The state-owned Holland Casino group, which runs 14 casinos around the country, booked a record loss of €22.3m last year.

The loss was due to one-off costs of €28.5m, including almost €18m for the ongoing reorganisation, the company said. The casino group also lost €10.6m on its investments, which it had hoped would protect it against interest rate increases.

Turnover also fell from €400m to €373m. ‘This is due to the poor economic climate, low consumer confidence and the growth of illegal gambling via internet,’ the company statement said.

This week, casino workers have staged several strikes in protest at the direction the company is taking and in support of a better pay deal.

The state-owned Holland Casino group is the only company licenced to operate casinos with gaming tables, but is on the government’s privatisation list.