GRU granted national concession contract for Timor-Lestes first offshore gaming operation
GRU is officially licensed. Its mission begins.?
Golden River Universe Lda (GRU) proudly announces the formal granting of Timor-Lestes first offshore gaming concession. This landmark decision marks a pivotal step in the countrys digital transformation and economic diversification strategy.
The concession contract was signed and officially granted by H.E. 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. We are deeply honoured by the trust placed in us and are ready to transform this vision into real progress for Timor-Leste.?
GRUs 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 GRUs Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government of Oecusse, signed on 20 August 2024, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of TOGOS Huba centralised offshore gaming operations centre. With the concession now secured, GRU is set to begin its national rollout.
Complementing this progress, GRUs parent company, Grand Dragon Lotaria (GDLotto)the largest digital lottery operator in Timor-Leste, led by Datuk Harry Ngis relocating its R&D, Customer Experience, and Global Support Centers from Cambodia and the Philippines to Timor-Leste. This move aims to serve as a model for international operators by demonstrating the countrys 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 local 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. Their participation will highlight Timor-Lestes offshore gaming model and promote the country as a new destination for international tourism and digital investment. These platforms will also support GRUs mission to attract high-calibre operators and strengthen Timor-Lestes global standing.
Timor-Leste is taking a bold step toward positioning itself as the gateway to Asias offshore gaming market, added Datuk Harry Ng. We are committed to delivering a secure, world-class ecosystem that enhances the countrys economy and builds global trust in our regulatory model.?
About GRU
Golden River Universe Lda (GRU) is the pioneering operator behind Timor-Lestes 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. GRUs mission is to transform Timor-Leste into Asias Malta for offshore gamingbuilding a legal, transparent, and fully regulated ecosystem under the supervision of the Inspectorate General of Gaming (IGJ).
GRU is not just entering the marketits?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. Its framework is built on real-time compliance, transparent oversight, and full digital integrationraising 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 Asias online gaming industry.
About IGJ
The?Inspectorate General of Gaming (IGJ)?is Timor-Lestes dedicated government agency, which operates under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, tasked with overseeing the countrys gaming and gambling activities. The agency plays a vital role in ensuring that recreational gaming such as lotteries, traditional games, and 바카라 activitiesthrives in a fair, transparent, and well-managed manner. It supports the countrys tourism sector by working closely with operators and maintaining strong financial oversight.?
By collaborating with local authorities and government stakeholders, IGJ helps to license and regulate gaming operations across the country. As part of the national vision for economic diversification and sustainable tourism, IGJ is also playing a central role in the development of Timor-Lestes emerging online gaming sector, making it a key player in shaping the countrys digital future.?
