According to the KSA report, online operators are looking to take advantage of the forced closure of arcades and casinos amid the coronavirus pandemic by offering customers illegal online gambling alternatives.

René Jansen, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the KSA, said: “We see that illegal online providers are trying to take advantage of the current situation. That is unacceptable.

“We have seen consumers lured into what is known as a corona-free offering. Completely objectionable.

“The parties that do this, the providers themselves as well as their advertisers, can count on the KSA’s keen interest.

“Parties that use this type of practice can be assured this will weigh heavily in a possible application for an online gambling license.”

The KSA also announced that issues related to the coronavirus could mean delays in processing applications for licenses, with the same applying to applications for trademarks, processes for change requests and ongoing legal proceedings.