Sun International Shuts Flamingo Casino in Kimberley After 24 Years

Sun International has permanently closed Flamingo Casino in Kimberley, bringing an end to more than 24 years of operations in South Africa's Northern Cape.

The casino welcomed its final customers on 31 October 2026 before closing at 3am on 1 November.

Flamingo was Sun International's smallest casino property. Its closure follows several years of declining revenue and mounting financial pressure.

Flamingo Casino Closes After Years of Financial Losses

Flamingo Casino opened in 2002, offering Kimberley residents and visitors a new entertainment destination.

The complex cost approximately R110 million to develop and occupied a 10-hectare property near Kimberley Golf Club.

Its facilities included 250 slot machines and seven gaming tables. However, the casino struggled financially in recent years.

According to Moneyweb's financial report, Flamingo recorded an adjusted operating loss of R9 million on income of R38 million during the first six months of 2026.

The figures show how the property's financial position deteriorated.

Source: Moneyweb, November 2026.

Sun International began a formal restructuring process involving four of its smaller casinos in July.

These included Flamingo, Golden Valley in Worcester, Meropa in Polokwane and Windmill in Bloemfontein.

The company plans to introduce a lower-cost operating model at the other three properties. Flamingo, however, has closed permanently.

Closure Raises Concerns About Jobs and Kimberley's Economy

The closure represents another setback for Kimberley, where the diamond mining industry has also experienced significant financial difficulties.

Flamingo provided employment and supported local businesses through its hospitality and entertainment operations.

The casino employed 173 people in 2019, although subsequent restructuring reduced its workforce.

Sun International has not confirmed the final number of employees affected.

In its official closure announcement, the company thanked guests and the Kimberley community for their support.

The operator also explained why the closure was proceeding:

Following the conclusion of the formal process, the decision was made to close Flamingo Casino.

Most Valued Guest (MVG) members will retain their membership status. Eligible benefits can still be used at participating Sun International properties and on Sunbet, subject to programme conditions.

Customers with outstanding vouchers, prizes or account queries have also received instructions for contacting the operator.

Following Flamingo's closure, Desert Palace in Upington is the Northern Cape's only remaining licensed casino.

Online Betting Growth Adds Pressure to Traditional Casinos

Flamingo's closure comes as South Africa's gambling industry undergoes significant changes.

Online betting has grown rapidly, while traditional casinos continue to face high operating costs and changing customer habits.

However, the picture differs across operators and regions.

Sun International's land-based casino performance improved during the first half of 2026, with gross gaming revenue increasing by 4.4%.

The group also increased its share of South Africa's land-based casino market to 49%.

These results suggest that larger casino properties can continue performing well even as smaller venues struggle.

Flamingo's closure illustrates the difficult choices facing operators when declining revenue makes a physical casino financially unsustainable.

For Kimberley, the loss extends beyond gambling. The city has lost a long-established entertainment venue, along with the economic activity and employment it supported.

Sun International has not announced what will happen to the former Flamingo Casino property.