Lottery Sellers Claim Business Decline as Turkey Transforms into Casino Hub
Street vendors in İzmir are facing a severe decline in demand for lottery tickets as Turkey shifts towards becoming a casino hub. This downturn has hit particularly hard during the festive season, traditionally marked by the annual New Year lottery draw.
Significant Decline in Lottery Sales
The state lottery’s New Year draw on December 31 had historically been a crucial business opportunity for vendors. However, many sellers report that current sales figures are the worst they have ever experienced. The top prize for this year is a substantial 800 million lira (approximately $19 million), yet tickets remain unsold.
Impact of Online Gambling
Vendors attribute the slump to several factors, primarily the rise of online gambling. Increased accessibility to digital gaming has significantly eroded the traditional lottery market, leaving street vendors grasping for sales.
- A quarter ticket costs 200 lira.
- A half ticket is priced at 400 lira.
- A full ticket is available for 800 lira.
Paşa Çakmak, the head of the İzmir Lottery and Games Vendors Association, noted that the lottery landscape has changed drastically since the privatization of the state lottery. He stated, “Turkey turned into a casino,” highlighting how digital platforms have dominated the market.
Changing Consumer Behavior
Many people who used to buy multiple tickets now only opt for the cheapest options. Most current buyers are retirees who can afford only a quarter ticket due to rising living costs. Çakmak mentioned that the number of licensed sellers in Konak Square has dwindled from about 30 to fewer than 10.
Moreover, the competition has intensified. Supermarkets, kiosks, and online platforms are now selling lottery tickets, diminishing the role of street vendors. As a result, families use their limited retirement income to manage gambling debts, rather than investing in lottery tickets or traveling to casinos.
The Future of Lottery Vendors
Sellers are increasingly concerned about their financial stability. They worry that if sales do not rebound before the New Year, many may be forced to exit the business permanently. With the ongoing economic crisis and the allure of online gambling, the landscape for lottery sales in Turkey remains uncertain.
