Demirören partnership in horse racing betting

A recent development in Turkey's horse racing sector involves the transfer of betting rights from the Turkish Jockey Club (TJK) to United Racing Şans Oyunları AŞ, a decision made by the Turkish Wealth Fund. This transfer, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, grants United Racing the exclusive right to accept bets on both domestic and international horse races held in Turkey.

Initial reports indicated a routine company transfer, but a closer examination of the Trade Registry Gazette revealed significant shifts in the partnership structure of United Racing. The company, which previously operated under a single owner, has since acquired new partners and changed its registered address. As of June 25, 2026, the ownership is divided: 55% belongs to Spine Şans Oyunları ve Eğlence Yatırımları AŞ, and 45% to FourLeaves Şans Oyunları AŞ.

The management board of United Racing includes notable figures such as Ömer Onan, a former national basketball player and former board member of the Turkish Basketball Federation. Onan, who previously held a dealership for the company Bitalih, has now become the main operator. Following the transfer, the TJK adjusted commission rates: the virtual bookmaker share decreased from 4.5% to 2.5%, and the commission for fixed bookmakers in certain bet types was reduced from 6% to 5%.

Further investigation into Spine Şans Oyunları ve Eğlence Yatırımları AŞ, formerly known as Avrasya Havacılık and registered under Ali Kubilay Ilgın, revealed that Ömer Onan is now listed as its owner. The owner of FourLeaves Şans Oyunları AŞ is YMD Global Holding. A look into YMD Global Holding's ownership structure shows Yıldırım Demirören and Meltem Demirören as the company's partners. This marks the entry of the Demirören name, already prominent in media, business, and the National Lottery, into the horse racing betting sector. The financial terms of these transactions, conducted under the TJK's authority, remain undisclosed, despite several firms, including the Nesine Group, reportedly participating in the tender process.