Don't Let Matchbook Die!

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  • LordVodka
    SBR Hall of Famer
    • 08-17-09
    • 5206

    #106
    Do they give a good reason as to why they don't use **/**?
    Comment
    • HedgeHog
      SBR Posting Legend
      • 09-11-07
      • 10128

      #107
      Really is no good reason if you're properly running a Sportsbook. Not the first poor business decision they made-offering large credit lines to deadbeats comes to mind.
      Comment
      • Monte
        SBR MVP
        • 08-21-10
        • 2056

        #108
        They have to save themselves...this is a great exchange which is run by amateurs. One can only hope it might get better with the new management, if it will be that anyway and not just another round in the wsex/mb game.

        For example they could finally move their asses and implent a system that allows us to use Euros at least, which is the other major currency besides the USD. I hate using the unstable USD, all my other bookie accounts are Euro just not MB...
        There is no reason why they could not build a customer base for soccer too, except the Euro thing...but as i said, this outfit is run by stupid ppl, give them in the hands of pros like Pinnacle and they would make it a fking gold mine...
        Comment
        • LegitBet
          Restricted User
          • 05-25-10
          • 538

          #109
          they should just avoid credit players and keep the incentives very inticing...i look forward to them when hardball starts
          Comment
          • Dark Horse
            SBR Posting Legend
            • 12-14-05
            • 13764

            #110
            Originally posted by FourLengthsClear
            At present the ratio of smart money to dumb money at Matchbook is too high.
            Perhaps.

            The competition to exchanges are low juice books. The easier it is to play at reduced juice, the more the exchange edge disappears. This creates a mentality in traders that they don't just want a good price, but the best price. That mentality prevents liquidity.
            Instead of just pulling the trigger on a good price, they prefer to sit around waiting for someone else to move first. If I owned Matchbook I might consider the slogan: get a good price, and get on with your life.
            Comment
            • KGambler
              SBR MVP
              • 07-09-09
              • 2404

              #111
              Originally posted by Dark Horse
              This creates a mentality in traders that they don't just want a good price, but the best price. That mentality prevents liquidity.
              Instead of just pulling the trigger on a good price, they prefer to sit around waiting for someone else to move first. If I owned Matchbook I might consider the slogan: get a good price, and get on with your life.
              Never thought I'd agree so completely with Dark Horse!


              A lot of good points were brought up in this thread...

              I hope the new management will be more responsive to their customers' wishes, concerns and suggestions.
              Comment
              • KGambler
                SBR MVP
                • 07-09-09
                • 2404

                #112
                Originally posted by Monte
                For example they could finally move their asses and implent a system that allows us to use Euros at least, which is the other major currency besides the USD. I hate using the unstable USD, all my other bookie accounts are Euro just not MB...
                This is hilarious, considering the problems the Euro is facing and will continue to face. But yeah, the USD does suck. I could totally understand if Australian or Canadian customers were complaining about having to use a joke currency such as the USD or Euro. And if Eurozone residents don't want to have a dollar denominated account, then MB should accomodate them.

                BetFair is really soaking their customers by charging such an onerous commssion. If more Europeans are able to play at Matchbook, it could also lead to lower fees on BetFair. Right now BetFair has no competition and they are clearly out of control with their greed and hubris.
                Comment
                • Chuck Sims
                  SBR MVP
                  • 12-29-05
                  • 3072

                  #113
                  When is Matchbook going to start sending checks via courier? I do not like the idea of waiting 30 days for a check by reg mail.
                  Comment
                  • Monte
                    SBR MVP
                    • 08-21-10
                    • 2056

                    #114
                    Originally posted by KGambler
                    This is hilarious, considering the problems the Euro is facing and will continue to face. But yeah, the USD does suck.
                    If you live in Europe and this is your currency, you could care less about the Euro problems.
                    But what i do care about is having to use USD just for MB.
                    Europe is a huge market, i know many who are interested in american sports here too.
                    MB needs to understand this, if they want to be really succesful they have to make at least Euros possible.
                    Comment
                    • KGambler
                      SBR MVP
                      • 07-09-09
                      • 2404

                      #115
                      Originally posted by Monte
                      If you live in Europe and this is your currency, you could care less about the Euro problems.
                      But what i do care about is having to use USD just for MB.
                      Europe is a huge market, i know many who are interested in american sports here too.
                      MB needs to understand this, if they want to be really succesful they have to make at least Euros possible.
                      Another reason they need more European (or non-U.S.) customers is that they hope to increase volume on soccer betting.

