- United Racing Şans Oyunları assumed control of Turkey’s pari-mutuel betting system in early 2026
- Agent commissions for Turkish racing bets were reduced, triggering discontent among retail and online operators
- Ownership ties and transparency regarding United Racing’s contract have drawn parliamentary and media attention
Transition to United Racing and Market Objectives
United Racing Şans Oyunları began overseeing the pari-mutuel betting system affiliated with Türkiye Jokey Kulübü (TJK) at the start of 2026, following support from the Türkiye Wealth Fund (TVF), which maintains statutory oversight of Turkish horse racing. The contract, set for ten years, signified an intent to commercialize the betting aspect of the industry. However, the initial months of this arrangement have sparked debate about the treatment and payments of existing network participants.
Commission Reductions Impact Betting Agents
Reporting from Cumhuriyet highlighted a decline in commissions for betting agents under the Sanal Bayiler concessions network. Agents handling Turkish racing bets experienced a decrease in commission rates from 4.5% to 2.5% for both retail and online channels. In addition, physical outlets selling TJK betting coupons noted a drop from 6% to 5%. These changes, enacted without prior consultation, have led agents to question the process and underscored the economic impact on those distributing horse racing betting products.
United Racing currently operates over 2,000 physical agents and is responsible for more than the day-to-day pool management. Under its agreement with TJK, the operator is tasked with expanding the economic output of horse racing over the contract’s duration. While lowering commissions may improve operator margins, questions persist as to whether the strategy delivers growth for the overall market.
| Stakeholder | Previous Commission | Current Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Online/Retail Agents | 4.5% | 2.5% |
| Retail Outlets (TJK Betting Coupons) | 6% | 5% |
Ownership Scrutiny and Political Response
Ownership structure has added further complexity. Media outlets have scrutinized links between United Racing and companies such as Spine Şans Oyunları and Four Leaves Şans Oyunları, as well as interests related to the Demirören family. The family already has a presence in major segments of Turkey’s state-controlled gambling arena, including Milli Piyango and sports betting via İddaa/Bahis. Although no wrongdoing has been asserted, these affiliations prompt concerns about possible market concentration within a cluster of commercial interests.
In parliament, Ankara MP Selçuk Özdağ addressed the matter directly by submitting formal inquiries regarding the contract award and stakeholder makeup. He sought information about United Racing’s selection process, the consideration of competitive factors, and the clarity of the operator’s ownership structure.
One notable aspect under review is that United Racing was reportedly incorporated on November 20, 2025, with a capital of TRY1 million before assuming the betting system’s management in early 2026. This sequence of events has become a focal point in ongoing discussions about process and timing.
Ongoing Market Evolution
The management structure of Turkish horse racing remains unchanged: TJK retains oversight of the sport, and TVF has controlled majority ownership rights since 2019. The recent contractual changes separate the betting function from TJK yet leave state authority over the fundamental legal rights intact. The principal issue now is whether United Racing can successfully grow the market’s value over its ten-year term, rather than only redistribute existing revenues. As of seven months into the contract, this remains unresolved.
- Author
Daniel Williams
