Illegal Betting Site MeritBet Launches €25M “Osimhen Box” Promotion

On the day of the Galatasaray–Liverpool match, illegal betting platform MeritBet announced a giveaway of 78,250 “Osimhen Boxes” with the slogan “MeritBet is paying Osimhen’s salary.”

MeritBet, an illegal online betting site, launched a striking promotional campaign on the day of the Galatasaray–Liverpool match.

In posts shared and retweeted from its official X (Twitter) account, the platform announced it would give away 78,250 “Osimhen Boxes”, using the slogan:

“MeritBet is paying Osimhen’s net salary!”

The campaign’s advertisement was first shared by the international football meme account @nocontextfooty, and later retweeted by MeritBet’s official (now blocked) X account, allowing the promotion to reach a wide audience.

Galatasaray Merchandise Turns Into Illegal Betting Promotion Material

The “Osimhen Boxes” promoted in the campaign were originally sold at ₺10,000 each in Galatasaray Store outlets. The total market value of the 78,250 boxes exceeds ₺780 million (approximately 25 Million Euros).

Sports industry sources claim that these items were unsold limited-edition collections from Galatasaray, allegedly sold in bulk to MeritBet, which is now distributing them as betting promotion giveaways.

The move has sparked ethical and legal debate, as Galatasaray-branded products are being used in marketing campaigns by an illegal offshore betting company, raising concerns about brand use and resale practices.

MeritKing Connection and Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Galatasaray’s earlier sponsorship deal with MeritKing, another brand operating under the same corporate group as MeritBet, had already caused major controversy.

Following that partnership, legal proceedings were launched against the club over alleged ties to unlicensed betting sponsors, and Galatasaray has been entangled in related lawsuits ever since.

What draws renewed attention is that, despite these ongoing legal disputes, Galatasaray products have once again found their way into the same group’s hands.

The use of “Osimhen Boxes” in MeritBet’s promotions has reignited public discussion about the club’s commercial oversight and due diligence.

Fan communities — including Fenerbahçe-affiliated accounts such as “12 Numara” — have called on authorities to investigate the matter.

“We’re Paying Osimhen’s Salary” Slogan Sparks Backlash

MeritBet’s use of the slogan “MeritBet is paying Osimhen’s net salary” generated widespread reaction on social media.

Some users viewed it as a tongue-in-cheek marketing stunt, while others criticized it as the unauthorized commercial use of a footballer’s name.

The total value of the giveaway — roughly equal to Osimhen’s reported €25 million annual salary — reinforced the perception that the claim was meant as a symbolic or ironic gesture rather than a literal statement.

Football-Themed Betting Promotions Under Scrutiny

Despite strict bans on gambling operations within Turkey, offshore betting sites continue to attract users through football-themed marketing campaigns.

MeritBet’s “Osimhen Box” promotion is seen as one of the most striking recent examples of this strategy.

Sports law experts warn that featuring official club merchandise in such campaigns poses a licensing violation risk and could expose clubs to legal or reputational consequences.

Galatasaray has not yet issued an official statement regarding the campaign or the appearance of its products in MeritBet promotions.