                      If you look at the soccer options available, they are offering lines for all of the major leagues. I don't do much soccer betting, but if I remember correctly they only offer 3-way lines and totals for most games. If they want liquidity in those markets, they obviously need more European customers. And then they could offer more wagering options (props, point spreads, draw no bet, derivatives, etc.)
                      Comment
                      • HedgeHog
                        SBR Posting Legend
                        • 09-11-07
                        • 10128

                        #116
                        Originally posted by Chuck Sims
                        When is Matchbook going to start sending checks via courier? I do not like the idea of waiting 30 days for a check by reg mail.
                        That is a huge prob for US customers lately. But KG would tell you to plan for it and wait for the pony express to deliver your check.
                        Comment
                        • FourLengthsClear
                          SBR MVP
                          • 12-29-10
                          • 3808

                          #117
                          Originally posted by KGambler
                          Another reason they need more European (or non-U.S.) customers is that they hope to increase volume on soccer betting.

                          If you look at the soccer options available, they are offering lines for all of the major leagues. I don't do much soccer betting, but if I remember correctly they only offer 3-way lines and totals for most games. If they want liquidity in those markets, they obviously need more European customers. And then they could offer more wagering options (props, point spreads, draw no bet, derivatives, etc.)
                          ....... agree but the simple truth is that only a small minority of the people who regularly bet in Europe have even heard of Matchbook (or any of the US facing books). They already have a huge array of books (not to mention Betfair) who cater to their needs in terms of the sports they are most interested in betting on.

                          In terms of exchanges, liquidity is king, and prying customers away from Betfair would be incredibly difficult even if Matchbook took a more Euro friendly stance. Lower commission on its own will not cut it.
                          Comment
                          • gafl
                            SBR Wise Guy
                            • 08-07-06
                            • 656

                            #118
                            Matchbook will have to be successful using US customers. Hopefully the new owner will make a sincere effort to improve the product, a lot harder to do in the US than in Europe.
                            Comment
                            • flyingillini
                              SBR Aristocracy
                              • 12-06-06
                              • 41219

                              #119
                              Will Matchbook still be a reliable and safe place to play within couple years? The people that I know in the industry love the exchange things do need to be worked out they say. I hope they can stay afloat during the transition.
                              המוסד‎
                              המוסד למודיעין ולתפקידים מיוחדים‎
                              Comment
                              • Doug
                                SBR Hall of Famer
                                • 08-10-05
                                • 6324

                                #120
                                The liquidity is spotty on a lot of stuff. I think the reason is that they had to tighten up the credit significantly. They will also carry that WSEX association stigma around for a long time !

                                Letting in players with ** is needed, they might start small this way, then become large players in time. The old commission structure might have been better, too.

                                A better way to get checks is important. You should be able to offer maybe 5X your balance at once also ( like Mansion), no risk as once one bet is accepted the other offers cancel.

                                Some lingering issues with downtimes and not knowing where you stand.

                                They are getting worse over time, not better. They need some serious changes over there. I wouldn't recommend them to a newbie or an old school punter.

                                a place like 5D is a nice compromise ( between -110 and MB) for many people.
                                Comment
                                • Thremp
                                  SBR MVP
                                  • 07-23-07
                                  • 2067

                                  #121
                                  Ganch-change gonna be death knell for MB.
                                  Comment
                                  • jackkkk2009
                                    SBR MVP
                                    • 07-13-09
                                    • 1183

                                    #122
                                    They also have to make more betting options for those American Leagues. Such as NBA (quarters), NFL (quarters). NCAAB (1st & 2nd Halves) NCAAF (1st half's total & quarters). Only MLB lines are great..
                                    Comment
                                    • TomG
                                      SBR Wise Guy
                                      • 10-29-07
                                      • 500

                                      #123
                                      This topic has been covered over and over again. Every time, people offer Matchbook a lot of great ideas. Every time, Matchbook ignores them. Just look at their interface. They haven't made a change to it in years. Even basic stuff like allowing someone to view all of their pending offers on a single page haven't been implemented.

                                      What to do? Matchbook should first hire Fishhead as lead consultant. He is the best exchange bettor in the business. With his guidance, maybe then they can improve things.
                                      Comment
                                      • RogueScholar
                                        SBR Hall of Famer
                                        • 02-05-07
                                        • 5082

                                        #124
                                        Anybody who doesn't think you need a steady stream of rec. gamblers pouring money into an exchange doesn't understand the zero-sum nature of the markets. Pro gamblers exist to pluck dollars from the hands of fools, either through a traditional bookie or an exchange. Once the pros have to start picking at each other like hungry chickens, they quickly lose interest and move on to finding better opportunities elsewhere.

