Sun International returned its land-based casino segment to growth for the first time in three years. The segment grew 4.4% and accounted for 51% of group revenue. Total revenue reached R6.6bn, up 7.4%.
Land-based casinos delivered R3.4bn, revenue up 1.5%. The company rolled out 876 new slots and stadium games and improved table operations. CEO Ulrik Bengtsson said the result came despite market weakness: 'We remain the leading land-based gaming operator in South Africa. The group continues to use its integrated entertainment offering, including flagship venues Sunbet Arena and Grand Arena, to drive footfall.'
Online operations (Sunbet) grew 35.5%, outpacing the national online gaming market which expanded around 19%. Slots and casino drove the gain, though sports began to pick up. Active gaming days rose 32.3%, first-time deposits 17.5%. The company launched a new Sunbet interface in South Africa and Botswana and deployed the first component of its proprietary technology.
Bengtsson said the company is in the early stages of a five-year plan: 'There is now clear evidence that our initiatives are working. We have launched several productivity growth initiatives, with results expected in 2027.' The LPM segment (Sun Slots) held steady despite site closures from anti-immigration protests.
