EPIS arrives in press shops: full details

For several years now, the EPIS (Excluded Persons Information System) has played a central role in the regulation of gambling in Belgium. Initially designed for casinos, gaming halls and betting agencies, it is now becoming a must-have in press shops too. 

Why extend EPIS to press shops?

The idea was born out of a worrying observation: although players excluded from the EPIS system could no longer bet in casinos or on online platforms, many continued to bet via press shops or other less rigorously controlled channels. The new law aims to modernise the register of people banned from gambling so that it covers all places where bets can be placed – including press shops, racecourses and mobile betting agencies. 

As soon as the reform comes into force, a player wishing to place a bet in a press shop will have to introduce a piece of identification into the betting terminal. The system will then check two essential criteria: the player’s age (he or she must be over 18) and the fact that the player is not on the EPIS list.

In addition, the EPIS system will be made compliant with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

While the principle has been adopted for 2024, actual application will take time. The law amending the EPIS regime stipulates that the obligation will apply on 1 May 2026. 

In the meantime, the press shops and licensees concerned will have a preparation period to adapt their facilities, comply with the technical and administrative requirements and familiarise themselves with the new system.

Full details of the new process 

In concrete terms, no customer will be able to consult the betting options, place a bet or modify a bet in progress without first going through an automatic check carried out directly on the betting machine. This check includes identifying the player, confirming that they have reached the age of majority and checking that they are not on EPIS, the excluded persons database. 

Everything takes place via an identification module built into the machine, where the player must insert an official document with an electronic chip: Belgian identity card, residence permit, foreign card with chip or special diplomatic card. Passports are not accepted, nor are player, membership or loyalty cards. 

The press shop does not have the option of carrying out a manual check: neither entering personal data, nor bypassing the module, nor replacing the system with a human check. If a player does not have one of the authorised documents, they simply cannot place a bet. These same rules also apply to foreign players.

Checks are compulsory before any action is taken on the machine, including simply consulting the betting options. The only exception is the payment of an existing winning ticket, which does not require any identification. Once identified, the player remains authorised as long as his electronic document remains connected to the machine; removal of the document ends the session.

Exceptional use of the operator card remains possible, but only if the EPIS system is unavailable for reasons directly attributable to the Gaming Commission, such as a breakdown or maintenance. This derogation does not apply to situations where the card reader is not working, where the player’s card is illegible or missing, or where EPIS refuses access. In these cases, the customer cannot play. The press shop must also keep proof of the need to use the operator’s card.

To be authorised, identification modules must be certified by an accredited body, under the supervision of the Technical Assessments Department. The bodies concerned are listed on the FPS Economy website. The module must use the operator ID allocated to each establishment by the Commission and also transmit the serial number of the device, which must be visible on the outside. Technical information on the test and production environments is available in the EPIS manual, and specific access for press shops will be provided from 15 March 2026. 

Neither the press shop nor its employees require a Class D licence, which is reserved for staff of casinos, gaming halls and betting agencies. 

What this means for gamblers – and press shops

For players, the impact is direct: if you are on the EPIS list, you will no longer be able to place bets in any approved press shop. This control is in addition to those already in force in casinos, gaming rooms and online platforms.

For press shops, this is a profound change. Betting activity, even if it remains regulated as a complementary activity, will have to comply with a number of strict conditions – technical configuration, keeping of logs, systematic verification of identity, etc. Press shops that are unwilling or unable to adapt will no doubt find it in their interests to give up this activity. These tougher regulations could lead to a more restricted and controlled landscape.

But for many, it is above all a sign of the political will to better supervise gambling and limit the risks of addiction or circumvention of bans.

Another step towards prevention – but a profound transformation

With the introduction of EPIS in press shops, Belgium will be taking a new step towards regulating gambling. This change marks the authorities’ determination to close loopholes, strengthen player protection and rationalise the betting offer. For press shops, this is an opportunity to redefine their role and choose between adapting to stricter legislation or giving up betting as a complementary activity.

Whether you look at it from the point of view of gamers, professionals or the general interest – the extension of EPIS to press shops represents a turning point.