                                        As for the matter of how many $20 gamblers does it take to make an impact on liquidity, I would speculate that it's less than you would think. Even though a school of fish may not provide food for an entire pack of piranhas, they'll all still swarm and attempt to get their piece of the kill anyway. Such is the nature of exchange betting as well, and once MB finds a way to get those little fish depositing $20 every few days again, you'll see a pronounced bounce in activity.

                                        Why do you guys think Fishhead shills Matchy so hard? He knows there are too many piranhas in the water and wants to eat some perch for a change.
                                        Originally posted by StraitShooter
                                        90% of the guys dont give a shit about your problems..and the other 10 are glad you have them..
                                        Comment
                                        • dangerfish
                                          SBR Rookie
                                          • 12-09-10
                                          • 49

                                          #125
                                          Originally posted by Dark Horse
                                          Perhaps.

                                          The competition to exchanges are low juice books. The easier it is to play at reduced juice, the more the exchange edge disappears. This creates a mentality in traders that they don't just want a good price, but the best price. That mentality prevents liquidity.
                                          Instead of just pulling the trigger on a good price, they prefer to sit around waiting for someone else to move first. If I owned Matchbook I might consider the slogan: get a good price, and get on with your life.
                                          Totally agree--I have been getting good lines there just laying even money bets and not getting greedy. Besides it being a bit of work to constantly have to check for updates I am happy.
                                          Comment
                                          • FourLengthsClear
                                            SBR MVP
                                            • 12-29-10
                                            • 3808

                                            #126
                                            Originally posted by RogueScholar
                                            Anybody who doesn't think you need a steady stream of rec. gamblers pouring money into an exchange doesn't understand the zero-sum nature of the markets. Pro gamblers exist to pluck dollars from the hands of fools, either through a traditional bookie or an exchange. Once the pros have to start picking at each other like hungry chickens, they quickly lose interest and move on to finding better opportunities elsewhere.

                                            As for the matter of how many $20 gamblers does it take to make an impact on liquidity, I would speculate that it's less than you would think. Even though a school of fish may not provide food for an entire pack of piranhas, they'll all still swarm and attempt to get their piece of the kill anyway. Such is the nature of exchange betting as well, and once MB finds a way to get those little fish depositing $20 every few days again, you'll see a pronounced bounce in activity.

                                            Why do you guys think Fishhead shills Matchy so hard? He knows there are too many piranhas in the water and wants to eat some perch for a change.
                                            Spot on.
                                            Comment
                                            • Legions36
                                              SBR MVP
                                              • 12-17-10
                                              • 3032

                                              #127
                                              Originally posted by TomG
                                              This topic has been covered over and over again. Every time, people offer Matchbook a lot of great ideas. Every time, Matchbook ignores them. Just look at their interface. They haven't made a change to it in years. Even basic stuff like allowing someone to view all of their pending offers on a single page haven't been implemented.

                                              What to do? Matchbook should first hire Fishhead as lead consultant. He is the best exchange bettor in the business. With his guidance, maybe then they can improve things.
                                              Look at all these Fishhead grupies trying to suck his co-ck so hard. Just cause he knows stuff doesn't make him the best bettor in the business and doesn't mean he makes the most $.
                                              Nothing towards u fishhead.
                                              Comment
                                              • Thremp
                                                SBR MVP
                                                • 07-23-07
                                                • 2067

                                                #128
                                                One of my coworkers was looking to bet six figures amounts on the playoff games this weekend. He did not think he has an edge. He just wanted to lose the least.

                                                Exchanges are excellent where someone may need the opposite position or is willing to take a small edge on an extremely large position. There does not need to be "recs" or "fish". Market makers and professionals can find a use for each other. Ask yourself, why do you or someone you know have a Pinny account? Because they're bad at bookmaking?
                                                Comment
                                                • vanzack
                                                  SBR Sharp
                                                  • 12-16-06
                                                  • 478

                                                  #129
                                                  Originally posted by Thremp
                                                  One of my coworkers was looking to bet six figures amounts on the playoff games this weekend. He did not think he has an edge. He just wanted to lose the least.

                                                  Exchanges are excellent where someone may need the opposite position or is willing to take a small edge on an extremely large position. There does not need to be "recs" or "fish". Market makers and professionals can find a use for each other. Ask yourself, why do you or someone you know have a Pinny account? Because they're bad at bookmaking?
                                                  Let me know how your buddy does getting 35 checks for 3k that are sent out via regular mail.
                                                  Comment
                                                  • Chuck Sims
                                                    SBR MVP
                                                    • 12-29-05
                                                    • 3072

                                                    #130
                                                    Originally posted by vanzack
                                                    Let me know how your buddy does getting 35 checks for 3k that are sent out via regular mail.
                                                    I read that Matchbook was going to start the courier service after the first of the year a few weeks ago.

