Belgian Gaming Commission Sets EPIS Rules for Newsagents

The Belgian Gaming Commission has issued comprehensive guidance addressing operator concerns about the upcoming EPIS system requirements for newspaper retailers holding class F2 licences. The updated communication, published on 2 March 2026, provides detailed answers to industry questions ahead of the 1 May 2026 implementation deadline.

From 1 May 2026, all newspaper retailers with a class F2 licence must integrate the EPIS system into their operations, requiring players to complete identification, age verification and EPIS checks before participating in any betting activities. The Gaming Commission emphasised its commitment to ensuring correct regulatory application and creating a level playing field across all licensed operators.

Device-Based Authentication Model

The regulatory framework establishes a distinct operational model for newsagents compared to gaming establishments. Unlike traditional gaming venues, identification and EPIS checks at newspaper retailers must be conducted directly on the betting device itself through an integrated identification module.

Operators are required to authenticate players in EPIS using a suitable computer system as referenced in Article 54/1 §3, first paragraph. This identification module, installed on each device, requires players to insert their identity documents for automated verification before accessing any betting functionality.

Approved Identity Documents

The Gaming Commission has strictly defined which identity documents qualify for EPIS verification under the Gaming Act (Article 54/1 §3, paragraph 2, in conjunction with Article 54/1, §2):

• Belgian electronic identity card
• Electronic residence permit or electronic registration certificate
• Foreign identity card with a chip
• Special electronic identity cards issued to diplomatic and consular personnel and their family members

Notably absent from the approved list are passports, player cards, and membership cards. The Commission explicitly stated that only legally prescribed identification methods are permitted, with no exceptions for alternative documentation.

Operational Restrictions and Requirements

The new framework prohibits manual EPIS verification entirely. Newsagent staff cannot perform identification checks by manually entering player details such as surnames, first names, or birth dates. This restriction applies even when players use the operator's own computer systems for betting activities.

The Commission outlined specific actions that require prior verification:

• Participating in or placing bets
• Viewing available betting options
• Compiling combination bets
• Adjusting active wagers
• Requesting cashouts on ongoing bets

However, identification requirements do not extend to paying out existing winning tickets, as Article 54/1 does not apply to such transactions.

Session Management and Continuity

Gaming sessions remain active only while the player's identification document stays connected to the device. When players remove their identity documents, the session automatically terminates or is interrupted, requiring fresh authentication for any subsequent betting activity.

This continuous verification model ensures ongoing compliance but may impact user experience, particularly for players making multiple betting decisions during extended sessions.

Licensing and Staffing Clarifications

The Commission clarified that class D licences are not required for newspaper retail operations. These licences remain exclusive to professional activities within class I, II, or IV gaming establishments, meaning newsagent operators and their employees are exempt from this additional licensing requirement.

Emergency Procedures and Operator Cards

Operator cards may only be used in exceptional circumstances when EPIS control through the identification module becomes impossible due to factors beyond the operator's control, such as technical malfunctions at the Gaming Commission level.

When deploying operator cards, newsagents must manually verify player identity and age, though no EPIS check occurs during these exceptional circumstances. The Commission strongly advised maintaining detailed records of operator card usage to justify actions during inspections or complaints.

The guidance explicitly prohibits operator card use in numerous scenarios, including when players lack proper identification, device reading errors, card reader malfunctions, or EPIS access denials.

Technical Standards and Certification

All identification modules require approval from recognised organisations under Article 54/1 §3. The Technical Evaluations Department supervises these approvals in accordance with Article 52, with technical guidelines to be published in the operator news section.

Newspaper retailers must demonstrate system certification from accredited institutions, with a complete list available on the FPS Economy website. Each establishment receives one operator ID from the Gaming Commission, which the identification module transmits during EPIS checks alongside the machine's serial number.

Implementation Timeline

The Gaming Commission will provide login credentials to newspaper retailers from 15 March 2026, allowing sufficient time for system integration before the 1 May 2026 deadline. Technical information regarding test and production environments is available through the EPIS manual.

Regulatory Implications for F2 Operators

The comprehensive guidance reflects the Gaming Commission's methodical approach to EPIS expansion beyond traditional gaming establishments. By addressing operator concerns proactively, the regulator aims to minimise compliance gaps and operational disruptions during the transition period.

The mandatory identification requirements and device-based verification model represent a significant technological investment for newspaper retailers, potentially affecting smaller operators disproportionately. However, the uniform application across all F2 licence holders ensures competitive parity while maintaining robust player protection standards.

The emergency procedures framework provides necessary operational flexibility while preserving regulatory oversight. The detailed record-keeping requirements for exceptional circumstances demonstrate the Commission's commitment to accountability and audit readiness across the expanded EPIS ecosystem.

According to Belgian Gaming Commission.