Turkey grants sports betting rights
The government has selected a company to run sports betting operations in the country.
Turkey.- After opening a tender to find businesses to operate a centralised system and risk management office for both fixed-odds and pari-mutuel betting, Turkey’s government has selected the Sans Girisim venture.
The decision comes despite criticism over the fact that former Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Chairman Yildirim Demiroren made an offer to operate with his Sans Girisim venture – the sole sports betting company in Turkey, Iddaa. Demiroren’s participation in the bid raised concerns in Turkey’s opposition, as they said it was unethical to take part in the tender while also working for the football federation.
Following the decision to grant Sans Girisim the rights to operate Iddaa, Demirören resigned from his position at the TFF to avoid any conflict of interest. The TFF confirmed the news and said that Vice President Hüsnü Güreli has been named Interim President until June.
“I have made this decision regarding the job I have carried out with pride and honour until today, to not leave any space for dispute and to cast a shadow over my tenure before the Turkish and world public. I present this to the public with my deepest respect and love,” said Demirören on a statement on the TFF website.
