Timor-Leste issues first offshore gaming licence

Golden River Universe will operate under the regulatory oversight of the Inspectorate General of Gaming.

Timor-Leste.- The Inspectorate General of Gaming (IGJ) has granted its first offshore gaming licence to Golden River Universe (GRU) under a concession agreement signed by deputy Prime Minister and coordinating minister for economic affairs Francisco Kalbuadi Lay.

The concession builds on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last August between GRU and the Oecusse State Government for the establishment of the TOGOS Hub for offshore gaming operations. GRU’s parent company, Grand Dragon Lotaria (GDLotto), will relocate its R&D, customer experience and global support centre from Cambodia and the Philippines to Timor-Leste.

The IGJ said the concesión would serve as a model for international operators by demonstrating the country’s readiness to support gaming infrastructure and services and would position Timor-Leste as a “rising hub in the international igaming sector, unlocking new avenues for investment, job creation and innovation.”

GRU CEO Datuk Harry Ng said: “This is more than just a licence. It’s a platform for national growth and a signal that Timor-Leste is ready to engage with the global digital economy.”

He added: “Timor-Leste is taking a bold step toward positioning itself as the Gateway to Asia’s offshore gaming market. We are committed to delivering a secure, world-class ecosystem that enhances the country’s economy and builds global trust in our regulatory model.”