Friday, 16 January 2026

Online Gaming in Timor-Leste

In November 2023, Timor-Leste moved to develop a framework of best practices for iGaming licensing and regulation in the country with the establishment of the Virtual Gaming Association (VGA) of Timor-Leste. This includes implementing measures for player protection, specifying technological requirements for operators, and creating a commercial framework.

The VGA saw Timor-Leste as an ideal iGaming jurisdiction, given its demographic profile, with two-thirds of the population under the age of 30, as well as an attractive location for the future development of a luxury resort and casino.

Online gaming was legalized in 2024 and the first license was awarded in April of 2025. However, just a few months later, in October of 2025 the industry was shut down and licenses rescinded citing concerns about national security and concerns relating to crime and social harm.

Timor-Leste iGaming Associations


Virtual Gaming Association of Timor-Leste