paying the premium charge) your comm rate shouldn't be much dearer than MB's

[Sfritts8]

Your funds are as safe at Matchbook as at any other online gaming place in the world. Their business model is not only sustainable but quite lucrative if they run their business even moderately competently.

[HedgeHog]

MB payouts and transfers have always been relatively quick. Funds appear safe.

[Hareeba!]

Your funds are as safe at Matchbook as at any other online gaming place in the world.

maybe, maybe not
what evidence do you have to back that up?
there are quite a few where there is ample evidence of their soundness

[IrishTim]

Just transferred 1k from MB. Went through almost instantaneously.

[jackkkk2009]

If your money isn't safe in Matchbook, then no other places are safe to keep your money in either..

[SparJMU]

Matchbook is hands down the best book I have ever dealt with, not even close.

[wrongturn]

For US customers, matchbook is the only book that has best price you need most of time.

[Chuck Sims]

Matchbook

lukahh, Pinnacle does 5 figure transfers with Matchbook. They pay fast. More people are playing there.

[mike8888]

matchbook and wsex both owned by the same company
EURO SPORTS EXCHANGE LIMITED, 11-15 WILLIAM ROAD, LONDON
I read it here; bookmakers2u.com
is this the thruth? they rank matchbook very low. is it still safe play at matchbook? Im not sure now.

[mike8888]

matchbook and wsex both owned by the same company
EURO SPORTS EXCHANGE LIMITED, 11-15 WILLIAM ROAD, LONDON
I read it here on bookmakers2u.com
is this the thruth? they rank matchbook very low. is it still safe play at matchbook? Im not sure now.

[DIF]

The problem with matchbook is that it cost you money to deposit funds (deposit fee)

that meens if your balance go up very fast your balace quickly get high (lot of people arbs at matchbook) because their prices is to good to be true in my opinion), and you dont want to withdraw your funds because it cost to much in fee deposit again, so your balance can go up very fast playing at matchbook. My point its not safe have BIG money at either wsex or matchbook those days. This is just MY opinion.

[SpiderMonkey]

matchbook and wsex both owned by the same company
EURO SPORTS EXCHANGE LIMITED, 11-15 WILLIAM ROAD, LONDON
I read it here on bookmakers2u.com
is this the thruth? they rank matchbook very low. is it still safe play at matchbook? Im not sure now.

Considering they don't even rank Heritage, BetUS, Sportsbook.com, etc. - I don't care what they rank anyone.

[DIF]

Spidermonkey

can you give me some advise what ranking you should give to Heritage, Bet US and sportsbooks.com?

give me some advice A- F please. Im just curious what you say, specially about sportsbooks.com and Bet US.

[DIF]

sportsbook.com off course

[DIF]

so what ranking should that sportsbook have? I read on many forums both sportsbook.com and Bet US treat customers different.

[Dark Horse]

First of all, MB is not a book. Important difference.

The main challenge for an exchange is liquidity. Allegedly, MB 'solved' this by allowing large credit players. This changes everything, because now the exchange, which is normally not in risk territory, is involved in the process of betting. Let's just say that MB did not win this bet.

Is your money safe? Sure. As long as players are funding the exchange you will be paid. Are players funds separated from the exchange and kept safe in a bank account created for that purpose, as was the case with Tradesports? No. Basically, if MB is losing money because of its own stupidity, you would be paid with other players money. But you sure get paid fast.

The problem is the quality of the people running the show. You could only run a top book if you knew every in and out of the industry. But you can start an exchange with almost no knowledge of the industry. Add the lack of transparency, and you could have a high risk situation that is covered up by the trust players place in the exchange because they pay fast. And in a sense the players are right. It is about speed. In a worst case scenario -of a run on the bank-, those with the quickest trigger fingers would get paid.

For football season MB should be good to go. Arbitrage players create plenty of liquidity. For pure gamblers this exchange is not nearly as important as some make it out to be.

Financial security is the standard for most top rated books. Does MB have deep pockets? My best guess is that they don't. It would be great to know exactly what is going on behind the scenes, but SBR seems to have largely retired from on-the-scene reporting. I sometimes wonder if the B- SBR assigned is overly positive, because SBR may not want to trigger a run on the bank and hurt players. This book dropped fast from the A books to B-. They know the power of paying fast. Can you imagine how the bottom could drop out if they started paying slow? (they might now even see the C's).

[heyman]

This looks to be a repeat from the previous thread where dark_horse backed off, retracted, or showed that all of his claims were based on unsourced old rumors and his personal speculation.

http://forum.sbrforum.com/sportsbooks-industry/577959-matchbook-funds-safety-p2.html

[heyman]

Allegedly, MB 'solved' this by allowing large credit players. This changes everything, because now the exchange, which is normally not in risk territory, is involved in the process of betting. Let's just say that MB did not win this bet.

Again, based on what?

Is your money safe? Sure. As long as players are funding the exchange you will be paid…Basically, if MB is losing money because of its own stupidity, you would be paid with other players money. But you sure get paid fast.

