South Africa

The man who wants to make as much money for Sun International casinos as he can

Daily Investor • 27 January 2026

Mark Sergeant has been appointed as Sun International’s chief operating officer for gaming, responsible for land-based casino revenue across the group.

On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson announced Sergeant’s appointment.

He explained that Sergeant will head up Sun International’s casino operations from February 2026, reporting directly to the CEO.

Simply put, his job is to improve Sun International’s casino operations and make as much money through them as he can.

Sergeant is a highly experienced executive, having held leadership roles across all spheres of Sun International’s operations.

Apart from working in numerous Sun International divisions, he has also led two of the United Kingdom’s largest casino groups.

As the Group Managing Director at Genting Casinos, he oversaw a portfolio of casinos across the United Kingdom.

He was also responsible for an international casino operation in Cairo, a UK integrated gaming and leisure resort, and two online gaming businesses.

Bengtsson said Sergeant brings all the right skills to drive Sun International’s gaming operations forward and to continue building world-class capabilities.

“In addition to his notable skills, we were also impressed by his leadership expertise and his passion for people,” Bengtsson said.

He is widely recognised for building high‑performing teams, developing future leaders, and cultivating service‑driven cultures.

He has also played a significant role in championing Responsible Gaming strategies and ensuring operational excellence.

“Sergeant will play a pivotal role in bringing new, international insights to Sun International’s gaming business,” said Bengtsson.

“His expertise in driving casino profitability and sustainable growth, and a strong record of delivering engagement across retail platforms, will unlock further value.”

Land-based casinos under pressure

Sun International’s financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 showed that online betting far outstrips traditional casinos in terms of growth.

The company operates resorts, hotels, and casinos nationwide. Its most well-known resort is Sun City in the North West.

It also operates the popular online betting platform, Sunbet, which has grown tremendously over the past few years.

Sun International’s urban casinos segment, the cornerstone of Sun International’s land-based operations, reported income of R3.2 billion, a 1.4% year-on-year decline.

This segment delivered an adjusted EBITDA of R1.0 billion, pre-management fees, with a margin of 31.7%, down from 33.1% in the prior period.

Sun International explained that this market remains under pressure and requires a reassessment of its approach to this portfolio.

It is now directing investment toward casino floor optimisation, service enhancements, product innovation, and improved marketing.

“This, in combination with a sharpened focus on customer acquisition and retention strategies, is expected to support income in the medium term,” the company said.

In contrast, the company’s online betting platform, Sunbet, delivered standout results over the same period.

Sunbet’s income was up 70.7% over the six months to R874 million. It delivered an adjusted EBITDA of R292 million, well above the R166 million in the prior period.

Sunbet’s adjusted EBITDA margin reached 33.4%, higher than the 31.7% margin of Sun International’s urban casinos segment.

Sun City counter-top slot and poker machines in the pool area

As part of its drive to increase gaming revenues, Sun City Hotel recently added countertop slot and poker machines at its pool area.

When Sun City opened in 1979, leggy models in ostrich feather plumage were part of the glamour of the exciting new hotel and casino.

Sun City was known for its sheer extravagance and entertainment, drawing thousands of people from Johannesburg and Pretoria who wanted to gamble.

Gambling was illegal in South Africa in the 1980s. However, Sun City was located in the Bophuthatswana homeland, where gambling was legal.

Sun City was a runaway success, with much of its revenue fuelled by its extensive gambling operations.

However, as gambling became legal in South Africa in 1996, Sun City lost its main competitive edge.

It diversified away from a focus on gambling and began positioning itself as a family resort, conference venue, and entertainment destination.

However, gambling remained one of Sun City’s offerings. It is now limited to the Sun City Hotel.

This hotel recently introduced the first countertop slot and poker machines at its transformed pool area.

Brett Hoppé, Sun City’s General Manager, said MVG members and day card holders can spin the wheels on six new countertop machines at the poolside bar.

“Each machine offers slots, poker and roulette games, allowing guests to stay close to the water while enjoying a little gaming,” he said.