Sun International rewards shareholders after strong year for Sunbet

Africa Melane speaks to  Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson,  about Sun International’s resilient 2025 performance, including higher income, strong cash generation and increased dividends, as well as the group’s expanding digital footprint, market share gains in casinos, and its strategy to unlock long term value by focusing on customers, people and flawless execution.

Listen to the interview in the audio player below.

Hospitality and gaming group Sun International has declared a higher ordinary dividend and a special dividend after delivering a solid financial performance in 2025, supported by growth in online betting and steady results across its casinos, resorts and gaming operations.

The company said its performance reflects the strength of its diversified portfolio, which spans land-based casinos, online gaming, resorts, hotels and limited payout machines.

For the year ended 31 December 2025, Sun International reported group income of R12.9 billion, excluding the impact of the Table Bay Hotel lease ending.

That represents 7.1% growth, broadly in line with the group’s expectations.

Urban casinos remain the largest contributor to Sun International’s income.

The segment generated R6.5 billion, accounting for just over half of the group’s total income.

While casino revenue declined slightly during the year, the group still outperformed the broader market, which saw a larger drop in gaming revenue.

As a result, Sun International increased its land-based casino market share to 46%, strengthening its position as one of the country’s biggest casino operators.

The group’s digital betting platform Sunbet was one of the standout performers in 2025.

Sunbet’s income surged 75.9% to R2.1 billion, driven by strong growth in customer activity and deposits.

Speaking to Africa Melane on the Money Show, Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson says it's been a good year all round.

“Sunbet is performing incredibly well. 80% growth in the second half of the year, but our land-based casinos are also doing really well, completely outperforming the market. It’s down 2,5%, but the market is down over 6%, so it’s a pretty solid outperformer.”

- Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO - Sun International

“Our Sunslots business, very resilient. Growth 2%, and we see potential for future growth there for a long time. And of course our hospitality business with Sun City. We’ve invested over R400m in Sun City in the last two years…”

- Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO - Sun International

“A very strong performance from Sunbet, driven of course by the entire market dynamics. Customers want to interact regardless of category, in a digital way. And also backed by our strong performance operationally."

- Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO - Sun International

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