Key Moments:
- Nese Group was fined €6,000 after a surprise inspection by Lithuania’s Gambling Supervisory Authority.
- The regulator identified two violations, including running a roulette-based draw without prior approval.
- Nese Group must resolve one breach by 30 October or face a potential suspension of its table games and Category A slot license.
Unapproved Casino Draw Sparks Fine
Nese Group, a leading gambling operator in Lithuania, has received a €6,000 penalty from the nation’s Gambling Supervisory Authority. The enforcement followed an unannounced inspection at a Vilnius casino where Nese Group’s Sekmes Tiltas brand hosted an event.
During the event, guests were given orange wristbands on arrival. Portions of these wristbands were collected and placed into a container. At the event’s conclusion, these pieces were drawn at random on a roulette table to determine winners. This entire process was captured on the casino’s video surveillance and subsequently analyzed by the Supervisory Authority.
Regulators concluded that the wristband draw constituted an unapproved gambling activity. Specifically, this action violated Article 18, Part 1 of Lithuania’s gambling law, which mandates that all games must operate under formally approved regulations, including clear details regarding game name, rules, stakes, location, and prize structure. The impromptu nature of the draw, lacking formal approval, led to a direct breach of this requirement.
Additional Violation Related to Inventory Controls
Inspectors also uncovered a further infraction under Article 15 of the gambling law, which covers the inventory control obligations for staff at gaming venues. The regulation stipulates strict adherence to established procedures for managing equipment, maintaining documentation, and ensuring robust oversight within the casino.
Nese Group has been instructed to rectify this inventory-related violation by 30 October. If the company fails to comply by the deadline, the regulator has warned that its license permitting table games and Category A slot machines could be suspended. Any sanction would persist until Nese Group demonstrates full compliance with the regulations.
Although the fine and warning have already been imposed, the Supervisory Authority has clarified that Nese Group may appeal the decision, as provided for under the Law on Administrative Procedure of the Republic of Lithuania.
Intensified Scrutiny Amid Regulatory Changes
This latest enforcement action occurs against a backdrop of heightened regulatory activity in Lithuania’s gambling industry. The nation began a phased approach to banning gambling advertising starting 1 July 2025, with a comprehensive advertising prohibition scheduled for implementation by 2028.
The Gambling Supervisory Authority has reiterated the necessity for all licensed gambling operators to rigorously observe both procedural and operational guidelines to safeguard the integrity of Lithuania’s regulated gambling environment.
| Entity | Violation | Consequence | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nese Group | Unapproved gambling draw; improper inventory management | €6,000 fine; license suspension warning | 30 October (for inventory violation correction) |
- Author
Daniel Williams
