SG reveals details of new Turkish sports betting contract

Scientific Games has set out details of the contract that will see its Şans Girişim joint venture with Turkish conglomerate Demirören Group assume exclusive control of the country’s sports betting monopoly Iddaa.

Under the 10-year agreement, which runs to 2029, Scientific Games will provide a full, turnkey sports betting solution to serve consumers at retail outlets and via mobile devices.

The joint venture, led by Demirören Holding affiliate Sans Digital, will implement the solution across at least 5,300 retail point-of-sale throughout Turkey.

As part of the contract, Scientific Games has agreed to provide the central system hardware and software, terminals, terminal software, maintenance, as well as a risk management solution to support the retail operation and the businesses licensed to provide interactive sports betting in the country.

“This important contract is evidence that our efforts over the last several years to create a superior, all-inclusive sports betting offering is coming together through collaboration between Scientific Games’ Lottery and Digital groups,” Scientific Games CEO, Barry Cottle, said.

Sinan Oktay, a board member at Sans Digital, added: “We believe that gaming is heavily dependent on technology and that this deal is an important first step towards our goal.

“We value Scientific Games' commitment to helping us grow the Turkish market and look forward to our long-term partnership.”

Sans Girisim saw off competition from Intralot and TurkCell's Inteltek joint venture to land the sports betting contract, with the SporToto State Organisation having the final say on the arrangement. Demirören Group is active in the energy, media, retail and education sectors.

SporToto had run a tender process to identify a partner to run Iddaa, and narrowed its choices down to Inteltek and Sans Girisim.

Sans Girisim offered to receive a 0.2% share of all sports wagering revenue, with Inteltek – a joint venture between Intralot and Turkish mobile phone operator Turkcell – offering 0.5%.

Following the announcement, Demirören chairman Yildirim Demirören stepped down from his role as chairman of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) in order to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

Demirören said: “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.”

Image: Sakhalinio