The casino operator's shares rise 3.4% to $4.55, the highest since November 2007.

Net profit falls to $66.3m, or 11.5 cents a share, in the six months ended December 31, from $78.8m (13.7c a share) a year earlier. 

The company has sent top executives to Manila and might make a move this year. 

Darwin is seen as a standout in otherwise flat trading conditions.

Strong growth in Auckland revenues driven by new international gaming suites and the outstanding success of new Federal Street award-winning restaurants ‘The Grill’ by Sean Connelly and ‘Depot’ by Al Brown.