Nese Group Fined €6,000 for Illegal Casino Draw in Lithuania

Lithuanian gambling company Nese Group has been fined €6,000 following an unannounced inspection by the Gambling Supervisory Authority. The regulator found the operator in breach of two sections of national gambling law after reviewing an event hosted by Nese Group’s Sekmes Tiltas brand at a Vilnius casino.

The inspection revealed that guests at the event received orange wristbands, with part of each band placed in a container. At the end of the night, these wristband portions were used in a draw on a roulette table to select winners. The activity was recorded on the casino’s video system and later examined by the Supervisory Authority.

Officials determined that the draw constituted unauthorized gambling. The Authority cited a violation of Article 18, Part 1 of Lithuania’s gambling law, which mandates that all games be conducted according to approved regulations detailing the game’s name, rules, stakes, location and prizes. The impromptu nature of the wristband draw, conducted without such authorization, was deemed a clear breach.

Second Violation Identified

Inspectors also found a further infringement under Article 15, which governs inventory and operational procedures at gaming establishments. This law requires employees to strictly follow protocols related to equipment management, documentation and oversight.

The Supervisory Authority has given Nese Group until 30 October to rectify this second violation. Failure to comply could lead to suspension of the company’s license for table games and Category A slot machines. The regulator noted that the sanction will remain in effect until full compliance is confirmed.

The fine and warning have been formally issued, but the Authority clarified that Nese Group has the right to appeal under Lithuania’s Law on Administrative Procedure.

Regulatory Context in Lithuania

The decision comes as Lithuania continues to tighten oversight of its gambling sector. A phased ban on gambling advertising began on 1 July 2025, with a complete prohibition planned by 2028.

The Gambling Supervisory Authority emphasized that all licensed operators must adhere to operational and procedural standards to ensure the integrity of the country’s regulated gambling market.