Sun International Posts 7.4 Percent Revenue Increase as Land-Based Casinos Grow for First Time in Three Years

Sun International recorded revenues of R6.6bn, a 7.4 per cent increase. Land-based casinos returned to growth for the first time in three years with a 4.4 per cent rise. These operations contributed 51.9 per cent of group income.

The portfolio generated income of R3.4bn, up 1.5 per cent. Sun Chief Executive Ulrik Bengtsson tied the outcome to new slot machines, table game focus and operational intensity. LPM units under Sun Slots stayed resilient despite protest-related closures. According to G3 Newswire, the results show early traction from the operator’s value creation plan.

Land-Based Operations Deliver Tangible Results

Bengtsson said: “The portfolio increased income by 1.5 per cent to R3.4bn due to the launch of 876 new slot machines and new stadium games, a focus on table game execution and improved capabilities built during the period. This was underpinned by continued focus on operational intensity and excellence. Land-based casinos contributed 51.9 per cent of group income, maintaining our position as the leading land-based gaming operator in South Africa. The group continued to leverage its integrated entertainment offering, including flagship venues such as the Sunbet Arena and Grand Arena, to increase visitation and strengthen the overall customer experience. Looking ahead, as land-based gaming evolves into a more digital and experience-led environment, these initiatives, together with the implementation of a low-cost operating model, are expected to improve performance, increase market share, profitability and generate stronger returns over the medium term.”

Bengtsson added that the company remains in the early stages of its five-year plan yet sees clear evidence the initiatives are working.

Digital Growth and 2027 Productivity Initiatives

Sunbet revenue climbed 35.5 per cent, ahead of the national online gaming market’s roughly 19 per cent expansion. Active player days rose 32.3 per cent. First-time depositors increased 17.5 per cent. The operator deployed a new user interface in South Africa and Botswana plus the initial piece of proprietary in-house technology.

Bengtsson said: “Growth continues to be driven by existing customers in slots and casino, although we are starting to broaden our offering through our sports business, where recent momentum has been building. Overall growth was supported by 32.3 per cent growth in active player days and a 17.5 per cent increase in first-time depositors. During the period under review, we successfully launched the new Sunbet user interface in South Africa and Botswana, and rolled out the first component of proprietary in-house technology within the Sunbet tech stack. The new user interface provides a faster, more seamless user journey aimed at improving conversion rates and supporting future growth. The early signs are encouraging.”

Bengtsson noted multiple productivity initiatives are now under way with results expected in 2027. This sequence of land-based recovery and digital acceleration supplies the first measurable proof points for the operator’s hybrid model in a constrained trading environment.

Reporting: G3 Newswire

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