In April 2025, the authorities of Timor-Leste (East Timor) issued the first gambling permit, officially signifying the country’s entry into the global iGaming market. The licensee is the Golden River Universe (GRU) brand, which provides amusement services in Southeast Asia and Nigeria.
Key Details About the New Jurisdiction
The island issues 2 types of permits: for the B2C and B2B segments. This classic division allows for covering all gambling verticals and creating the most sustainable and profitable commercial ecosystem.
Several historical facts about the jurisdiction:
- The legal basis for opening the market has existed since 2009 and spans all industry sectors.
- The provisions of Decree-Law No. 6/2009 manage regulatory aspects of the online RMG sphere.
- In 2023, the Virtual Gaming Association (VGA) began operating in the country to develop a licensing program.
The state’s global goal is to create a unique digital industry centre in the Southeast part of Asia that can compete with Curaçao and Malta. Due to the new strict rules of Chinese and Philippine niche authorities, the island has a high chance of attracting a large pool of investors, including POGOs.
Inspecção Geral de Jogos (IGJ) will supervise the sphere and issue licences in Timor-Leste.
Cooperation with Golden River Universe
The country plans to launch a Business Process Outsourcing centre with GRU in the coming months. As part of the program, the local government, with the support of industry leaders, will launch specialised training for operators in the capital, Dili. It will be designed to accommodate up to 100 brands.
The government has also actively discussed the possibility of creating an independent platform for GRU’s offshore activities. The initiative has been called TOGOS Hub. To implement it, the gambling corporation has signed a long-term strategic agreement with the authorities of the Oecusse-Ambeno special administrative region.
Prospects for a New Offshore Zone
The country has fantastic potential for growth and strengthening its position in the global gambling arena.
Several giants voiced their interest in the local offer. Among them are:
- SOFTSWISS;
- Vittoria Services;
- Grand Dragon Lotaria (GDLotto).
The latter is GRU’s parent company, which is relocating its R&D, support, and other related departments from Cambodia and the Philippines to East Timor. The government is also negotiating with industry leaders to place their large data centres and IT infrastructure within the state. All measures are being taken to make offshore as attractive as possible for all potential investors in gambling, fintech, blockchain, and other spheres.
The local authorities also went beyond the digital sector. They have announced plans to build a $60 million land-based casino resort, which Asia-Pacific Strategic Investments (APS) will build and manage.
With its current level of development, the island has every chance of joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This factor promises to minimise duties on any commercial activity in the region and significantly increase Timor-Leste's attractiveness to international companies.
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