Sun International has closed its Flamingo Casino in Kimberley after more than 24 years of operation, with the property ceasing trading at 3am on November 1, 2026. The closure follows a prolonged period of declining revenue and operating losses at the property, which was among four smaller Sun International casinos placed under review earlier this year as part of a wider restructuring programme.
According to financial figures reported by Moneyweb, Flamingo recorded an adjusted operating loss of R9m during the first six months of 2026, against income of R38m. Revenue declined by 21 per cent during the period, following falls of 13 per cent in 2025 and 10 per cent in 2024. The casino recorded an adjusted operating loss of R7m in 2025.
Opened in 2002, Flamingo Casino was developed at a cost of approximately R110m and operated 250 slot machines and seven gaming tables. Sun International holds a 71.4 per cent interest in the property, with the remaining shareholding held by the Teemane Consortium.
In July, Sun International confirmed that it had initiated a Section 189A employee consultation process affecting four of its smallest casinos: Flamingo in Kimberley, Golden Valley in Worcester, Meropa in Polokwane and Windmill in Bloemfontein.
The group subsequently announced plans to introduce a lower-cost operating structure, described as its ‘Casino Lite’ model, at Golden Valley, Meropa and Windmill. The initiative is intended to improve productivity and profitability through more centralised operations. Flamingo was excluded from the programme.
Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson has previously outlined a financial discipline strategy focused on addressing underperforming assets and improving operational efficiency across the group’s land-based casino portfolio. Confirming Flamingo’s closure, Sun International stated: “Following the conclusion of the formal process, the decision was made to close Flamingo Casino.” The company added: “Our focus is on supporting affected stakeholders and ensuring customers receive clear guidance and assistance.”
The number of employees affected has not been confirmed. The property employed 173 people in 2019, although subsequent restructuring is understood to have reduced that figure considerably. The closure comes as South Africa’s land-based casino sector faces growing competition from online betting. National Gambling Board figures show that casinos’ share of gross gambling revenue declined from 78.4 per cent in 2012/13 to 22.3 per cent in 2024/25, while betting’s share increased from 12.4 per cent to 69.8 per cent over the same period.
Flamingo’s closure also leaves the Northern Cape with one remaining licensed casino, Desert Palace in Upington. Sun International has not confirmed its plans for the former Flamingo property.
Sun International has closed its Flamingo Casino in Kimberley after more than 24 years of operation, with the property ceasing trading at 3am on November 1, 2026. The closure follows a prolonged period of declining revenue and operating losses at the property, which was among four smaller Sun International casinos placed under review earlier this