SkyCity Entertainment Group’s shares are on the rise after it predicted first-half profit to rise as much as 30%.

New Zealand’s only listed casino operator SkyCity said it expected a net profit of $69m to $71m for the half year to December 31, compared to $54.6m for the same prior period. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) will also increase to $170m–$173m, from $140.9m.

The normalized profit is expected to rise by as much as 29% over the same period a year ago, in a range of $83m to $86m.

The improved result is attributable to “strong trading performances” from all its New Zealand businesses and strong growth in turnover in its international high rollers business, which topped $7b in the first half period.