Turkey Horseracing Betting Transfer Draws Scrutiny on Commissions and Ownership Ties

The transfer of Turkey’s pari-mutuel wagering system to United Racing Şans Oyunları has triggered immediate pushback. Seven months after the shift, agents face sharp commission cuts and questions have surfaced over the operator’s ownership structure and links to established gambling interests. The Türkiye Wealth Fund (TVF) granted the 10-year contract to manage betting on Türkiye Jokey Kulübü (TJK) races while statutory control remains with the state.

The arrangement outsources betting operations without privatizing racing itself. TVF, established in 2016 as a core project of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the AKP government, took majority ownership of TJK in 2019 to improve its economic performance. It retains rights for 49 years from January 2018. United Racing now handles customer relationships, a network of more than 2,000 physical agents, and the mandate to expand the market’s overall value.

Commission Cuts Prompt Agent Revolt

Newspaper Cumhuriyet reported that commissions paid to betting agents dropped from 4.5% to 2.5% without notice or negotiation. Retail venues selling TJK coupons saw their rates trimmed from 6% to 5%. Agents under the Sanal Bayiler concessions have objected that the lower fees leave little incentive to promote racing coupons or invest in customer acquisition.

These reductions arrive as United Racing is tasked with growing the betting pool rather than simply reallocating existing customers. The operator inherited established digital channels and one of Turkey’s longest-running betting products. Whether agents scale back marketing and technology spending will directly affect whether the new structure enlarges participation or competes inside the prior customer base.

Ownership Links and Calls for Transparency

Media coverage has also examined United Racing‘s corporate connections to the Demirören family through Spine Şans Oyunları and Four Leaves Şans Oyunları. The family already participates in the Milli Piyango national lottery and sports-betting via Iddaa/Bahis. MP Selçuk Özdağ submitted parliamentary questions after the company was incorporated on 20 November 2025 with TRY1m capital, shortly before assuming operations at the start of 2026.

Özdağ sought details on the selection process, competitive considerations, and parties involved. Separate questions addressed businessman Ömer Onan and ties to Platform Şans Oyunları, which holds commercial rights for digital and mobile racing broadcasts. The overlaps have fueled debate over whether the model concentrates too much commercial infrastructure among few participants.

According to reporting by SBC News, TVF keeps ultimate oversight. TJK continues to administer the sporting side. The verdict on the overhaul will rest on 2026 betting turnover, customer numbers, and digital engagement. Without measurable expansion past prior TJK performance, the restructuring may be viewed as a reallocation of revenue and control inside the existing market.

Reporting: SBC News

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