Timor-Leste Enters Offshore Gaming Market with First Licence

Timor-Leste has taken a significant step toward becoming a player in the global gaming industry by awarding its first offshore gaming licence to Golden River Universe (GRU), a subsidiary of GD Lotto, a company already licensed in Cambodia and Nigeria. The move signals the country’s ambition to position itself as a secure and regulated digital gaming hub in Asia.

The new licence was granted under the oversight of the Inspectorate General of Gaming, making GRU the pioneer in this space. The company has outlined its vision to “transform Timor-Leste into Asia’s Malta – a trusted digital hub for offshore gaming, compliance and innovation.” GRU’s operations are expected to be central to the country’s strategy for economic diversification.

Following the acquisition of the licence, GD Lotto announced plans to relocate key segments of its operations — including research and development, customer support, and global services — from its current bases in Cambodia and the Philippines to Timor-Leste. The relocation underlines the company’s commitment to establishing a strong local footprint and contributing directly to the nation’s economic infrastructure.

This strategic move could pave the way for Timor-Leste to emerge as a new hotspot for digital gaming operations, particularly in the Southeast Asian region. GD Lotto, already serving players in over 10 countries, is expected to leverage this new base to further expand its reach.

Founded in 2002, Timor-Leste — or East Timor — is one of the youngest nations in Asia, emerging from centuries of colonial rule and a period of occupation to become an independent republic with international backing. Its current leadership has been proactive in fostering regional ties and advancing economic opportunities.

In October 2024, the country signed a bilateral agreement with Indonesia aimed at promoting mutual economic growth and social development. As part of these efforts, Timor-Leste is also seeking membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a move that would significantly boost its regional influence and integration.

Datuk Harry Ng, CEO of GRU, expressed optimism about the industry’s future in the country. According to Timor-Leste’s Tatoli News Agency, Ng described the gaming sector as “a platform for national growth and a signal that Timor-Leste is ready to engage with the global digital economy.”

For one of the region’s poorest nations, the gaming licence represents more than just regulatory progress — it offers a potential lifeline for economic stimulation, job creation, and international investment.

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In addition to digital gaming, Timor-Leste is preparing to enter the land-based casino sector. Earlier this year, lawmakers entered into an agreement with Asia-Pacific Strategic Investments Ltd (APS) to develop a $60 million casino resort. The proposed development would be the nation’s first brick-and-mortar gaming facility, pending approval.

Should the casino project proceed, it will likely enhance tourism and expand Timor-Leste’s emerging status as a destination for both leisure and digital innovation. The move could also position the country as a potential host for live dealer gaming studios catering to regional and international markets.

As Timor-Leste embraces its role in the global gaming ecosystem, both the digital licence and casino plans reflect a broader strategy to fuel long-term growth and modernization.

Source:

“Timor-Leste issues first offshore gaming licence“, igamingbusiness.com, April 17, 2025.