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EU iGaming Weekly: Malta’s AI Charter, Gibraltar Job Cuts, and 75 Applications in Finland – An In‑Depth Look

By jili tutorial · September 26, 2026

EU iGaming Weekly: Malta’s AI Charter, Gibraltar Job Cuts, and 75 Applications in Finland – An In‑Depth Look

Overview: A Week of Regulatory Shifts and Industry Realignment

The past week in European iGaming has been marked by three major developments: Malta’s publication of a voluntary AI Gaming Charter, Gibraltar’s defence against claims of terminal decline following job cuts, and Finland’s progress toward a licensed market with 75 licence applications received. This guide breaks down each event, adds context, and explores what they mean for operators, regulators, and players across the EU.

1. Malta: The AI Gaming Charter – Voluntary but Impactful

What Was Published and Why

On [date], the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) jointly released the AI Gaming Charter. This is a non‑binding, voluntary framework designed to guide MGA licensees on the responsible use of artificial intelligence. It creates no new legal obligations, but encourages best practices.

Key requirements for licensees that adopt the Charter include:

Why This Matters: Context and Reasons

The Charter stems from a survey of MGA licensees that the regulator acknowledged covered “a limited subset” of the sector. Findings revealed:

Charles Mizzi, CEO of the MGA, framed the regulator’s role as “not to stand in the way of innovation, but to help create the certainty and confidence needed for innovation to flourish responsibly.” The Charter is thus a proactive tool to prevent future regulatory backlash while allowing operators to experiment.

Practical Example of an AI Inventory

A typical inventory entry might list:

What to Watch For

2. Tim Miller Launches GamReg Consulting

The Announcement

Tim Miller, former Executive Director of Policy and Research at the UK Gambling Commission, launched GamReg Consulting on 23 September 2026. The UK‑based firm will advise governments, regulators, and the companies that support them, with a special focus on tackling illegal gambling markets.

Miller left the Commission after ten years, stating that successful regulatory systems “will not be built on simplistic, blunt approaches like ever‑increasing tax hikes or blanket prohibitions.”

Why This Matters

Miller’s deep regulatory experience gives GamReg insider knowledge of how regulators think. The firm is already working with partners in North America and plans to support international stakeholders from 2027. His emphasis on creating strong reasons for consumers to stay in the licensed market aligns with the growing concern over the black market across Europe.

Context: Many EU member states (e.g., Germany, the Netherlands, and now Finland) are struggling with illegal gambling that draws players away from licensed operators due to lower taxes, better bonuses, or looser restrictions. Miller’s consultancy offers a data‑driven, evidence‑based approach to counter this.

Example of a “Simplistic, Blunt Approach”

GamReg will likely advocate for smarter enforcement, better player education, and targeted incentives.

3. Gibraltar: Commissioner Rejects ‘Terminal Decline’ Narrative

The Background

Gibraltar’s Gambling Commissioner Andrew Lyman used a LinkedIn post to push back against claims that recent job cuts in the territory signal a “terminal decline” of its gambling sector. He argued that operators are cutting costs and increasingly using automation and AI, not abandoning Gibraltar.

Key cuts highlighted: On 8 September 2026, bet365 announced it would eliminate about 340 roles, with 40 of those positions in its Gibraltar and Malta offices. This is part of a broader trend.

Why Are Jobs Being Cut?

Lyman pointed to multiple factors:

Lyman’s Counter‑Argument

He wrote: “The Model is under pressure, but far from spent.” Gibraltar still offers a stable regulatory environment, a well‑trained talent pool, and a time zone that suits European markets. Job cuts are a sign of adaptation, not collapse.

What This Means for Operators

4. UK Gambling Commission: Call to Cut Regulatory Burdens

The Process

The Gambling Commission launched a formal invitation (not a consultation) on 26 June 2026, asking stakeholders to propose ways to reduce or streamline regulatory burdens. The submission deadline was 25 September 2026.

What could be covered: Any part of regulation, including:

Excluded Areas

The Commission stated it is unlikely to consider:

Outcome and Next Steps

Context: Why Now?

The UK Gambling Act Review (White Paper) introduced many new requirements, but industry feedback highlighted that compliance costs and administrative complexity are harming smaller operators. This call is a response to that feedback, aiming to find a balance between player safety and a competitive market.

Practical Example of a Potential Proposal

5. Finland: 75 Licence Applications Received – The Road to an Open Market

The Numbers

As of 22 September 2026, the National Police Board (NPB) had received 75 gambling licence applications, up from 50 in June. However, not a single application has been approved or rejected yet. The NPB’s target processing time is now six to eight months.

Who Applied?

The NPB has not disclosed the list of applicants, but Veikkaus (the current monopoly operator) and Unibet (part of Kindred Group) have publicly confirmed they applied. Importantly, 75 applications does not mean 75 companies – a single company can submit multiple applications for different game types (e.g., one for online slots, one for sports betting, one for poker).

Timeline and Transition

Context: Finland’s Shift from Monopoly

Finland is moving to a licensing system similar to Sweden’s (which opened in 2019). The goal is to channel more players into the regulated market, improve tax collection, and enhance player protection. The NPB’s slow processing suggests a cautious, thorough approach – likely to avoid the problems seen in other jurisdictions where a rushed licensing process led to compliance issues.

What to Watch

What to Watch Next Week (and Beyond)

1 October 2026 – Tax Changes Take Effect

Tim Miller at G2E

Tim Miller is scheduled to speak at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. His talk is expected to outline his vision for tackling illegal markets – a hot topic for US regulators as well.

UK Commission Response to Burden‑Reduction Proposals

No date has been set for the publication of the Commission’s plans. Industry observers expect a delay of several months while the proposals are reviewed internally.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Period for European iGaming

This week’s stories reflect a sector in transition: Malta is leading with voluntary AI governance, Gibraltar is defending its model, the UK is trying to streamline regulation, and Finland is laying the groundwork for competition. All of these developments will influence how operators plan their compliance, staffing, and market entry strategies throughout 2027 and beyond.