In a significant political development, Turkiye‘s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has called for a public boycott of Demirören Holding‘s state-backed gambling platforms, including İddaa, Misli.com, and Milli Piyango. This move comes in response to the conglomerate’s alleged pro-government media bias and its acquisition of state contracts under questionable circumstances.
CHP leader Özgür Özel announced the boycott during a rally in Istanbul’s Saraçhane district, criticizing Demirören’s media outlets for failing to cover opposition-led protests and events. He accused the conglomerate of prioritizing government interests over journalistic integrity, thereby undermining public trust.
Demirören Holding, a prominent Turkish conglomerate, expanded its media presence by acquiring major outlets such as Hürriyet, Milliyet, and CNN Türk in 2018. These acquisitions have raised concerns about media plurality, with critics alleging that the conglomerate’s media arms serve as mouthpieces for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Beyond media, Demirören has secured significant contracts in the gambling sector. In 2019, it obtained the rights to operate İddaa, Turkiye’s sole legal sports betting platform, through its subsidiary Şans Girişim Ortak Girişimi. The same year, in partnership with Italy’s Sisal, it took over the national lottery, Milli Piyango.
Misli.com is one of Demirören Holding’s largest investments in the online gambling sector. The platform offers a wide range of services, from sports betting to virtual games, and serves as one of İddaa’s official online agents. However, Misli.com operates differently from other legal betting sites like Nesine, Tuttur, Bilyoner, Birebin and Oley, which also act as İddaa resellers. While those platforms follow state-mandated odds and structures, Misli.com often offers slightly higher odds and exclusive promotions, positioning itself as a more competitive option within the regulated market. This strategy, critics argue, disrupts fair competition and consolidates Demirören’s dominance in the sector.
Critics argue that these contracts were awarded under opaque circumstances, with allegations of favoritism and lack of transparency. The CHP contends that Demirören’s close ties to the government have facilitated its expansion into lucrative sectors, raising concerns about fair competition and the integrity of public tenders.
The boycott call has sparked a broader debate on the intersection of media ownership, political influence, and economic power in Turkiye. Observers note that the concentration of media and economic assets in the hands of pro-government entities threatens democratic norms and the free flow of information.
As the boycott gains traction, its impact on Demirören’s gambling revenues and public perception remains to be seen. However, the move underscores growing public discontent with perceived government overreach and the erosion of independent institutions in Turkiye.