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Land-based casinos were up 4.4 per cent and represent 51 per cent of the group’s revenues
Revenues hit R6.6bn, up 7.4 per cent, at Sun International, with digital operations accelerating and land-based casinos returning to growth following a three-year decline.
Land-based casinos were up 4.4 per cent, demonstrating execution of Sun’s value creation plan, despite broader market weakness.
Sun Chief Executive, Ulrik 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: “We are very encouraged by the trajectory we are on, particularly in our Land-based casino business, reflecting strong execution and sound investment decisions. While we remain in the early stages of our five-year value creation plan, there is now clear evidence that the initiatives and operational improvements we have put in place are working and are delivering tangible results. This increases our confidence in the long-term plan we have outlined. Having said that, we also recognise that there is more work to be done and we have initiated multiple productivity initiatives, which we expect to see results from in 2027.
Online gaming (Sunbet), the group’s growth engine, delivered another strong performance, growing revenue by 35.5 per cent, ahead of the national online gaming market, which grew roughly 19 per cent.
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.
Performance also benefited from investments made in Sun City and other core properties. LPM (Sun Slots) remained resilient and cash-generative despite a tough trading environment with disruption and shop closures related to anti-illegal immigration protests.
