Timor-Leste grants first offshore gaming license to Golden River Universe

Timor-Leste has issued its first offshore gaming license to Golden River Universe (GRU), a subsidiary of GD Lotto, the country’s largest online lottery provider.

GRU has ambitious plans to transform Timor-Leste into "Asia's Malta" – positioning the country as a trusted digital hub for offshore gaming, compliance, and innovation, according to iGaming Business report. The company will operate under the regulation of the Inspectorate General of Gaming.

GD Lotto, which is also licensed in Cambodia and Nigeria, serves players in over 10 countries. As part of its expansion, GD Lotto plans to move its research and development, customer service, and global support departments from Cambodia and the Philippines to Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste, one of Asia's poorest nations, has long struggled with its economic development. The country, formerly a Portuguese colony, endured nearly a quarter-century of Indonesian rule before gaining independence in 2002 with United Nations support. Since then, Timor-Leste has sought to improve its economic standing, and the offshore gaming industry is seen as a vital step toward that goal.

GRU CEO Datuk Harry Ng expressed optimism about the sector, calling the new gaming industry a "platform for national growth" and a clear signal that Timor-Leste is ready to engage with the global digital economy.

In addition to the offshore gaming license, Timor-Leste is also planning to open its first land-based casino. The government has signed a deal with Asia-Pacific Strategic Investments Ltd (APS) to develop a $60 million casino resort, which would be the nation’s first physical gaming establishment.