Timor-Leste Begins Issuing iGaming Licenses: First Granted to Golden River Universe
First License and the Launch of a New Direction
⚡️🇹🇱 Timor-Leste has officially started issuing offshore gaming licenses. The first license was granted to Golden River Universe Lda (GRU), a company focused on the Southeast Asian and Nigerian markets. This event marked the country’s entry into the global iGaming market.
Oversight and Regulation
The license was issued by the government of Timor-Leste in cooperation with the General Inspectorate for Gaming (IGJ). GRU will be under the continuous supervision of the inspectorate, which will be responsible for:
- compliance with gaming regulations,
- digital transparency,
- quality control of services,
- responsible business conduct.
A New Offshore Gaming Hub
In partnership with the Oecusse district government, GRU is launching the TOGOS Hub project — an offshore gaming center aimed to:
- create jobs for local professionals,
- attract foreign investment,
- develop the region’s digital infrastructure.
Relocating Business to Timor-Leste
GRU’s parent company, Grand Dragon Lotaria (GDLotto), has begun relocating support services as well as research and IT departments from Cambodia and the Philippines to Timor-Leste. This move is expected to strengthen the country’s position as a new hub for the international gaming industry.
Tourism and Hospitality Sector: Investment from Singapore
Before the licensing rollout in February, Timor-Leste signed an agreement with Singaporean company Asia-Pacific Strategic Investments (APSI) for the construction of:
- a five-star hotel,
- an integrated casino,
- and a new bank.
APSI received exclusive rights to manage the project. The company is required to present a business plan within three months, including:
- a description of hotel services,
- gaming offerings,
- tourism activities (yachting, marine wildlife watching).
Financing
The project will be implemented through a joint venture:
| Partner | Share |
|---|---|
| APSI | 60% |
| Banco Nacional de Comércio de Timor-Leste | 40% |
The expected investment volume is $100 million, with $60 million allocated to the casino.
Philippines’ Response
The Philippines expressed concern about the potential relocation of POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) to Timor-Leste. After banning POGO operations due to rising crime and regulatory violations, the Philippine government warned of social and legal risks associated with their possible migration to the region.