Sports-betting exchange Matchbook.com is to withdraw from Canada, making it the latest in a string of online betting companies to exit the jurisdiction. Matchbook’s Canadian users received emails from the firm’s parent company, TripleBet, on Monday announcing the “regrettable” decision.
It’s being reported that the decision was made on a commercial basis, although TripleBet itself only cites a “comprehensive review of all operations”, without specifying the results.
As of 23 July the operator is no longer accepting wagers from Canadian players. Wagers placed before that date will remain open and winnings will be settled as normal.
The firm requested players withdraw any funds standing in their account by the 22 August after which, if the users payment details are on record, Matchbook will automatically make the withdrawal on their behalf to either the player’s bank account or wallet.
Matchbook said that if it has no payment details for a player who doesn’t withdraw their funds by 22 August, it cannot guarantee the player will be refunded.
Matchbook follows online payment processor Skrill, UK bookmaker Betfred and online poker operator InterPoker, who have also ceased operations in Canada.
Skrill also cited a “review” of its operations, while Betfred exited Canada and 18 other countries due to “regulatory and licensing processes”.
In February the Canadian government proposed changes to the country’s anti-money laundering regulations, causing concerns that online gambling sites operating in Canada could face a wider crackdown.
However it was later explained that the changes would only apply to gambling websites operated by provincial lottery monopolies.
