East Timor President Francisco Guterres has expressed his support for the legalization of online gambling in the country, but with a catch – it will be restricted to foreign nationals only.
In a recent interview with Focus Gaming News Asia Pacific, President Guterres stated that he sees online gambling as a potential source of revenue for the country, but emphasized the importance of ensuring that it does not have a negative impact on the local population.
“We believe that allowing online gambling for foreigners only can help boost tourism and attract foreign investment to East Timor,” President Guterres said. “At the same time, we want to protect our citizens from potential gambling addiction and other social problems that can arise from unrestricted access to online gambling.”
The President’s announcement has received mixed reactions from the public, with some praising the move as a step towards economic growth and development, while others expressing concerns about the potential negative effects of online gambling.
In response to these concerns, President Guterres reassured the public that strict regulations would be put in place to ensure that online gambling operators adhere to responsible gaming practices and prevent underage gambling.
“We understand the risks associated with online gambling, which is why we are committed to implementing stringent regulations to protect our citizens and prevent any negative consequences,” President Guterres said.
Industry experts have also weighed in on the issue, with some praising East Timor’s decision to legalize online gambling as a way to tap into the growing global online gambling market.
“East Timor has the potential to become a key player in the online gambling industry, especially in the Asia Pacific region where demand for online gambling services is on the rise,” said a gaming industry analyst. “By restricting online gambling to foreigners only, East Timor can effectively regulate the industry and maximize its economic benefits without putting its own citizens at risk.”
Overall, President Guterres’ backing of online gambling for foreigners only has sparked a lively debate in East Timor, with stakeholders on all sides discussing the potential benefits and risks of the decision. As the country moves forward with its plans to legalize online gambling, all eyes will be on East Timor to see how it navigates this new frontier in the gaming industry.
