Dubuque-based Peninsula Gaming, LLC, has expanded its Louisiana footprint, wrapping up the acquisition of a riverboat casino.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board this week approved the $106.5 million sale of the Amelia, La.-based Amelia Belle Casino to Peninsula, parent company of the Diamond Jo Casino.

"This purchase is a strong, welcome addition to our company," said Peninsula Gaming spokeswoman Carrie Tedore. "It is our second casino in Louisiana. Peninsula is still a young company looking for opportunities to grow within the industry."

The Amelia Belle is part of Peninsula's growing Louisiana casino family, including its signature Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, and four off-track betting parlors. Peninsula also owns and operates Diamond Jo Worth, a casino in Worth County, Iowa.

Amelia Belle General Manager Bruce Woods told the Tri-Parish Times.com, a publication serving portions of Louisiana, that the casino's name will remain the same, but some changes were expected.

"The entire casino will undergo a $6 million renovation over the next year," he told the online edition of the newspaper. "It's not going to be all at once, but it will be continual and steady."

The acquisition is another big-ticket expense for Peninsula, which has seen the launch of the $40 million Diamond Jo Worth in 2006 and the construction of the massive, $84 million land-based Diamond Jo at the Port of Dubuque, which opened in December.

Peninsula also sought to build and operate a second casino, estimated at $150 million, in Des Moines under Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino operator's existing gambling license. That plan was rejected in August.

Tedore couldn't speak to what the latest purchase will mean for Peninsula's debt load, but said it would strengthen the company's bottom line.

"When you look at benefits for more buying power, for more casinos, it positions us well in two states," she said.