Timor-Leste licenses first offshore online gambling operator
Timor-Leste has signed a concession agreement with online gambling operator Golden River Universe Lda to make the platform the first licensed offshore operator in the country.
The Inspectorate General of Gaming will regulate the site.
The concession was signed by Vice Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, and the online gambling platform will soon be rolled out to players in Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste’s state-run news agency, Tatoli, reported the news, while also confirming plans for Golden River Universe Lda operator Grand Dragon Loteria to relocate its Global Support Centers and R&D Customer Experience from Cambodia and the Philippines to Timor-Leste. Grand Dragon Loteria already operates digital lottery games in Timor-Leste.
Golden River Universe Lda Chief Executive Datuk Harry Ng said, “This is not only an important license but a strategic tool for national transformation. We are deeply honored by the trust placed in us and are ready to transform this vision into real progress for Timor-Leste.”
In August 2024, Golden River Universe Lda signed an agreement with the State Government of Oecusse to develop a Timor-Leste Offshore Gambling Operators Hub to host infrastructure like offices and compliance systems for offshore operators.
However, the Philippines Department of Justice warned Timor-Leste against allowing former POGOs to establish themselves in the country.
Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla emphasized to Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta in a visit in early October 2024 that the Philippines had banned POGOs. He also passed on details of the security and socio-economic challenges these platforms posed to the Philippines in the past.
