The island in the Malay Archipelago has licensed a subsidiary of GD Lotto, an online lottery provider.
GRU or Golden River Universe, an inaugural provider hopes to transform Timor-Leste into Asia’s Malta. It is a trusted digital hub for offshore gaming, compliance and innovation. Under the aegis of the Inspectorate General of Gaming, GRU will operate.
GD Lotto or Grand Dragon Lotaria, a parent company is the largest online lottery operator in the nation. It claims to reach players in more than 10 countries and also licensed in Cambodia and Nigeria.
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, in light of recent developments.
Founded in 2002, Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, spent 400 years under Portuguese rule.
Indonesian forces invaded and ruled the territory for almost a quarter-century when colonial rule ended in the mid-1970s. Finally, with guidance from the United Nations, the young nation declared its independence in 2022.
Timor-Leste and Indonesia are working cooperatively today. Their leaders signed a deal to contribute to both economic development of the countries, social progress, and general well-being in October 2024.
Moreover, Indonesia backs Timor-Leste in its bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Admission to ASEAN would be a step up for one of the poorest countries in Asia, Timor-Leste, boosting its political influence and trade opportunities.
On the other hand, 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, according to the Tatoli News Agency.
In a connected news, the island government is also looking to open its first casino.
Lawmakers signed an agreement for APS or Asia-Pacific Stategic Investments Ltd to develop a $60 million or £47.5 million or €57.2 million casino resort in a February filing.
It will be the first land-based gaming hall in the Southeast Asian republic if approved.
