Sudi Özkan, the Turkish hotelier and casino pioneer, has died at the age of 87. His death was confirmed on October 2, 2026. Özkan’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he built a global business empire that included 28 casinos and 16 hotels across 16 countries.
Born in Adana in 1939, Özkan started with modest beginnings. Over the years, he expanded his interests into a range of hospitality and gambling enterprises. His company, Princess International Group, became a major player in the industry, employing more than 15,000 people worldwide.
Özkan’s name is closely linked to the development of gambling in Guyana. He owned the Princess Hotel and Casino in Georgetown, a property that opened as the country’s first casino. The opening of the Princess Casino Guyana was a significant milestone for the nation’s gaming scene. The casino was part of the Princess Hotel Group, which Özkan established.
The businessman’s influence stretched beyond Guyana. His holdings included hotels and casinos in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Despite his global reach, Özkan maintained a keen interest in expanding his operations into emerging markets. His ventures in Guyana, in particular, marked a notable point in his career. The Princess Casino Guyana opened in the early 2000s and was credited with bringing international standards to the country’s gaming industry.
Özkan’s death comes amid reports that he was battling cancer. The details of his illness were not publicly confirmed, but sources close to the family indicated he had been receiving treatment in recent months. His passing was announced by family representatives, who expressed their grief and remembered him as a dedicated businessman with a vision for growth.
The Turkish businessman’s influence extended beyond his business ventures. Özkan was often recognized for his role in popularizing casino gaming in the Caribbean region. His investments in Guyana helped shape the country’s emerging tourism sector and attracted international visitors.
The Princess International Group’s expansion under Özkan’s leadership was driven by a focus on quality and service. His companies became known for their upscale offerings, blending local culture with international standards. Despite facing competition in various markets, Özkan’s brands maintained a reputation for reliability and luxury.
Industry insiders said Özkan’s death leaves a void in the hospitality and gaming sectors. His global footprint was rare for a businessman of his background. Few figures managed to build a brand that spanned continents and included such a diverse portfolio of properties.
While the specifics of Özkan’s personal life remain private, his business achievements are clear. He built a business empire that changed the landscape of gambling and hospitality in several countries. His work in Guyana, in particular, left a lasting mark on the country’s entertainment industry.
The Princess Hotel and Casino in Guyana remains a symbol of Özkan’s influence. It was the first casino in the country and remains a prominent fixture in Georgetown. Industry observers note that its presence helped attract further international investment into Guyana’s tourism sector.
His death marks the end of an era for a man whose name became synonymous with casino development in developing markets. With a career that began in Turkey and expanded worldwide, Özkan’s legacy is rooted in a series of pioneering ventures that reshaped gambling in several regions.
The funeral arrangements have not been announced. Family members said a private ceremony would be held in Turkey. His death leaves many in the industry pondering the future of his global enterprises and the legacy he leaves behind.
According to Dead-People.