Timor-Leste suspends online gambling licences over safety fears
The government of Timor-Leste has approved a resolution to revoke online gambling and betting licences, citing concerns about social stability and security.
According to a Council of Ministers statement, the resolution, which was introduced by Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, also establishes the “cancellation of ongoing procedures for granting new licences and the prohibition of issuing new licenses” for such activities.
The amended implementation will be overseen by the responsible minister in cooperation with security forces, reflecting the seriousness with which the government views the threat.
Major move after UNODC report
The decision follows mounting warnings from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which in September raised alarm over the emergence of organised criminal networks in the Special Administrative Region of Oecussi. The enclave, located on the Indonesian side of Timor Island, was identified as a possible entry point for transnational online gambling syndicates.
A late-August raid targeted a suspected scam centre in a relatively new free trade zone in Oecusse, a Timorese exclave on the Indonesian side of Timor Island. Timorese police detained more than 30 foreigners working at the site without permission.
According to a UNODC report, there were clear signs of digital criminal activity, including the involvement of individuals previously convicted of gambling-related crimes in other parts of Asia. The report also pointed to political sensitivities, noting that a local hotel believed to host suspect companies is partly managed by a person holding a government office. The same establishment is linked, through shared business interests, to another hotel in Dili associated with the recently removed leadership of Oecussi’s regional authority.
The UNODC document followed investigations by Timorese authorities, which led to the detention of 10 people in Oecussi on suspicion of illegal gambling and computer fraud. Experts warned that the situation mirrors patterns seen in other Southeast Asian hubs such as Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
They also cautioned that the problem could worsen as Timor-Leste joins the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in October, raising the risk of cross-border expansion of illicit networks.
GRU reacts positively
Industry voices have also reacted to the developments. Golden River Universe (GRU)—the company officially appointed by IGJ to operate its first offshore gaming venture, has reacted positively to the decision.
In a statement, GRU shared that they fully respect the sovereign decision of the Government of Timor-Leste as set out in Resolution No. 54/2025. GRU is still in the preparation stage in Dili, and no players, partners, or employees have been affected, as the company has not conducted any active business in the gaming sector in Timor-Leste.“The government recognises the weaknesses and is planning amendments to the law,” he said. “But in the meantime, all existing online licences will be revoked to prevent further misuse.”
Operators must cease operations until the updated framework is implemented due to the temporary suspension. Timor-Leste has made the decision to protect its interests as a nation and forego taking advantage of any digital opportunities for the time being. It is unclear if the reforms will be sufficient to prevent criminal influence, but the government’s action suggests a more assertive posture as it gets ready to enter the regional arena.
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