Sudi Özkan, Turkish ‘Casino King,’ dies in Istanbul

Turkish businessman Sudi Özkan, widely known as the ‘Casino King,’ has died in Istanbul at the age of 87. Reports indicate he passed away while receiving treatment at a local hospital, though an official cause of death has not been released by his family.

Born in Adana in 1939, Özkan rose to prominence in the Turkish tourism and entertainment sectors. At the height of his influence, he controlled 19 of Turkey’s 78 legal casinos. Following a 1998 legislative ban that closed all domestic gaming establishments, he pivoted his business focus internationally.

Through his Princess International Group, Özkan expanded his empire across 16 countries, including Bulgaria, Belarus, Georgia, and various locations in the Caribbean and the United States. His diverse portfolio included over 100 companies, 16 hotels, and more than 60 properties, with an estimated net worth of approximately $4 billion.