Timor-Leste Grants First Offshore Gaming Licence to GD Lotto

Timor-Leste has officially entered the global gambling industry, awarding its first offshore gaming licence. The license went to Golden River Universe (GRU), a subsidiary of regional online lottery leader GD Lotto, signaling the island nation’s ambition to become a trusted regulatory hub in Asia. With plans for a land-based casino and ASEAN membership on the horizon, Timor-Leste is laying the groundwork for iGaming-driven economic transformation. Operators, investors, and platform providers should now keep a close eye on this emerging jurisdiction and its regulatory evolution.

Timor-Leste Launches Offshore Gaming Market with First Licence to GD Lotto Subsidiary

Key Points:

1. Golden River Universe becomes the first licensed offshore gaming operator in Timor-Leste.
2. Parent company GD Lotto is relocating support functions to the island nation from Cambodia and the Philippines.
3. A $60 million land-based casino resort is also planned as part of broader gaming sector development.

Timor-Leste has taken a major step into the digital gambling economy by issuing its first offshore gaming licence to Golden River Universe (GRU), a subsidiary of regional iLottery leader Grand Dragon Lotaria (GD Lotto). The move signals the Southeast Asian nation’s intent to position itself as a regulatory-friendly hub for offshore gaming—similar to what Malta represents for Europe.

The licence was granted under the supervision of the Inspectorate General of Gaming, the country’s new gambling regulatory authority. GRU’s entry into the market is part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic development, attract foreign investment, and create jobs, particularly in tech and support services.

GRU to Anchor National Gaming Strategy

GRU CEO Datuk Harry Ng described the offshore licence as “a platform for national growth and a signal that Timor-Leste is ready to engage with the global digital economy.” GRU plans to centralize several key departments—including research and development, customer service, and global operations—in Timor-Leste, relocating them from existing hubs in Cambodia and the Philippines.

This not only signals confidence in the island’s long-term regulatory outlook but also gives the local economy an immediate boost. The initiative could position Timor-Leste as a new base for iGaming operations across Asia and Africa, building on GD Lotto’s already extensive footprint in over 10 countries, including Cambodia, Nigeria, and now Timor-Leste.

An Opportunity for Economic Transformation

Founded in 2002, Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor) is one of the youngest countries in Asia. After centuries of colonial rule and a prolonged conflict with Indonesia, it emerged as a sovereign democracy with help from the United Nations. Today, it remains among Asia’s poorest nations, but its leadership is betting on digital industries—including iGaming—to drive diversification and growth.

In October 2024, Timor-Leste and Indonesia signed a bilateral cooperation agreement to boost economic development and support Timor-Leste’s entry into ASEAN, a move that would elevate the country’s trade profile and regulatory recognition across Southeast Asia.

Casino Resort Development in the Pipeline

Parallel to its iGaming ambitions, the government also has its sights on land-based gaming development. In February 2025, lawmakers approved a proposal by Asia-Pacific Strategic Investments Ltd (APS) to build a $60 million casino resort—a first for the island nation.

If the project clears final approvals, it will mark the first brick-and-mortar casino in Timor-Leste. The resort is expected to cater to both international tourists and regional high-rollers, reinforcing the country’s strategy of creating a multi-channel gambling economy.

With the launch of its offshore gaming sector, Timor-Leste is taking decisive steps toward becoming a regional hub for digital gambling innovation, compliance, and economic development. The licensing of Golden River Universe not only puts the country on the iGaming map but also aligns with its broader geopolitical goals of ASEAN accession and foreign investment attraction. For operators, suppliers, and industry stakeholders, Timor-Leste could soon become Asia’s next big gambling jurisdiction to watch.