The island in the Malay Archipelago has licenced a subsidiary of online lottery provider GD Lotto.
Inaugural provider Golden River Universe (GRU) hopes to “transform Timor-Leste into Asia’s Malta—a trusted digital hub for offshore gaming, compliance and innovation”. GRU will operate under the aegis of the Inspectorate General of Gaming.
Parent company Grand Dragon Lotaria (GD Lotto) is the nation’s largest online lottery operator. Also licenced in Cambodia and Nigeria, it claims to reach players in more than 10 countries.
In light of recent developments, GD Lotto has announced it will move its research-and-development, customer service and global support departments from Cambodia and the Philippines to Timor-Leste.
Industry a boon for one of Asia’s poorest nations
Founded in 2002, Timor-Leste – also known as East Timor – spent 400 years under Portuguese control.
When colonial rule ended in the mid-1970s, Indonesian forces invaded and ruled the territory for almost a quarter-century. Finally in 2002, with guidance from the United Nations, the young nation declared its independence.
Today, Timor-Leste and Indonesia are working cooperatively. In October 2024, their leaders signed an agreement “to contribute to both countries’ economic development, social progress and general well-being”.
Furthermore, Indonesia backs Timor-Leste in its bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Admission to ASEAN would be a step up for Timor-Leste, one of Asia’s poorest countries, boosting its political influence and trade opportunities.
Meanwhile, according to the Tatoli News Agency, GRU CEO Datuk Harry Ng called the new gaming industry “a platform for national growth and a signal that Timor-Leste is ready to engage with the global digital economy”.
Land-based casino also in the works
In related news, the island government is also looking to open its first casino.
In a February filing, lawmakers signed a deal for Asia-Pacific Strategic Investments Ltd (APS) to develop a $60 million (£47.5 million/€57.2 million) casino resort.
If approved, it will be the first land-based gaming hall in the Southeast Asian republic.
