Sun International closes Flamingo Casino after 24 years
The closure follows declining income and operating losses as Sun International reviews the performance of its smaller casino properties.
Key takeaways:
- Sun International has permanently closed Flamingo Casino in Kimberley after more than 24 years of operation.
- Operations ended at 03:00 on November 1, following a final trading day on October 31.
- The closure is reported to be the first permanent closure of a licensed land-based casino in South Africa.
- Flamingo recorded an adjusted operating loss of R9m in the first six months of 2026, against income of R38m, with revenue down 21 per cent year on year.
- Sun International launched a Section 189A consultation in July covering Flamingo, Golden Valley, Meropa and Windmill, while introducing its lower-cost Casino Lite model at three of those properties.
South Africa.- Sun International has permanently closed Flamingo Casino in Kimberley, South Africa, after more than 24 years of operation. The closure took effect at 03:00 on November 1, following a final trading day on October 31. The development marks the first permanent closure of a licensed land-based casino in South Africa and comes after months of uncertainty over the future of the group’s smaller properties.
Flamingo Casino’s closure followed a consultation process launched by Sun International in July 2026, which covered the Kimberley property and three other casinos: Golden Valley, Meropa and Windmill. The consultations were conducted under Section 189A of South Africa’s Labour Relations Act, which provides for procedures in large-scale retrenchment exercises. Sun International said the process formed part of measures to improve the profitability of underperforming properties and streamline operations.
In its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2026, the company said it was implementing a lower-cost, centralised operating model across its smaller properties to improve their financial performance. The group also outlined plans to introduce its Casino Lite model, designed to reduce costs through changes to gaming operations, food and beverage services and staffing.
Flamingo’s closure followed a period of declining financial performance. The casino reportedly recorded an adjusted operating loss of R9m (US$543,648) during the first six months of 2026, against income of R38m (US$2.30m). Its income declined by 21 per cent during the period, following decreases of 13 per cent in 2025 and 10 per cent in 2024. The property also recorded an adjusted operating loss of R7m (US$422,837) in 2025.
Flamingo, which opened in 2002, was one of Sun International’s smaller casino properties, operating 250 slot machines and seven gaming tables within a 5,200-square-metre complex on a 10-hectare site near Kimberley Golf Club. Sun International holds a 71.4 per cent stake in the casino, while the Teemane Consortium owns the remaining interest. The development cost approximately R110m (US$6.65m).
Following the closure, Sun International has outlined arrangements for customers with outstanding balances and loyalty programme benefits. In its notice, the company confirmed that cash held on customers’ MVG cards would remain accessible at other Sun International casinos, while eligible membership benefits would continue at participating properties and on Sunbet, subject to programme terms and conditions. Customers with outstanding vouchers, unclaimed prizes, XtraPlay offers or unresolved balances were advised to contact the company’s MVG Desk for assistance.
With Flamingo no longer operating, Desert Palace Casino in Upington remains the Northern Cape’s only licensed casino.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Why did Sun International close Flamingo Casino? Sun International closed Flamingo Casino following sustained financial pressure at the Kimberley property. In the first six months of 2026, it recorded an adjusted operating loss of R9m on income of R38m, while revenue fell 21 per cent year on year.
- What happens to Flamingo Casino customers’ MVG balances and benefits? Cash held on customers’ MVG cards remains accessible at other Sun International casinos. Eligible membership benefits can continue at participating properties and on Sunbet, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions; customers with vouchers, prizes or unresolved balances were advised to contact the MVG Desk.
- Which casinos remain open in the Northern Cape? Desert Palace Casino in Upington is now the Northern Cape’s only licensed casino following Flamingo’s closure.
