Sudi Özkan, the Turkish hotelier and casino pioneer, died on October 2, 2026, at the age of 87. His death was confirmed by his family. Özkan’s life and career left a mark on the gambling and hospitality industries across Africa and beyond.
Born in Adana in 1939, Özkan built a business empire from modest beginnings. He founded the Princess International Group, which grew into a multinational operation with holdings in 16 countries. The group operated 28 casinos and 16 hotels. His company was known for expanding into markets often overlooked by Western operators.
Özkan’s name is linked to the first casino in Guyana. He owned the Princess Hotel and Casino in the South American country. The Princess Casino Guyana opened in the early 2000s as the country's first casino. It became a landmark for the gambling scene in Guyana, which previously lacked legal casino options.
The Princess Group employed more than 15,000 people worldwide by the time of Özkan’s death. His expansion into Guyana was part of a broader strategy to develop gaming and hospitality infrastructure in emerging markets. The casino’s opening was seen as a significant milestone for the country’s entertainment industry.
Özkan confirmed his diagnosis with cancer earlier this year. He was hospitalized in Ankara before passing away in his sleep. His death was announced by his family, who said he died peacefully.
His business ventures stretched from Turkey to Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. Özkan’s influence in the casino world was recognized by industry insiders who said he was a pioneer in establishing casino operations outside traditional markets. His companies faced competition but maintained a reputation for high standards.
In recent years, Özkan’s focus shifted toward consolidating his legacy. His children and senior executives took on more managerial roles. Despite his age and illness, he remained involved in strategic decisions until his passing.
The Princess International Group continues to operate under new leadership. Industry observers noted that Özkan’s death leaves a gap in the markets he helped develop.
Details about Özkan’s funeral arrangements have not been released. His family requested privacy as they mourn. The passing of a man who helped introduce casino gaming to Guyana marks the end of a chapter for the sector.
The global casino industry has seen rapid changes in recent decades. Özkan’s approach was characterized by a focus on emerging markets where regulation was evolving. His pioneering efforts in Guyana reflect a broader pattern of expansion by private investors into regions with growing demand for entertainment and gambling.
Sudi Özkan’s legacy is tied to the expansion of casino gambling into new territories. His contributions helped shape the landscape of gambling in Guyana, where his casino remains a symbol of the country’s opening to international investment. His death signals the end of an era for a businessman who bridged continents and broke ground in markets many considered risky.
According to Dead-People.