The Gaming Inspection Authority of Timor-Leste (IGJ) recently clarified that the online gambling activities conducted in the Oecusse region are illegal operations. The Chief Inspector of IGJ stated that the involved company has not yet obtained the official licenses from the Gaming Inspection Authority and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, yet it has unilaterally initiated online gambling services, violating relevant laws and regulations.
It is reported that the company had submitted an application to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs Coordination, and the instructions were forwarded to the Gaming Inspection Authority. However, the enterprise has not yet submitted a complete application file and has prematurely started online gambling operations. Currently, relevant departments are investigating this behavior.
The Chief Inspector emphasized that merely holding a business registration certificate does not equate to obtaining legal gambling qualifications. If a business operates online gambling without approval from the Gaming Inspection Authority, it constitutes an illegal act. The National Police (PNTL), the National Intelligence Service (SNI), and the Scientific and Criminal Investigation Police (PSIK) have been involved in coordination, and if inspections reveal any violations, legal enforcement actions will be taken immediately.
Timor-Leste allows the legal operation of casinos, but the prerequisite is that enterprises must legally obtain a gambling license. According to Decree No. 6/2016, both online and offline gambling activities must obtain a permit issued by IGJ and complete the following procedures: submit an operation proposal to the Economic Affairs Coordination Department (MKAE); pass the IGJ review and issue an opinion letter; handle business registration at SERVE, I.P; deposit a security bond; provide a criminal record certificate from the country of origin; submit a complete operation model description. Once the documents are in order, the Gaming Inspection Authority will organize an on-site inspection, assess the facility conditions, then issue a legal opinion letter, which the minister approves and signs the contract, allowing the gambling business to commence.
This incident indicates that the regulatory authorities of Timor-Leste have zero tolerance for unlicensed online gambling. The regulatory bodies emphasize that any enterprise before initiating gambling activities must strictly follow legal procedures to ensure legal and compliant operations, while protecting public interests and market order.
