Turkey Horse Racing Betting Deal Faces Scrutiny

Just seven months into its 10-year agreement, Turkey’s new horse racing betting operator, United Racing, is facing growing scrutiny over agent commissions, ownership connections and the transparency surrounding the deal that transferred control of the betting operation.

The new structure was intended to bring a more commercial approach to the betting side of horse racing. However, early disagreements have instead centred on how existing participants in the betting network are being compensated.

Betting Agents Question Commission Reductions

Reports published by Cumhuriyet have highlighted concerns among betting agents operating through the Sanal Bayiler concessions network.

According to the reports, commissions paid to agents processing Turkish horse racing bets through retail and online channels were reduced from 4.5% to 2.5%. Retail outlets that sell TJK betting coupons also experienced a reduction, with their commission falling from 6% to 5%.

Agents have questioned both the reductions and the absence of prior negotiations. For businesses already involved in the racing betting network, the changes have altered the financial terms of providing the same betting service.

United Racing operates more than 2,000 physical betting agents. Its responsibilities extend beyond managing the existing betting pool, as its agreement with TJK also requires the company to increase the economic value generated by horse racing throughout the 10-year contract.

Against that background, the commission dispute has become part of a broader discussion about the new operating model. Reducing costs could improve the operator’s margins, but it does not necessarily show that the arrangement is generating additional value for the wider racing market.

Questions Over United Racing’s Ownership

Another area of scrutiny concerns the companies and interests connected to United Racing.

Media reports have examined alleged links between United Racing and companies including Spine Şans Oyunları and Four Leaves Şans Oyunları. The reports have also highlighted interests associated with the Demirören family.

The issue has attracted attention because the family already holds interests in significant areas of Turkey’s state-controlled gambling sector, including Milli Piyango and sports betting through İddaa/Bahis.

These connections do not establish any wrongdoing. However, they have raised questions about the concentration of commercial interests in a market where several major gambling activities are already linked to a relatively limited number of groups.

Parliamentary Questions Over the Contract

The issue has also reached parliament.

Ankara MP Selçuk Özdağ submitted questions regarding the award of the United Racing contract and the parties connected to it. His questions included how United Racing was selected, whether competition concerns were considered and how the company’s ownership structure should be understood.

The timing of United Racing’s incorporation has also attracted attention. The company was reportedly established on November 20, 2025, with TRY1 million in capital, before taking over the betting operation at the start of 2026.

Turkey has not transferred ownership of horse racing itself. TJK has overseen the sport since 1950, while TVF acquired majority ownership rights in 2019 as part of wider efforts to improve the sector’s financial performance. Under the new model, the betting operation has been separated from TJK, while the state retains control over the underlying statutory rights.

With seven months of the 10-year agreement now completed, the key question remains whether United Racing will expand the value of Turkey’s horse racing betting market or primarily redistribute revenue within an established system.