Sun International’s online gambling surge powers record growth in South Africa
In April 2025, South African hospitality group, Sun International, released its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, reporting record-breaking growth from its online gambling platform.
Johannesburg, South Africa: Sun International’s gamble on digital gaming is paying off big time. The South African leisure giant has struck gold with its online gambling division, Sunbet, which surged past expectations to deliver blockbuster results in 2024.
The company’s digital betting arm saw a staggering 60.6 per cent increase in income, raking in R1.2 billion ($61m) and smashing its five-year performance targets set in 2022. It’s a major win in an increasingly competitive online gambling landscape, where Sun International has capitalised on rising demand with sharp incentives like casino bonuses and sought-after no-deposit codes that continue to lure legions of new players.
Sunbet a serious player in igaming
Behind the numbers: active players grew by 35 per cent, first-time depositors jumped by 47.2 per cent and total deposits grew by 63.3 per cent. The platform’s adjusted EBITDA before management fees climbed from R221 million ($11m) in 2023 to R363 million ($18m) in 2024, a resounding indicator that Sunbet has become a serious player in the igaming space.
The digital rollout didn’t stop at revenue. Sunbet secured new licenses in Mpumalanga, Northwest and Botswana, broadening its footprint across the continent.
But as it rides high on digital success, storm clouds linger over its brick-and-mortar operations. While the resorts and hotel divisions experienced a 7.6 per cent income boost to R3.3 billion ($171m), driven by strong domestic tourism, the shadow of geopolitical tension threatens future stability.
Still, Sun International’s resorts have benefited from robust domestic leisure demand, conferencing and what the company described as a “revival” in international travel.
EBITDA for the hospitality division rose by 11.8 per cent, with a healthy margin for improvement.
Future of omnichannel strategy
The company told media its next steps included a continuation of its Sunbet investment, a capitalisation on brand equity and maintaining a steady dividend flow. What this group is proving is that it’s more than just a tourism giant. It’s raising the bar and stakes for online gaming in Africa.