                                                    Any updates?
                                                    Comment
                                                    • Thremp
                                                      SBR MVP
                                                      • 07-23-07
                                                      • 2067

                                                      #131
                                                      Originally posted by vanzack
                                                      Let me know how your buddy does getting 35 checks for 3k that are sent out via regular mail.
                                                      We've actually had several conversations about this. I assume they'll make an exception for him as they have repeatedly for a2a transfers.
                                                      Comment
                                                      • Johnnythunder
                                                        SBR MVP
                                                        • 11-25-10
                                                        • 2161

                                                        #132
                                                        They should get a rep on these boards and take the ideas we present seriously. They seem to ignore logic at that place.
                                                        Comment
                                                        • Hareeba!
                                                          BARRELED IN @ SBR!
                                                          • 07-01-06
                                                          • 37301

                                                          #133
                                                          Originally posted by Peeig
                                                          I have never bet at Matchbook, probably never will
                                                          utterly useless piece of information without some explanation of why
                                                          Comment
                                                          • Legions36
                                                            SBR MVP
                                                            • 12-17-10
                                                            • 3032

                                                            #134
                                                            Originally posted by Chuck Sims
                                                            I read that Matchbook was going to start the courier service after the first of the year a few weeks ago.

                                                            Any updates?
                                                            I heard that to as well as some other good ones, but cant get a date on when? if anyone does find out let us know
                                                            Comment
                                                            • evo34
                                                              SBR MVP
                                                              • 11-09-08
                                                              • 1032

                                                              #135
                                                              In what other industry do you pay comms based on profits? If this was truly the secret to generating liquidity, do you not think that stock exchanges would adopt this policy?

                                                              Also, in your example, you are assuming you are taking liquidity -- which is certainly not always the case.


                                                              Originally posted by vanzack
                                                              I also think that MB needs to switch back to their old commission structure, which was 2% on all winning wagers, NET of any trading done on that market. This alone I believe is responsible for the sharp drop in liquidity. You can no longer trade a market and pay a commission based on your profit. If you buy a position for 1,000 and sell it for 1,010, you pay about 10 bucks in commission (which eats up your profit) instead of the old way which was you would pay 20 cents (2% of 10 bucks). It is the single biggest thing IMO that MB could do to increase liquidity immediately.
                                                              Comment
                                                              • evo34
                                                                SBR MVP
                                                                • 11-09-08
                                                                • 1032

                                                                #136
                                                                Can someone point me to any info. about what has happened at MB regarding management? I have not followed closely, and am looking for a summary of what is going on there.
                                                                Comment
                                                                • Dark Horse
                                                                  SBR Posting Legend
                                                                  • 12-14-05
                                                                  • 13764

                                                                  #137
                                                                  They don't have enough options.

                                                                  Tradesports had the best format. The game opened at or near '50' and would end at either 100 or 0 (depending on which team won). The menu included times, so you could choose to offer a contract for a specific period only (to the minute). I got so many winners for 42 (great value) just in the first 10 minutes (with the offer expiring after 10 minutes of play). When you can play around like that, an exchange can offer a tremendous edge. Matchbook is just a boring, one-dimensional alternative that has never explored the true potential of exchanges.

                                                                  Looking back, Tradesports really had a nice thing going. Liquidity was a problem there as well. But they did a far better job than MB.
                                                                  Comment
                                                                  • tachi
                                                                    SBR Sharp
                                                                    • 03-25-09
                                                                    • 309

                                                                    #138
                                                                    Originally posted by Dark Horse
                                                                    Looking back, Tradesports really had a nice thing going. Liquidity was a problem there as well. But they did a far better job than MB.


                                                                    please check how Tradesports are doing and
                                                                    then check Matchbook.

                                                                    If Matchbook didn't have changed their 2% commission structure the sharks would have already killed them.
                                                                    Comment
                                                                    • elgreco
                                                                      SBR Wise Guy
                                                                      • 12-16-09
                                                                      • 988

                                                                      #139
                                                                      I agree with DarkHorse. The tradesports platform was far superior to what matchbook offers today. It's a shame the American bettors didn't embrace it in time.
                                                                      Comment
                                                                      • billsfan12
                                                                        SBR High Roller
                                                                        • 10-08-09
                                                                        • 233

                                                                        #140
                                                                        It would be very hard to imagine anyone spending as much time on Matchbook as Fishhead.
                                                                        Comment
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