East Timor Cancels All Online Gambling and Betting Licenses
On October 1, East Timor authorities revoked all issued online gambling licenses and prohibited the issuance of new ones.
Reasons for License Revocation
The decision was driven by risks to national security, social stability, and international reputation. The licensing regime was in place for just six months—from April to October 2025—with the first license issued to the company “Golden River Universe.”
The government also halted procedures for issuing new online gaming and betting licenses. Managing the licensing regime proved too challenging for authorities, as confirmed by a report from the UNODC on illegal activities by criminal groups.
UN Report and Identified Threats
On September 11, 2025, the UNODC warned about the spread of criminal networks in the Oecusse region—an administrative part of East Timor bordering Indonesia.
- The region has become a hotspot for digital criminal activity.
- Ten people were arrested on suspicion of illegal gambling and cyber fraud.
- Links were found to individuals already convicted of similar crimes in other Asian countries.
Comparison with Other Countries
Experts note that the rise of fraudulent activity in East Timor mirrors trends seen in other regional countries:
| Country | Type of Issue |
|---|---|
| Macau | Illegal digital gambling |
| Cambodia | Online betting fraud |
| Laos | Expansion of scam centers |
| Philippines | Activities of criminal networks |
| Malaysia | Illegal digital gambling |
Impact on Economy and Politics
The license cancellations affected business owners and international investors. The UNODC report also mentions that some companies were connected to hotel businesses owned by individuals holding government positions. Licenses were revoked to prevent further fraud and protect economic integrity.
Control Measures
- The Minister for Cabinet Affairs and Security Services will oversee enforcement of the measures.
- No new licenses will be issued.
- Monitoring of existing companies is ongoing.
Oecusse Region as a Hub for Digital Crime
The report shows that Oecusse has become a magnet for international criminal networks, highlighting:
- Company hosting with criminal operations in hotels.
- Connections with former leaders of the special administrative region.
- Expansion of fraud from Asia into East Timor.
These findings confirmed the urgent need for government intervention and the revocation of licenses.