Casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group announced a net profit after tax of $71m for the half year ended December 31, 2009, up $16.2m on the figure recorded during the first half of last year.

Revenues for the half year were $447m, up 5.9 per cent from $422.1m, with earnings before interest, tax and depreciation of $160.1m, up 7.8 per cent from the first half of 2009.

"This was a pleasing result in what is still a challenging economic environment," said Nigel Morrison, chief executive officer. "While earnings of our New Zealand businesses were flat, our Australian businesses delivered seven per cent earnings growth."