Sun International CEO talks up iGaming opportunities following H1 growth
Summary
Sun International reported H1 2025 income of ZAR6.19 billion, a 3% increase on the prior year, driven largely by strong online performance. Sunbet, the group’s online arm, delivered a standout result: revenue rose 70% year-on-year to ZAR871 million. Total iGaming deposits jumped 105%, first-time depositors rose 44% and unique active players were up 71% in the period.
Land-based operations saw mixed results: urban casinos dipped slightly, resorts and hotels nudged up 4% and physical slot revenue rose 2%. Operating profit fell 6% to ZAR1.12 billion owing to higher costs, but pre-tax profit increased 26% to ZAR1.06 billion thanks to finance-related income. After accounting for discontinued operations and other adjustments, net profit was ZAR748 million, 15% below last year.
Key Points
- Group income for H1 2025: ZAR6.19 billion, +3% year-on-year.
- Sunbet revenue surged 70% to ZAR871 million; deposits +105%; unique active players +71%.
- CEO Ulrik Bengtsson is targeting a market-leading online position in South Africa and is open to selective M&A to scale the business.
- Operating profit fell 6% to ZAR1.12 billion due to higher costs; pre-tax profit rose 26% to ZAR1.06 billion driven by finance income.
- Sun International plans investment in casino floor optimisation, digital conversion, marketing and targeted expansion into regulated African markets for Sunbet.
Why should I read this?
Short version: Sunbet is growing fast. If you’re watching South African iGaming — whether as a competitor, investor or supplier — this is where the action is. Big jumps in deposits and active players mean Sun International is serious about scaling online, and M&A talk suggests deal activity could follow. Worth a quick skim if you want the market cues without the spreadsheet deep-dive.
Context and relevance
The results highlight a clear industry trend: digital conversion is offsetting pressure on land-based revenues across gaming groups. Sun’s strong Sunbet performance underscores the rising importance of licensed online operators in southern Africa and signals potential consolidation as incumbents seek scale and tech capability. For stakeholders, this matters for competitive strategy, partnership opportunities and regulatory focus in regulated African markets.
Author style
Punchy: Sun International’s H1 shows online is the growth engine. The figures aren’t just good — they’re directional. Management is explicit about ambition and M&A. Read the details if you follow regional iGaming moves or want timely intel on who might be shopping for assets.
Source
Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/finance/half-year-results/sun-international-igaming-h1-growth/