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Belgium's Gaming Commission has published detailed technical guidance for newspaper retailers preparing to implement EPIS player verification systems from 1 May 2026.
Mar 2, 2026 · 8 min read
Belgium's Gaming Commission has released comprehensive technical guidance addressing operator concerns about the mandatory implementation of the EPIS system for newspaper retailers holding F2 licences, updating its previous communication from 25 November 2025.
The clarification comes as the industry prepares for significant operational changes taking effect from 1 May 2026, when newspaper retailers with F2 licences will be required to conduct identification, age verification and EPIS checks before allowing players to participate in betting activities.
The Gaming Commission's updated guidance emphasises its commitment to ensuring correct regulatory application while creating a level playing field across the sector. Following extensive consultation with operators and analysis of their feedback, the regulator has developed technical guidelines that translate legal requirements into practical implementation standards.
Unlike gambling establishments, identification and EPIS checks at newsagents must be carried out directly on betting devices through dedicated identification modules. This system requires operators to authenticate players using suitable computer systems as specified in Article 54/1 §3 of the Gaming Act.
Implementation Deadline
All newspaper retailers with F2 licences must implement EPIS identification systems by May 1, 2026. Unlike gambling establishments, newsagents must conduct these checks directly on betting devices through dedicated identification modules, creating new technical requirements for the retail betting sector.
The technical note strictly defines acceptable identification documents for EPIS verification, limiting operators to four specific categories:
Notably absent from the approved list are passports, player cards, membership cards, and digital identity applications – all explicitly excluded under current legislation. The Gaming Commission emphasises that only legally prescribed identification methods are permitted, with no exceptions for convenience or practical considerations.
Test cards with contact chips can be ordered through Belgian eID suppliers, with the protocol for reading contact chips remaining identical across all approved documents. The system also accommodates cards with contactless chips, provided they meet the automatic reading requirements.
| Document Type | Description | Chip Type |
|---|---|---|
| Belgian electronic identity card | Standard Belgian eID | Contact/Contactless |
| Electronic residence permit | For foreign residents | Contact/Contactless |
| Electronic registration certificate | For EU citizens | Contact/Contactless |
| Special electronic identity cards | Diplomatic personnel & family | Contact/Contactless |
Warning
Only four specific identification document types are legally permitted for EPIS verification. Passports, player cards, membership cards, and digital identity applications are explicitly excluded with no exceptions for convenience or practical considerations.
The verification process must occur before any player interaction with betting options becomes possible. This comprehensive requirement covers multiple scenarios:
However, the Gaming Commission clarifies that identification is not required for paying out existing winning tickets, as Article 54/1 does not apply to the mere payment of previously issued tickets.
Player validation remains active only while the identification document stays inserted in the machine. Once the player removes their identification, the gaming session is interrupted or terminated, requiring fresh verification for any subsequent activity.
Insert Valid ID Document
Player must insert one of the four approved identification documents into the betting device before any interaction
System Authentication
The identification module automatically reads the chip and transmits data to EPIS for verification
Maintain Active Session
Player validation remains active only while the identification document stays inserted in the machine
Session Termination
Once the player removes their identification, the gaming session is interrupted and requires fresh verification for subsequent activity
The technical guidance addresses exceptional circumstances where standard EPIS verification may be unavailable. Operator cards may only be used when EPIS control through the identification module becomes impossible due to reasons beyond the operator's control, specifically citing technical malfunctions at the Gaming Commission as qualifying scenarios.
In such cases, newsagents can activate devices using operator cards after manually verifying player identity and age, though no EPIS check will occur. The Gaming Commission strongly advises maintaining detailed records of operator card usage to justify decisions during inspections or complaint investigations.
The system includes mandatory EPIS health checks to verify system availability before resorting to operator cards. While no specific frequency is mandated for health checks, their use is strongly recommended and becomes mandatory when operator cards are deployed.