At least this time you qualified your ponzi scheme speculation. So, if matchbook is a ponzi scheme then it is a ponzi scheme?

But you sure get paid fast.

Yes. The top books do interbook transfers to and from Matchbook. They have always paid. They have always been within the withdrawal time limits stated on their website. These facts lend support to matchbook's good financial standing.

Are players funds separated from the exchange and kept safe in a bank account created for that purpose, as was the case with Tradesports? No.

No major books do this (that I’m aware of).

Add the lack of transparency

This is true of every (I believe) book open to US bettors. The publicly traded Europe books are not available to US bettors.

The problem is the quality of the people running the show.

Again, based on what?

you can start an exchange with almost no knowledge of the industry. Add the lack of transparency, and you could have a high risk situation that is covered up by the trust players place in the exchange because they pay fast. And in a sense the players are right. It is about speed. In a worst case scenario -of a run on the bank-, those with the quickest trigger fingers would get paid.

Because people trust matchbook and because players get paid fast it is high risk? What is the alternative?

Financial security is the standard for most top rated books. Does MB have deep pockets? My best guess is that they don't.

Again, based on what?

I sometimes wonder if the B- SBR assigned is overly positive, because SBR may not want to trigger a run on the bank and hurt players.

Even if true, how would that be different than any other book then?

This book dropped fast from the A books to B-.

SBR hasn’t gone on the record about the reasons behind the A- to B- drop except for citing technical problems. Those issues existed when matchbook was an A- book. The downgrade happened around the time that matchbook stopped being a paying advertiser.

Can you imagine how the bottom could drop out if they started paying slow? (they might now even see the C's).

More circular logic. If they stopped/slowed paying then they’d be in some trouble? So, what you’re saying is that if they’re in trouble they’d be in trouble? That’s great analysis.

It would be great to know exactly what is going on behind the scenes.

I agree on this point only. It would be great to see the balance sheet and income statements of every book to make better decisions of where to play. It is good to be skeptical and have concern over the default risk at any book that a player has money in.

As I said in the last one of the matchbook financial threads, at this point there is no reason not to believe that matchbook isn’t as safe as the other A rated books.

[heyman]

For pure gamblers this exchange is not nearly as important as some make it out to be.

This comment is not directly related to the safety of players funds at matchbook, but having the best odds the majority of the time (for major US sports) actually is important. And it's part of the reason that matchbook is quite successful.

[Chuck Sims]

Dark Horse, you're the one along with a few others that started a run at Matchbook last year with your irresponsible posts. Everybody got paid fast as ever.

SBR downgraded Matchbook when they stopped advertising. I posted before the ratings drop that SBR would lower their rating. A strong message to the paying sportsbooks at SBR. Keep paying, keep your inflated rating.

Its the way the business is run.

[Dark Horse]

Dark Horse, you're the one along with a few others that started a run at Matchbook last year with your irresponsible posts. Everybody got paid fast as ever.

If this were the stock market, you'd be the guy who would find critical opinions 'irresponsible'.

[Dark Horse]

heyman, in this climate (what climate are you talking about?) it's about being a step (how can you be a step?) ahead of trouble (again, what trouble?).

[Dark Horse]

Some here may not be aware that MB used to post here. When the future was bright and shiny.

They're aware of the questions and concerns that resulted in their significant downgrade. Let them come in here and explain their side. Let them assure everyone that all player funds is accounted for and is held in a secure account.

It is rare for a poster representing a book (or exchange) to engage in conversations here, only to disappear completely; especially if there is a chance to clear up a misunderstanding. Sooner or later, they'll post again. Not MB. At least, not so far.

If their story is so positive, why don't they share it with all of us? Surely nothing could be lost with transparency?

[HedgeHog]

I agree that MB is run horribly--they need more deposit options for the USA. But their risk factor is lessened by the fact that sharps are winning other clients' money, not MatchBook's. As long as MB doesn't allow credit wagering again, they should be okay. B- is a fair rating for now. Advertise here and they're back to A-.

[heyman]

heyman, in this climate (what climate are you talking about?) it's about being a step (how can you be a step?) ahead of trouble (again, what trouble?).

What does this mean? I never talked about any climate. Care to respond what this vague trouble is?

Some here may not be aware that MB used to post here. When the future was bright and shiny.

They're aware of the questions and concerns that resulted in their significant downgrade. Let them come in here and explain their side. Let them assure everyone that all player funds is accounted for and is held in a secure account.

It is rare for a poster representing a book (or exchange) to engage in conversations here, only to disappear completely; especially if there is a chance to clear up a misunderstanding. Sooner or later, they'll post again. Not MB. At least, not so far.

If their story is so positive, why don't they share it with all of us? Surely nothing could be lost with transparency?

You seem to hold them to some unusual standard instead of a relative rating scale. We are comparing matchbook to other A rated sportsbooks. None of the things you call them out for are done by the other A books, so why single out matchbook?

