Sun International Closes Flamingo Casino After Three Years of Declining Revenue
South Africa – 11 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Sun International, one of South Africa’s leading casino and entertainment operators, has confirmed the permanent closure of Flamingo Casino in Kimberley following three consecutive years of declining revenue and operating losses.
The property ceased trading at 3:00am on 1 November 2026, bringing more than 24 years of operations to an end.
The decision follows an adjusted operating loss of R9 million (approximately US$540,000) during the first half of 2026, alongside a 21% year-on-year decline in revenue.
Three Consecutive Years of Declining Performance
Flamingo Casino’s financial performance deteriorated progressively over recent reporting periods.
Published figures show an accelerating decline in revenue:
- 2024: a 10% year-on-year decrease.
- 2025: a 13% decline, accompanied by an adjusted operating loss of R7 million.
- First half of 2026: a 21% reduction, with revenue of R38 million and an adjusted operating loss of R9 million.
The combination of declining revenue and recurring operating losses undermined the property’s financial sustainability.
These results led Sun International to assess different options for the casino before deciding to close it permanently.
More Than 24 Years of Casino Operations
Flamingo Casino opened in 2002, following an initial development investment of approximately R110 million (US$6.6 million).
The property was located in Kimberley, the capital of South Africa’s Northern Cape province, and offered gaming and entertainment facilities including:
- 250 slot machines.
- Seven gaming tables.
- Entertainment and customer facilities.
Sun International holds a 71.4% ownership interest in the property, while the remaining shares belong to the Teemane Consortium.
For more than two decades, the casino formed part of Kimberley’s commercial and leisure activities.
Sun International Reviews Four Casino Properties
The closure comes as part of a wider restructuring programme affecting Sun International’s land-based casino portfolio.
In July 2026, the company initiated a formal employee consultation process under Section 189A of South African labour legislation, which establishes procedures for certain restructuring and collective redundancy processes.
The review involved four of the group’s smaller properties:
- Flamingo Casino, Kimberley.
- Golden Valley Casino, Worcester.
- Meropa Casino, Polokwane.
- Windmill Casino, Bloemfontein.
The objective was to explore ways to reduce operating costs and improve financial performance across these properties.
Casino Lite Introduced at Other Properties
As part of its restructuring strategy, Sun International announced plans to introduce a lower-cost operating model known as Casino Lite.
The initiative involves a more efficient cost structure, greater centralisation of business processes and improved productivity.
The model will be introduced at Golden Valley, Meropa and Windmill, where operational adjustments are expected to continue.
However, Flamingo Casino was excluded from the programme.
Sun International determined that the property’s financial circumstances did not justify continuing operations under the proposed structure.
Statements from Sun International
Sun International confirmed that the closure decision followed the completion of the formal review process.
The company stated that its current priority is to support individuals and organisations affected by the decision.
It also confirmed that customers would receive guidance regarding their benefits, balances and loyalty programmes.
Members of the Most Valued Guests (MVG) programme may continue using eligible benefits at participating Sun International properties and through Sunbet, subject to the relevant programme terms and conditions.
Impact on Employees
The closure also has implications for local employment and economic activity in Kimberley.
Sun International has not officially confirmed the number of employees affected.
In 2019, Flamingo Casino employed 173 people, although subsequent restructuring is understood to have substantially reduced that number.
The end of operations represents a loss of economic activity for a city already facing employment challenges and changes within its historically important mining industry.
The company has stated that it will continue supporting affected stakeholders during the closure process.
Sun International Strengthens Financial Discipline
Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson previously outlined the need to improve the group’s financial efficiency and review underperforming assets.
The strategy involves identifying properties that face persistent difficulties in achieving sustainable profitability.
Flamingo Casino was among the establishments assessed by the company during 2026.
The closure reflects the group’s focus on resource optimisation and restructuring its land-based gaming portfolio.
Betting Overtakes Casinos in South Africa
The closure also comes amid a significant transformation of South Africa’s gambling industry, characterised by the growth of betting and the declining relative contribution of traditional casinos.
According to the National Gambling Board, the distribution of gross gambling revenue has changed considerably over recent years.
Casinos’ share of gross gambling revenue:
- 2012/13: 78.4%.
- 2024/25: 22.3%.
Betting’s share of gross gambling revenue:
- 2012/13: 12.4%.
- 2024/25: 69.8%.
These figures illustrate a structural shift in consumer activity and industry revenue distribution.
The expansion of betting, particularly through digital platforms, presents increasing competitive challenges for land-based casinos.
Northern Cape Left with One Licensed Casino
The closure of Flamingo Casino changes the availability of land-based gaming facilities in Northern Cape.
Following its closure, Desert Palace in Upington remains the province’s only licensed casino.
The reduction in casino properties highlights the difficulties some regional markets face in maintaining financially sustainable gaming operations.
Sun International has not yet announced its plans for the former Flamingo property.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
Flamingo Casino’s closure represents a significant development for South Africa’s gambling industry, marking a rare permanent shutdown of a licensed land-based casino.
The property’s financial performance demonstrates the increasing pressure on operators to adapt their cost structures to changing market conditions.
For Sun International, the decision forms part of a strategy focused on improving profitability and allocating resources to properties with stronger commercial prospects.
The implementation of Casino Lite at three other properties will provide an opportunity to assess whether lower-cost operating models can help preserve regional casino operations.
Flamingo’s closure highlights the structural challenges facing South Africa’s land-based casino sector as betting growth reshapes the industry’s competitive environment.
Editó: @fonta
