Gaming trends are universal and reports that gaming revenues from tables is static whilst slots revenues rise is the same whether from the United States or South Africa. The major player of the gaming industry in South Africa is Sun International (South Africa) Limited (SISA) and they report that their slots revenue for the year ended June 30 comprised 84% of their total gaming revenue.

The growth of consumer confidence in the country is evident and disposable incomes are on the rise. One of the company’s star performers in the new climate is GrandWest in the Western Cape. Opened in December 2000 it has benefited from increased tourism to the Cape, particularly foreign tourists brought to the area by successful overseas publicity campaigns.

Extra airline seat capacity to the city, better security perception and favourable exchange rates have also helped to add to visitor numbers. The new Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) started bringing business people to the city in June 2003 and in its first year has exceeded all expectations. 317 events were hosted with 516,090 visitors and delegates, many of whom doubtless spent time at GrandWest.

Some four million people visited GrandWest last year and the casino is a major employer in the province. Around 2,300 employees work at the complex each day, comprising some 820 who work for the company and others working for the concessionaires and contractors. As central government receives considerable amounts from company taxation and VAT payments, and local government some R14 million in rates, fees and municipal taxes, it is not only the provincial government that benefits from the success of the GrandWest.

It is a stated policy of Sun International to actively investigate casino licence opportunities in the U.K. and to develop and operate a limited number of urban casinos similar in concept to the group’s new casinos in South Africa. If the concept works as well on the cooler shores of Britain, then the future looks bright for Sun International shareholders.

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