Aristocrat says H1 profit down 44 pct

SYDNEY, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ALL.AX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), an Australian gaming machine maker, reported a 44 percent fall in first-half profit on Thursday as it grappled with tough economic conditions in key markets.

Aristocrat, the world's No. 2 slot machine maker, said net profit for the six months to June was A$70.4 million ($60.2 million), down from A$125.9 million a year ago. Profit was down 36 percent in constant currency terms.

The company declared an interim dividend of 14 cents per share.

In late July, Aristocrat forecast a net profit of A$70 million and said the first-half earnings were significantly impacted by deteriorating economic conditions in North America and Australia and a rising Australian dollar.

Aristocrat shares have halved in value this year, more than double the decline in the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index in the same period. ($1=A$1.17) (Reporting by Denny Thomas)