Timor-Leste Grants First Offshore Gaming License

Golden River Universe will lead operations under national oversight after securing Timor-Leste's first offshore gaming license, marking a milestone in regulated iGaming.

Timor-Leste has officially stepped into the global iGaming market with the launch of its first offshore gaming license. The license was awarded to Golden River Universe Lda (GRU) under a formal national concession agreement. This move is part of a bigger plan to grow the country’s digital economy and reduce its reliance on oil.

The agreement was signed by Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay after several months of coordination between government officials and the Inspectorate General of Gaming (IGJ). The goal was to create a licensing system that meets international rules for fair and safe gaming.

GRU will now run its operations under the eye of the IGJ. The company is expected to follow strict standards, especially in areas like responsible gaming, transparency, and data handling. These rules are designed to protect players and build trust with future investors.

GRU is also behind the TOGOS Hub project in Oecusse, which will serve as the central base for its gaming operations. The hub aims to bring new jobs, better infrastructure, and outside funding to the region.

In a related step, GRU’s parent company, Grand Dragon Lotaria (GDLotto), is moving parts of its team from Cambodia and the Philippines to Timor-Leste. This includes customer service and research roles. With active licenses in countries like Cambodia and Nigeria, the company sees Timor-Leste as a new base for its growing business.

This development puts Timor-Leste on the iGaming radar—and could open the door for more digital ventures in the near future.

Read related article: Is Timor Leste Finally Open To Land-Based Casinos?