GRU Granted National Concession Contract for Timor-Leste’s First Offshore Gaming Operation

Golden River Universe Lda (GRU) proudly announces the formal granting of Timor-Leste’s first offshore gaming concession. This landmark decision marks a pivotal step in the country’s digital transformation and economic diversification strategy.

The concession contract was signed and officially granted by Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs. This agreement designates GRU as the first authorised offshore gaming operator in Timor-Leste and concludes over eight months of regulatory collaboration with the Inspectorate General of Gaming (IGJ) to establish a secure, transparent, and globally compliant offshore gaming framework.

“This is not only an important license but a strategic tool for national transformation”, said Datuk Harry Ng, CEO of GRU, in Dili, today. “We are deeply honored by the trust placed in us and are ready to transform this vision into real progress for Timor-Leste.”

GRU’s offshore gaming ecosystem will operate under the full regulatory oversight of IGJ, prioritising compliance, digital infrastructure integrity, and responsible governance. The concession positions Timor-Leste as a rising hub in the international iGaming sector, unlocking new avenues for investment, job creation, and innovation.

This development follows GRU’s Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Government of Oecusse signed on 20 August 2024, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of TOGOS Hub - a centralised offshore gaming operations center. With the concession now secured, GRU is set to begin its national rollout.

Complementing this progress, GRU’s parent company, Grand Dragon Lotaria (GDLotto)- the largest digital lottery operator in Timor-Leste, led by Datuk Harry Ng - Cambodia and the Philippines to Timor-Leste. The move aims to serve as a model for international operators by demonstrating the country’s readiness to support world-class gaming infrastructure and services.

GDLotto currently holds licenses in Timor-Leste, Cambodia, and Nigeria, and serves a global player base through its international platform GDLotto.com, reaching users in more than 10 countries. This expansion reinforces the offshore ecosystem and contributes directly to localy employment, skills development, and digital sector growth.

Looking forward, GRU and IGJ will jointly represent Timor-Leste at upcoming global gaming events including SIGMA Asia 2025 in Manila and at SPiCE Southeast Asia 2025 in Thailand. Their participation will highlight Timor-Leste’s offshore gaming model and promote the country as a new destination for international tourism and digital investment. These platforms will also support GRU’s mission to attract high-caliber operators and strengthen Timor-Leste’s global standing.

“Timor-Leste is taking a bold step toward positioning itself as the gateway to Asia’s offshore gaming market,” added Datuk Harry Ng. “We are committed to delivering a secure, world class ecosystem that enhances the country’s economy and builds global trust in our regulatory model.”

Golden River Universe Lda (GRU) is the pioneering operator behind Timor-Leste’s first offshore gaming concession, officially granted under a national Concession Contract signed at the highest level with H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs. GRU’s mission is to transform Timor-Leste into “Asia’s Malta” for offshore gaming - building a legal, transparent, and fully regulated ecosystem under the supervision of the Inspectorate General of Gaming (IGJ).

GRU is not just entering the market - it’s redefining it. Through its flagship project, the TOGOS Hub in Oecusse, GRU is developing a centralised digital operations zone designed to attract international operators, drive foreign investment, and create meaningful employment opportunities for local communities. Our framework is built on real-time compliance, transparent oversight, and full digital integration - raising the bar for how offshore gaming is governed in emerging jurisdictions. 

With this foundation, GRU is proudly positioning Timor-Leste as a bold new gateway to Asia’s online gaming industry.

Sources 

TATOLI. (2025, April 11). GRU granted national concession contract for Timor-Leste’s first offshore gaming operation. https://en.tatoli.tl/2025/04/11/gru-granted-national-concession-contract-for-timor-lestes-first-offshore-gaming-operation/18/

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