Operator Card Usage Guidelines
Operator cards should only be used during technical malfunctions at the Gaming Commission level, not for player convenience. The Gaming Commission strongly advises maintaining detailed records of operator card usage to justify decisions during inspections or complaint investigations.
The Gaming Commission confirms that non-Belgian players face identical verification requirements. Foreign nationals without Belgian residence must still provide one of the four approved identification documents to participate in betting activities. Players unable to present acceptable documentation are prohibited from gaming, regardless of nationality or residence status.
Identification modules require approval from accredited organisations, with the Technical Evaluations Department supervising certification processes. The Gaming Commission provides detailed technical guidelines on its website under "News for operators," though operators bear responsibility for proving system certification.
Each establishment receives a unique operator ID from the Gaming Commission, which identification modules must transmit during EPIS checks. Additionally, modules must transmit the terminal's serial number in the field designated for Class D licence numbers, with serial numbers remaining clearly visible on device exteriors.
The Gaming Commission will provide operators with unique login credentials for each newsagent location before the regulations take effect. Test credentials become available from mid-February 2026 through an electronic safe system, with production credentials following in early March.
Technical information about test and production environments is contained within the EPIS manual, accessible through the Gaming Commission's SharePoint platform. The manual focuses exclusively on legal obligations, excluding non-binding recommendations from the technical note.
Credential Timeline Planning
Test credentials become available from mid-February 2026 through an electronic safe system, with production credentials following in early March. Operators should plan their testing schedules accordingly to ensure smooth implementation before the May 1 deadline.
The updated guidance clarifies that Class D licences remain unnecessary for newsagent operators or employees, as these licences currently apply only to Class I, II, or IV gaming establishments. This distinction maintains the regulatory separation between different gaming venue categories while ensuring appropriate oversight levels.
The Gaming Commission's comprehensive technical note reflects the complexity of implementing unified player verification across diverse gaming channels. By addressing specific operator concerns while maintaining strict legal boundaries, the regulator demonstrates its commitment to practical implementation without compromising regulatory integrity.
The documentation emphasises that technical recommendations remain non-binding where law does not specify requirements, allowing operators flexibility in areas such as identity document security, card reader protocols, and ticket printing procedures. However, this flexibility operates within clearly defined legal parameters that cannot be circumvented for operational convenience.
The systematic approach to EPIS implementation represents a significant shift in Belgium's gaming regulation landscape, extending sophisticated player protection mechanisms previously limited to traditional gambling establishments into the broader retail betting environment.
The Belgian Gaming Commission's detailed guidance signals a maturing regulatory approach that balances operational practicality with enhanced player protection. The explicit exclusion of convenient but less secure identification methods demonstrates regulatory priority for robust verification over commercial convenience.
Operators should particularly note the strict timing requirements for verification processes and the limited circumstances permitting operator card usage. These restrictions suggest potential operational challenges during peak betting periods, particularly around major sporting events where system reliability becomes critical.
The universal application of EPIS requirements regardless of player nationality indicates Belgium's commitment to comprehensive responsible gambling measures that extend beyond domestic player protection. This approach may influence similar implementations across other European jurisdictions seeking to harmonise player verification standards across different gaming channels.
No, passports are explicitly excluded from the approved identification methods. Foreign nationals must provide a foreign identity card with a chip or other approved documentation to participate in betting activities.
The gaming session is immediately interrupted or terminated when the identification document is removed. The player must reinsert their ID and complete fresh verification for any subsequent activity.
Operator cards may only be used when EPIS control becomes impossible due to technical malfunctions at the Gaming Commission level, not for player convenience. Detailed records of usage must be maintained for regulatory compliance.
No, Class D licences remain unnecessary for newsagent operators or employees. These licences currently apply only to Class I, II, or IV gaming establishments, maintaining regulatory separation between venue categories.
No, identification is not required for paying out existing winning tickets. Article 54/1 does not apply to the mere payment of previously issued tickets, only to new betting activities.
According to 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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