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Gaming Commission publishes comprehensive technical guidance for newspaper retailers implementing mandatory EPIS checks from May 2026.
Mar 9, 2026 · 8 min read
Belgium's Gaming Commission has issued detailed clarifications on the implementation of the EPIS system for newspaper retailers, updating guidance first published on 25 November 2025 following extensive industry consultation.
From 1 May 2026, newspaper retailers holding F2 licences must integrate EPIS verification into their betting operations, requiring all players to complete identification, age verification and exclusion checks before accessing any betting services. The regulatory update addresses technical implementation questions raised by operators ahead of the mandatory rollout.
Unlike traditional gambling establishments, newspaper retailers must conduct identification and EPIS checks directly on betting devices through dedicated identification modules. This represents a significant operational shift requiring new hardware and certification processes.
The Technical Evaluations Department will oversee approval systems for identification modules, which must be certified by accredited organisations before deployment. Operators must demonstrate compliance through formal certification reports submitted prior to system activation.
1 May 2026
EPIS Implementation Deadline
4
Approved Identification Document Categories
25 November 2025
Original Guidance Publication Date
The Gaming Commission has established strict parameters for acceptable identification documents, limiting options to four specific categories:
Notably excluded methods include passports, player membership cards, and digital identity applications. The regulation explicitly prohibits manual EPIS verification, requiring automatic document reading through approved identification modules.
Important
All identification must occur through automatic chip reading systems. Manual entry of player details by newsagent staff is prohibited under the new regulations.
| Document Type | Chip Required | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Belgian electronic identity card | Yes | Approved |
| Electronic residence permit | Yes | Approved |
| Foreign identity card | Yes | Approved |
| Diplomatic personnel cards | Yes | Approved |
| Passports | N/A | Prohibited |
| Player membership cards | N/A | Prohibited |
| Digital identity apps | N/A | Prohibited |
Warning
Passports, player membership cards, and digital identity applications are explicitly prohibited under the new EPIS regulations. Only chip-enabled identification documents from the four approved categories can be used for automatic verification.
The EPIS requirements apply universally regardless of player nationality or residence status. Non-Belgian players must present one of the approved identification documents to participate in betting activities.
Pre-verification requirements extend to all betting interactions, including:
The Gaming Commission clarified that identification remains unnecessary for paying out existing winning tickets, as Article 54/1 does not apply to simple payout transactions.
Session Scope Requirements
EPIS verification applies to all betting interactions including placing bets, viewing options, compiling combinations, adjusting wagers, and requesting cashouts. However, paying out existing winning tickets does not require identification as Article 54/1 exempts simple payout transactions.
Player verification remains valid throughout continuous gaming sessions, provided the identification document stays inserted in the device. Removing the identification document immediately interrupts or terminates the session, requiring fresh verification for continued play.
The Gaming Commission emphasized that Class D licences are not required for newspaper retailers or their employees, distinguishing these operations from traditional gaming establishments.
Operator cards may only be activated when EPIS control becomes impossible due to circumstances beyond the operator's control, such as technical malfunctions at the Gaming Commission. Even in these exceptional cases, operators must verify player identity and age before device activation, though EPIS exclusion checks cannot be performed.
The regulation explicitly prohibits operator card use in multiple scenarios:
Newsagents are advised to maintain detailed records of operator card usage to justify decisions during inspections or compliance reviews.
Restricted Usage Scenarios
Operator cards cannot be used when players lack proper identification, devices cannot read identification, card readers malfunction, or the EPIS system denies device access. Emergency use is limited to Gaming Commission technical failures beyond operator control.
Each establishment receives a unique operator ID from the Gaming Commission for EPIS integration. Identification modules must transmit both this operator ID and the terminal's serial number during verification processes, with serial numbers clearly visible on device exteriors.
The EPIS health check system requires mandatory use only when operator cards are deployed in exceptional circumstances. While recommended for general operations, no specific frequency requirements exist for routine health check usage.
Accredited organisations authorised to approve identification modules are listed on the FPS Economy website. The Gaming Commission cannot intervene in appointing these certification bodies, maintaining regulatory independence in the approval process.
Technical documentation, including EPIS manuals and environment specifications, will be available through the Gaming Commission's SharePoint platform. The manual covers legal obligations without incorporating non-binding technical recommendations from the guidance note.
Select Accredited Organization
Choose from approved certification bodies listed on the FPS Economy website
Submit Technical Documentation
Provide certification reports to Technical Evaluations Department before system activation
Access Test Environment
Use credentials provided mid-February 2026 for system testing
Deploy Production System
Activate certified systems using production credentials available early March 2026
The Commission will provide unique login credentials for each newsagent ahead of the 1 May 2026 implementation deadline. Test environment access becomes available mid-February 2026 via electronic secure channels, with production credentials following in early March.
Initial certification reports and any subsequent software modification documentation must be submitted to the Technical Evaluations Department before system operation begins. The Control Department can access these reports upon request for compliance monitoring.
Implementation Timeline
Begin certification processes immediately to accommodate lead time requirements for accredited organization approvals and system integration testing. Test environment access starts mid-February 2026, with production credentials following in early March.
The updated guidance emerges from the Gaming Commission's consultation process with industry operators, translating legal requirements into practical technical specifications without creating additional binding obligations beyond existing legislation.
Since Belgium halts F2 betting licences after decree annulment, the Gaming Commission developed this guidance framework to facilitate industry certification processes while maintaining regulatory consistency.
Did you know?
Operators should begin certification processes immediately given the lead time requirements for accredited organisation approvals and system integration testing.
This comprehensive EPIS expansion represents Belgium's commitment to standardising player protection across all betting channels. The device-based verification requirement creates operational complexity for newspaper retailers while establishing technological barriers that may reshape the competitive landscape.
The restriction to chip-enabled identification documents effectively excludes players without modern documentation, potentially impacting customer accessibility in certain demographics. Operators must balance compliance costs against market reach as the mandatory deadline approaches. The emergency operator card protocols provide essential business continuity safeguards while maintaining strict oversight controls. However, the detailed record-keeping requirements and narrow exemption criteria suggest regulators will scrutinise any deviation from standard EPIS procedures during compliance reviews.
Market Impact Analysis
The chip-enabled identification requirement may exclude players without modern documentation, potentially affecting customer accessibility in certain demographics. Operators must weigh compliance costs against market reach as the mandatory deadline approaches.
Only four categories are approved: Belgian electronic identity cards, electronic residence permits/registration certificates, foreign identity cards with chip technology, and special electronic identity cards for diplomatic personnel. Passports and digital applications are prohibited.
No, manual entry is explicitly prohibited. All identification must occur through automatic chip reading systems using certified identification modules integrated into betting devices.
Operator cards are only permitted when EPIS control becomes impossible due to circumstances beyond operator control, such as Gaming Commission technical malfunctions. They cannot be used for device failures or when players lack proper identification.
No, the Gaming Commission clarified that Class D licences are not required for newspaper retailers or their employees. This distinguishes these operations from traditional gaming establishments.
Verification remains active throughout continuous gaming sessions as long as the identification document stays inserted in the device. Removing the document immediately terminates the session and requires fresh verification.
According to Belgian Gaming Commission.
Legal Disclaimer
This content reflects a general overview of regulatory frameworks based on publicly available information. It does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. iGamingWriter.blog disclaims any liability arising from reliance on this material.
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