Poker machine maker Ainsworth Game Technology beat its guidance for the 2015 financial year as growth from North America and gains from the strong US dollar offset poor sales of its machines to Australian pubs, clubs and casinos. 
While Ainsworth experienced strong sales from its international division as it taps new markets for growth, it continues to lose Australian market share to arch rival Aristocrat due to delays in the licensing of new games.
Australian growth remains sluggish with local revenues plunging 39 per cent to $93 million over the 12 month period from $143.3 million previously.
"We're in a capped market in Australia," Ainsworth chief executive Danny Gladstone told Fairfax Media. "Five years ago the machine numbers were 200,000, this year they are the same and in five years they will still be 200,000.
"I don't care who you are - there's no growth in the Australian market unless all the politicians are liberated."
The Sydney-based gaming company, majority owned by 92-year old billionaire and executive chairman Len Ainsworth, said its net profit after tax rose 14 per cent to $70.4 million in the year ended   June 30.
That beat the company's own guidance, issued as part of a trading update in   June, where it tipped its net profit to only match last year's $61.6 million figure due to weak second-half sales in the Australian market. A consensus figure from analysts predicted net profit of $61.8 million.
However, after removing $25.6 million from foreign currency gains, Ainsworth's underlying net profit fell by nearly a quarter to $44.8 million, missing a consensus forecast from analysts of $47.7 million.
While its Australian business has stagnated, its international division continues to perform well, with revenues up by 46 per cent to $147.6 million from $100.8 million previously.
Overseas sales now account for 61 per cent of group earnings from 41 per cent a year ago.
"We had access to new markets in Wyoming, Arizona, Missouri and Mississippi during the year which contributed strongly to the overall result," said Ainsworth chief financial officer Mark Ludski.
Ainsworth's full year revenue fell 1 per cent to $240.6 million, just ahead of the company's   June guidance of a 2 per cent fall to about $240 million. The company will pay a final dividend of 5Â¢ a share.
Ainsworth shares fell 4Â¢ or 1.4 per cent to $2.81 on Tuesday although its profit result was released after the market closed.