Since the only thing you mentioned that has any support is that matchbook was downgraded by SBR. Why aren’t you calling for transparency with SBR’s rating?

If their story is so positive, why don't they share it with all of us? Surely nothing could be lost with transparency?

I'm sure reactionaries (not you of course....) would respond by saying that they're broke and need deposits to fund withdrawals. Either way the reactionaries get to scream about nothing.

When the future was bright and shiny.

MB and those using them are doing well, you just haven’t noticed.

[mike8888]

I repeat

matchbook and wsex both owned by the same company
EURO SPORTS EXCHANGE LIMITED, 11-15 WILLIAM ROAD, LONDON

why should matchbook be safer than matchbook?

anyone?

[mike8888]

safer than wsex I mean.

[bubba]

mike-
whats your source that they are owned by the same company? is it what sbr lists? many of those items are WAY out of date. is it something else?

[Bill Dozer]

Matchbook is considered an asset of WSEX until they show different. The biggest issue with them is they went from being transparent to zip-lipped in terms of company structure.

First of all, MB is not a book. Important difference.

The main challenge for an exchange is liquidity. Allegedly, MB 'solved' this by allowing large credit players. This changes everything, because now the exchange, which is normally not in risk territory, is involved in the process of betting. Let's just say that MB did not win this bet.

Is your money safe? Sure. As long as players are funding the exchange you will be paid. Are players funds separated from the exchange and kept safe in a bank account created for that purpose, as was the case with Tradesports? No. Basically, if MB is losing money because of its own stupidity, you would be paid with other players money. But you sure get paid fast.

If they are loaning money to players to make the bets it's a sportsbook.

[bubba]

bill- if they are aas intertwined as you say, how did matchbook keep its A rating throughtout most of last football season while wsex had severe slow pay issues?

also, if matchbook wanted to, would they be welcome to advertise again here at sbr?

finally, just had a chat with matchbook and the results are below. are they lying to me?

** You are now speaking with Trinity, General Inquiries. **
me : what is matchbook's connection to wsex?
Trinity : Matchbook and WSEX have an interbook relationship (just as Matchbook does with many other books). We are separate companies.
me : were you ever connected to them in any way?
me : were you ever the same company or owned by the same people?
Trinity : no sir
me : are you positive? i heard otherwise and am looking to make sure. ty
Trinity : yes i am positive
Trinity : we are owned by different people
me : ty
Trinity : Thank you for contacting us. Goodbye and have a good day.

[SPECULATOR 13]

First of all, MB is not a book. Important difference.

The main challenge for an exchange is liquidity. Allegedly, MB 'solved' this by allowing large credit players. This changes everything, because now the exchange, which is normally not in risk territory, is involved in the process of betting. Let's just say that MB did not win this bet.

Is your money safe? Sure. As long as players are funding the exchange you will be paid. Are players funds separated from the exchange and kept safe in a bank account created for that purpose, as was the case with Tradesports? No. Basically, if MB is losing money because of its own stupidity, you would be paid with other players money. But you sure get paid fast.

The problem is the quality of the people running the show. You could only run a top book if you knew every in and out of the industry. But you can start an exchange with almost no knowledge of the industry. Add the lack of transparency, and you could have a high risk situation that is covered up by the trust players place in the exchange because they pay fast. And in a sense the players are right. It is about speed. In a worst case scenario -of a run on the bank-, those with the quickest trigger fingers would get paid.

For football season MB should be good to go. Arbitrage players create plenty of liquidity. For pure gamblers this exchange is not nearly as important as some make it out to be.

Financial security is the standard for most top rated books. Does MB have deep pockets? My best guess is that they don't. It would be great to know exactly what is going on behind the scenes, but SBR seems to have largely retired from on-the-scene reporting. I sometimes wonder if the B- SBR assigned is overly positive, because SBR may not want to trigger a run on the bank and hurt players. This book dropped fast from the A books to B-. They know the power of paying fast. Can you imagine how the bottom could drop out if they started paying slow? (they might now even see the C's).

Excellent post DH as usual
I have been on SBR for 3yrs now(aug.12 2007) and i am sick and tired of these pathetic Betfair or Matchook little SHILLS that have been populate the forum over the past little while.
When ever someone give valid criticism and a cogent appraisal like the one you have posted above these little freaks always end up spread eagle,foaming at the mouth and screaming their bloody heads-off just because you dare to critical think and/or criticize these outfits.Do as i do: just put out your great posts and let the general population read it and ignore these little assh*les,they are not worth your time.
We both love and swear by EXCHANGES they are the only way to go if you are serious about making money in this racket,we both were sadden by the demise of TRADESPORTS and i am sure old chum that you would like nothing more than for Matchbook to be as they where Pryor to 09.
I am hoping with like the dickens that BLACKIE and his boys at REBATEWAGER can get their act together and in the process force matchbook to shape up,because
With a healthy matchbook,pinnacles,bookmaker and the Greek and a strong "blackie exchange" life would be good again.