Dutch state-owned gambling group Holland Casino posted a loss of €28m in the first six months of this year, as turnover tumbled almost 60% due to the coronavirus lockdown.

In order to offset the company’s losses, the government has agreed not to take up to €68m in dividends which should have been paid out over last year. In addition, the casinos have had some millions of euros in government support to help pay the wages of the group’s 4,000 strong workforce.

‘Our second half figures will not be good either because of all the limiting factors,’ director Erwin van Lambaart said. ‘We are now looking at how we can make sure our company is financially sound and future proof in this difficult period.’

Casinos are now open again, but pundit numbers have been slashed to 30% because of social distancing regulations.

Van Lambaart said he would be able to give further details in December.