US operator Boyd Gaming is on track to complete the billion-dollar acquisition of Peninsula Gaming this year, the company’s CEO, Keith Smith, said.

The company announced the $1.45bn deal in May and continues to make progress towards completing the move. The transaction will add five casino properties to Boyd’s existing portfolio, including venues in Kansas, Iowa and Louisiana.

These are anticipated to complement the company’s existing gaming interests in the mid-west and southern states, which reported a 28.6 per cent increase in net revenues in the second quarter of this year.

"We remain encouraged by results at our midwest and south properties, where we maintained or grew share in each of our markets,” said Smith. “This bodes well for our acquisition of Peninsula Gaming, which is on track to be completed in the fourth quarter."